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Mountain Hiking Safari in Uganda

Mountain Hiking Safaris in Uganda-Top Peaks to Conquer on Your Hiking Excursions in Uganda

Mountain climbing safaris in Uganda are one of the treasured outdoor activities, taking you to the far wild areas to explore the extensive ecosystem, beautiful landscapes, the highlands, beautiful peaks, and amazing wildlife species.

Both novice and experienced hikers are welcome to follow the ragged trails as they go through the amazing physical features and the breathtaking wildlife.

Mount Rwenzori, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon” is the most renowned with the 3rd tallest peak in Africa (the Margherita Peak of Mount Stanely) after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya in Kenya.

The Virunga Mountains and Mount Elgon are also other top hiking destinations to explore in the country.

Below, we discuss these renowned destinations where you can have your mountain hiking adventures in the country.

Major Hiking Trails/Destinations in Uganda 

1. Rwenzori Mountains National Park 

The Rwenzori Mountains, also dubbed the “Mountains of the Moon,” is a beautiful, fairytale-like UNESCO World Heritage Site in Africa filled with lush forests, exceptional flora, unique glaciers, and various wildlife.

Discover unique flora and fauna for example the Giant Lobelias, the beautiful Rwenzori Colobus Monkey species, and unique birds some of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

The Rwenzori Mountains cover Mount Stanely which has Margherita Peak (5109m) and Alexandra Peak (5,083). Other mountains in the Rwenzori massif include Mount Speke (4,890), Mount Gessi (4,715), Mount Emin (4,791m), Mount Baker, and Mount Ligi da Savoia (4,627).

Hiking the block Mt Rwenzori will also offer you the chance to experience the 5 mountain zones as you explore their unique and captivating vegetation and wildlife.

Below are these vegetation zones

a. The inhabited or the Savannah Grassland zone (680m –1800m)

b. Afro Montane Forest Zone (1800m – 2600m)

c.  The Bamboo Forest Zone (2600m – 2900m)

d. Afro Alpine Moorland Zone (4000m – 4500m)

e. Rocky/Glacier Zones (4500m – 5109m)

It takes about 7 to 10 days to hike to the peak of Mount Rwenzori.

2. The Virunga Mountains at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 

Other than the renowned endangered Mountain Gorillas which are the highlight of the park, reach for the most remarkable mountain hiking adventures as you explore Uganda’s Virunga mountains found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These include Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo.

Mount Gahinga: This is shared between Uganda and Rwanda and it rises on an elevation of 3, 474 m above sea level.

Mount Muhabura: The mountain is also shared by Uganda and Rwanda it rises on an elevation of 4,127m above sea level.

Mount Sabyinyo: The mountain spans Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo and it stands at 3,674m above sea level.

Exploring these mountains at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may allow you to come across the endangered Mountain Gorillas and the endangered Golden Monkeys which are both endemic to the Virunga Conservation area.

Exploring the Indigenous Batwa Pygmies is an additional experience as you these mountains at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

3. Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda 

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the largest caldera in the world. It rises 4,321 meters above sea level making it the 8th highest mountain in Africa. It is considered one of the easiest volcanoes that is fine for both novice and professional hikers.

Hikers commonly follow the Sasa Trail, taking about 4 to 6 days through the beautiful grasslands and bamboo forests.

On the hikes at Mount Elgon National Park, travelers can also experience the remarkable features for example the beautiful waterfalls, Kitum Caves, and the breathtaking vegetation.

Other Hiking Trails in Uganda 

Apart from the remarkable mountain climbing experiences, Uganda also offers the chance for travelers to experience hiking on different beautiful nature trails where you can encounter different wildlife.

These include,

  • The hiking trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to look for a habituated Gorilla Family.
  • Discover, the amazing hiking trails of Kibale Forest National Park to meet the habituated Ugandan Chimpanzees.
  • The Sipi Falls hiking trail in Eastern Uganda
  • Mount Moroto
  • Mabira Forest
  • Lake Bunyonyi hike, etc

The experience will also reward you with incredible views of the thrilling biodiversity, various monkey species, incredible bird species, and extensive vegetation.

How to Prepare for a Mountain Hiking Adventure in Uganda 

Packing right and wearing the most comfortable attire are some of the best ways in which you can prepare for your mountain hiking adventures.

Things to Pack for a Uganda Hiking Experience

Some of the important things to pack include travel insurance, passport, yellow fever card, insect repellent, sunscreen lotions, snacks, notebook and pen, snacks, bottle of water, and backpack.

What to Wear for Your Mountain Climbing Adventure in Uganda

On the other hand, the best clothes to wear for your safari trip and adventure safaris include hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts or trousers, rain jackets, and scarves.

Physical Fitness 

Another way to prepare for your safari is to do physical exercises that will prepare your body for the hiking event.

Cardiovascular and strength exercises will prepare you for these mountain climbing adventures.

Moving With a Knowledgeable Tour Guide and Hiring a Porter 

A knowledgeable tour guide will give you knowledge about the different wildlife, nature, and culture as you hike while a porter will help in case you have many things to carry, making your treks much easier.

When is the Best Time to go Hiking in Uganda? 

The best time to go mountain climbing in Uganda is during the dry season when the trails and tracks are dry and easier to pass through. The wet season leaves quite muddy tracks that make the hiking experience much more difficult.

The dry season in Uganda is from about December to February and June to September while the rainy season is from about March to May and October to November.

Conclusion

In conclusion, therefore, the Mountain hiking safaris in Uganda will give you the thrill of the beautiful African landscape while coming closer to the different wildlife of the country. Whether you are exploring the snowcapped peaks of mountain Rwenzori, one of the Virunga Mountains, or Mount Elgon, get ready for a remarkable experience in the pearl of Africa.