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Information to Climbing in Uganda’s Mountains


Uganda is likely one of the finest mountaineering international locations in East Africa. Climbing in Uganda is a extremely popular exercise for each worldwide and native vacationers.

There are lots of mountains in Uganda that vacationers can hike, and these are unfold all around the nation. The most effective locations to go mountaineering in Uganda are Mount Rwenzori, Mount Elgon and the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Nationwide Park.

With widespread mountains like Rwenzori, Elgon, Muhabura, Sabinyo and Gahinga, mountaineering in Uganda is a rewarding exercise. The dense vegetation on the mountain slopes, water sources, wildlife, and rock formations permit hikers to expertise past a wildlife safari in Uganda.

Beneath, we take a look at one of the best locations to go mountaineering in Uganda.

Right here’s an summary:

Uncover the Greatest Climbing Areas in Uganda

Rwenzori Mountains

Mt. Rwenzori is likely one of the most hiked mountains in Uganda. It is because it’s the best within the nation, rising as much as 5109 meters above sea stage.

Hikers from totally different components of the world actually wish to hike Mount Rwenzori to get to the summit and be on prime of Uganda since Margherita Peak is the best level within the nation.

Mount Rwenzori is positioned within the Mountain Rwenzori Nationwide Park on the border of Uganda and DR Congo. The mountain is shared by each international locations, however Uganda takes the best a part of it. Hikers on the lookout for one of the best locations to hike in Uganda ought to attempt Mountain Rwenzori.

To hike Mt. Rwenzori, hikers want 8 to 9 days to finish your complete hike. The ascent to Margherita takes 6 days, whereas the descent takes 2 to three days, relying on the path and the climate situations.

Mountain Rwenzori has 6 peaks, together with Mount Stanley, the place Margherita, the best peak in Uganda, is positioned, Mount Baker, Mount Speke, Mount Gessi, Mount Baker and Mount Luigi di Savoia.

Whereas mountaineering to Margherita Peak, hikers get to see among the mountains like Speke and Baker.

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

Mountain Elgon

Mountain Elgon is positioned within the japanese aspect of Uganda in Mbale district. The mountain is about 80 km broad and extends to the neighboring nation of Kenya.

This mountain is the second highest in Uganda rising as much as 4321 meters above sea stage. The very best peak is known as Wgagai and each hiker who efficiently reaches will probably be on the highest of the second highest peak in Uganda.

Mount Elgon is positioned in Mount Elgon National Park, from which it takes its identify. Vacationers entry the mountain by visiting the park, which is positioned on the japanese aspect.

To hike Mount Elgon, you simply must be match sufficient, as the paths could be difficult. The Elgon trek takes 5 to 7 days to finish, and the time taken is dependent upon the path used.

A number of trails on Mount Elgon, such because the Piswa PathSipi Path and Sasa Path, can be utilized by vacationers to succeed in the summit. Every path has its benefits and challenges, however hikers ultimately attain the summit.

Trekkers ought to know that trekking Mt. Elgon just isn’t as tough as trekking Mt. Rwenzori.

Virunga Mountains

Mgahinga Nationwide Park just isn’t solely a spot for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, but in addition for mountains.

The nationwide park is residence to 3 of the Virunga Mountains on totally different sides of the park. Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura are the three mountains in Mgahinga Nationwide Park.

Vacationers who’re on the lookout for one of the best locations to hike can attempt these mountains of Mgahinga Nationwide Park.

Climbing these mountains could be finished in in the future which implies that they’re very simple to hike. The mountains are hiked by hikers who desire a much less difficult hike and those that have restricted time on a safari.

Like some other mountain, mountaineering in Mgahinga Nationwide Park begins with a briefing by the park rangers. The exercise is led by armed ranger guides and for hikers with extra baggage, porters can be found for a small charge.

It takes:

  • 6 hours to hike Mount Gahinga
  • 7 hours to hike Muhabura
  • 8 hours to hike Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo in the Virunga Mountains of the Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Mount Sabyinyo within the Virunga Mountains of the Mgahinga Nationwide Park in Uganda.

Africa Journey Holidays

That is the right spot for unforgettable African safaris that may blow your thoughts!

They’re a implausible safari firm positioned in Uganda that gives unbelievable excursions. Whether or not you’re obsessed with wildlife, tradition, birding, luxurious gorilla safaris, or mountaineering in Uganda, they’ve all of it.

They’ll customise all their excursions to match your journey tastes, funds, and timetable.

Get in contact with Africa Journey Holidays through the use of the shape under!

What’s Climbing Like in Uganda?

On each mountain in Uganda, mountaineering begins with a briefing within the morning hours on the paths for use.

There are service suppliers on every mountain who present hikers with meals, lodging and porters in the course of the hike.

At the beginning of the trek, every hiker is given a strolling stick to assist them hold their steadiness and negotiate tough terrain.

Climbing in Uganda entails rangers whose job is to guard the hikers from something that may very well be harmful and likewise to information them in the course of the hike. Every day there may be 6 to eight hours of mountaineering on these mountains and the evening is for resting.

Because the hikers climb the mountain, they get an opportunity to see the sights on the mountain and likewise the gorgeous environment.

Is it Troublesome to Hike in Uganda?

Climbing in Uganda is by no means as simple as folks anticipate as a result of every mountain has its personal challenges as a result of nature of the paths.

Climbing the Rwenzori is sort of tough in comparison with different mountains in Uganda due to the glaciers. The identical mountain just isn’t simple to hike as a result of reaching the summit takes some good days like 6 and even 7 relying on the velocity of the hikers.

Different mountains like Mount Elgon and the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Nationwide Park will not be as difficult as the best mountain in Uganda. They take a few days to hike and the paths are pretty simple.

For hikers who wish to discover mountaineering in Uganda simple, we often advise them to begin coaching at residence for at the least 3 to 4 months earlier than touring. Train could be finished within the health club or hikers can stroll up and down the hills of their residence areas.

Train prepares the physique for difficult hikes and strolling by these tough terrains is not going to be as laborious as those that haven’t skilled will really feel.

Associated learn: How Match Ought to You Be for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Hiking through the forest of the Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda.
Climbing by the forest of the Mount Elgon Nationwide Park, Uganda.

When to Go Climbing in Uganda

Hikers can go mountaineering in Uganda at any time of the yr, however the driest months of the yr are one of the best time to go to.

Dry season

These months are June to September and December to February, when the nation receives little rain and loads of sunshine. The great climate within the mountainous areas retains the paths dry and simple for hikers to traverse.

Through the dry season months, the vegetation on the slopes of the mountains dries up and turns into brief, giving vacationers the chance to have a transparent view of many of the sights on the slopes and the mountain and surrounding areas.

Entry to the mountainous areas in the course of the dry season is simple as a result of the roads are dry and satisfactory.

Off-season

Funds hikers and those that hate crowded locations can go to Uganda to hike in the course of the off-season.

March to Could and October to November are the months when the nation receives heavy rainfall, and few folks select to journey.

Vacationers needs to be ready for muddy and slippery trails.

The wet season promotes the expansion of vegetation on the mountain’s slopes and within the surrounding areas, offering a clearer view of the park’s sights.

Lastly, in the course of the wet season, the roads resulting in the mountains are muddy and slippery, which makes vacationers journey for longer hours. However it’s additionally a greater journey and a novel expertise.

Pian Upe in Uganda
Pian Upe in Uganda

In relation to your mountaineering expertise in Uganda, contact Africa Journey Holidays:

  • Africa Adventure Vacations

    Africa Journey Holidays is a one-stop heart for one of the best and most memorable African safaris. We’re a famend safari operator based mostly in Uganda, providing distinctive excursions all through the East African area, starting from wildlife adventures, tradition, birding, luxurious gorilla safaris to Kilimanjaro trekking excursions. All our excursions could be custom-made to finest fit your journey wants, funds and time.



    View all posts


    Africa Journey Holidays is a one-stop heart for one of the best and most memorable African safaris. We’re a famend safari operator based mostly in Uganda, providing distinctive excursions all through the East African area, starting from wildlife adventures, tradition, birding, luxurious gorilla safaris to Kilimanjaro trekking excursions. All our excursions could be custom-made to finest fit your journey wants, funds and time.