Rwenzori mountains hike

Rwenzori mountains hike : Rwenzori mountains are also referred to as the mountains of the moon and are located in the western part of Uganda near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo.

The mountains are part of Rwenzori mountain national park and it is a destination that many visitors engaging in hiking visit during their tours around Uganda.

There are different trails followed during hikes on the Rwenzori mountains which can be day hikes or take longer periods of time. Different hikers who are experienced and un experienced can visit the destination for hiking.

The Rwenzori mountains have a variety of flora and fauna which can be explored during guided nature walks and also hikes during tours in Uganda. There are also different bird species which can be seen during hikes around the destination.

The highest point on Mount Rwenzori is the Margherita peak which is at an altitude of 5109 meters. Other peaks found on the mountain ranges include Mount Speke at 4890 meters, Mount Baker at 4843 meters, Mount Emin at 4798 meters, Mount Gessi at 4715 meters and Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4627 meters.

1. Length of the hike on Mount Rwenzori

The hikes on Mount Rwenzori can take about 5 days to 10 days, depending on the route used for the activity.

Day tours can also be done around Mount Rwenzori and these tours can also involve guided nature walks and short hikes for about 3 days. Hiking on the mountan involves going through different vegetation zones as well as the local village at the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains.

During hikes on Mount Rwenzori, it is also important to take time for acclimatization so as to allow the bodies of the hikers to adjust to the altitude on the mountain.

2. Routes used for hiking on Mount Rwenzori

The routes which are used during hikes on Mount Rwenzori include the central circuit trail, the Kilembe trail and also the Bukurungu trail.

Central circuit trail on Mount Rwenzori is considered one of the easiest routes to use for hiking on the mountain. This route starts from Nyakalengija to Nyabitabba (2651m)  then from Nyabitaba to John Matte (3505m) , from John Matte hut to Bujuku Hut (3962m) , from Bujuku camp to Elena Hut (4541 m), from Elena hut to Margherita peak and to Kitandara hut (4023 m), from Kitandara hut to Guy Yeoman (3505 m), from Guy Yeoman to Nyakalengija.

3. Cost of the hike on Mount Rwenzori

The cost of hiking Mount Rwenzori is inclusive of park entrance fees, guide fees, porter fees, accommodation during the hike among other items. This fee varies depending on the tour operator planning the safari.

A 6 day hike on Mount Rwenzori can cost about 1250 USD per person hiking via the central circuit trail. Other costs incurred include transportation to the mountain and from the mountain after completing the hike.

Park entrance fees for Rwenzori mountains national park is 35 USD for foreign nonresidents, 25 USD for foreign residents and 20,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans.

4. Items to pack for climbing Mount Rwenzori

Packing the right equipment for the hike on Mount Rwenzori is also important for a successful hike and these items to pack include good hiking shoes, waterproof jackets, gaiters, warm clothing, head socks, sunglasses.

Tourists are also provided with trekking poles, and can also bring headlamps to be used for the hikes especially in the night. A First aid kit is another important item to bring for the hike on Mount Rwenzori.

Camping equipment such as sleeping bags and tents are also part of items needed for the hike on Mount Rwenzori. For the hike, cooking equipment is also needed including food, a cooking stove, cooking pot, utensils.

Some of the personal items to bring for the hike include toiletries, water bottles for hydration, energy snacks, passport and visa to enter Uganda. Tourists can also bring camera equipment and extra batteries for recording the hiking moments during tours on Rwenzori mountain.

5. Preparing for the hike on Mount Rwenzori

Before engaging in the hikes on Mount Rwenzori, hikers can engage in regular exercise to keep in shape ahead of the hike to the summit of the mountain.

Hiking with local guides and porters is another way for a successful hike on Mount Rwenzori. The porters assist with carrying luggage during the tour.

6. Best time for hiking on Mount Rwenzori

The dry season is considered the best time for hiking on Mount Rwenzori and this is during the months of June, July, August and September and also in December, January and February.

During the dry season, the trails are easier to navigate during hiking tours around Mount Rwenzori. Tours can also be done during the rainy season despite the slippery trails.

7. How to get to Rwenzori mountains

The Rwenzori mountains can be accessed by driving via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese route or using the Kampala-Fort Portal-Kasese route.

Another way to get to the Rwenzori mountain is by flying from Entebbe international airport to Kasese airstrip.

8. Where to stay around Rwenzori mountains

Camping is the option of accommodation during hikes on the mountain. However before the hikes on Mount Rwenzori, tourists can spend their nights at the hotels in Kasese.

Some of the hotels around the mountain include Rwenzori Turaco view campsite, Rwenzori Imperial hotel, Rwenzori international hotel, Ruboni community camp, Sandton hotel, Rwenzori view guesthouse, Hotel Margherita, Equator snow hotel among others. These hotels include budget, midrange and luxury hotels where tourists can stay when visiting the Rwenzori mountains.

9. Other activities to do around Rwenzori mountain

Other activities which are done around the Rwenzori mountains include cultural tours and also guided nature walks and bird watching experiences.

During the cultural tours around the Rwenzori mountains, tourists can enjoy visiting the Bakonzo villages and get to experience the local culture and learn more about the traditional customs and practices of the locals. Other tribes which live around the mountains include the Bakiga and the Batooro.