Everything you must know about mountain hiking or climbing in Uganda. Uganda has many different physical features, including the mountains, and savannah grasslands, to mention a few. Uganda is one of the best countries for mountain climbing or hiking since it has various mountains such as mountain Rwenzori, Kilimanjaro, Virunga mountains, and Elgon, to mention but a few. The trekking trails connected to these mountains make the hiking even more interesting.
Different people have different reasons why they decide to go hiking or mountain climbing some of which are adventure but the common reason most people give is they climb because mountains exist. I can say that mountain climbing is one of the activities that make you go beyond your expectations since it has many challenges to face. Also, the trails used for primate trekking which are connected to the mountains make hiking interesting.
So the question is; are you ready to explore Uganda on foot?
Hiking mountain Rwenzori
Rwenzori mountain is known to be Uganda‘s highest mountain Margherita being the highest peak of the mountain. Also known as the ‘’mountains of the moon”, this mountain is about 4000 m above the Albertine rift valley hence making it visible from a far distance. The lower parts of the mountain are covered with alpine vegetation made of giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers, the floating rivers, waterfalls, and sky-blue lakes give you the best view ever.
The mountain is made up of different summit peaks that are expected to be encountered during your hike. These include; Mount Speak, Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi, and Mount Luigi di Savoia. Of all, Margarita Peak is the highest and ranks number 3 highest peak in Africa.
Join the mountain Rwenzori hiking which is blessed with a variety of unique landscapes, flora, and fauna plus trekking trails that favor all traits of people.
Hiking Mountain Elgon
Mount Elgon is one of the hiked mountains in Uganda found on the borders of Uganda and Kenya. The highest peak is Wagagai Summit which is located on the Ugandan side. It was once the highest peak in Africa but reduced due to soil erosion and now it is the 4th in East Africa and 8th in Africa. The mountain is covered with a variety of vegetation and since this mountain experiences a lot of floods, it is best you hike in the dry seasons (December, February, June, July, September, and August.
Hiking Mountain Moroto
This is a volcanic mountain located in Karamoja in the north-eastern part of Uganda. Mountain Moroto rises over 3000 m. Additionally, it is home to the early inhabitants of Karamoja. It takes 3 days to hike or climb to the peak of Mount Moroto. If you want to reach earlier, you can take a shortcut and pass through some villages. Upon arriving at the peak, you will be able to see cave paintings, different bird species, waterfalls, and beautiful flora and fauna.
Hiking Virunga Mountains
These mountains are found in Mgahinga National Park which is a chain of extinct volcanos. The park in which the mountains are located is near the border of Uganda and Rwanda. This makes the movement of the mountain gorillas easy from Uganda to Rwanda. Hiking the mountains can be carried out with the help of a guide and a visit to the Batwa community who live on their slopes. While preparing yourself to hike you have to keep in mind that hiking requires a certain level of fitness since it takes about 6-7 hrs to reach the summit.
Hiking Mountain Kadam
This mountain is the highest volcanic mountain in Karamoja. Located in the north of mountain Elgon near the eastern border of Karamoja, the mountain was named after Sailesh Kadam who was the first person to hike it. It is surrounded by small groups of agriculturists who are the Gishu, Pokot, Tepeth people, Karamojong, and the Kadam. When you visit you will be woken up by the beautiful sunrise and go to sleep after viewing the best sunset view ever plus exploring the high-altitude forests.
Hiking mountain Napak
This mountain is the 3rd highest mountain of Karamoja and it is believed to be one of the hardest mountains to climb due to its steep and lush vegetation. The Iteso and Karamoja people live on the fertile foot of this mountain since the slopes are so steep.
Hiking mountain Morogule
This mountain is also known as the Ik-land located in Karamoja overlooking the Kidepo Valley National Park and Narus plains. Climbing the mountain takes about 17hrs of a day and expect to view beautiful sceneries the higher you go. The Narus River also crosses the mountain and you can also choose to visit the beekeepers and learn how to extract honey locally.
Uganda is one country with a diverse nature where a person can visit a lot of different places or tourist destinations to explore, make memories, and adventure. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is also one of the top activities that can be topped up with the mountain hiking activity according to the client or tourists’ needs.
What are the dos and don’ts of mountain hiking in Uganda?
- Avoid littering the hiking trails.
- Listen to your guide and always stay close
- In case of any questions you ask your guide
- Respect one another while trekking
- Minimise damage to the trails by staying close to the guide
- Respect the wood fire prohibition, etc. These rules and regulations will be given to you before you start hiking during a briefing by the hiking guide that will be given to you.
What to carry when going mountain hiking in Uganda?
Long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, binoculars, pants, energy-giving food, gloves, hats and glasses, jackets, sweaters, insect repellents, cameras and extra batteries, power banks, water bottles, hiking bags, socks, sunscreen, extra clothes, rain jacket, toiletries, etc. The most important thing is that mountain hiking requires healthy people with fully operating body parts.
