Mountain Hiking – Mountain climbing.
The Rwenzori Mountains are a popular destination for mountain hikers. The ascent to Margherita’s top requires seven days of strenuous climbing but rewards hikers with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife.
You may also combine a typical safari with a shorter trek along the foothills to get a taste of the unique ecosystem. Based on your interests, your budget, and the time you have available, we may design a personalized safari just for you. Always keep in mind that your safari may be tailored to your own interests, preferences, and availability.
The Rwenzori Mountains stretch over 120 kilometers in length and 65 kilometers in breadth, forming a natural boundary between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Mountain Stanley, at 5109 meters, is the third-highest mountain in Africa, and it is one of only three summits in the whole continent that is covered with snow all year round. The Rwenzori Mountains are home to a wide variety of unique and uncommon animals, as well as breathtaking glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. In terms of mountain climbing and trekking activities, the Rwenzori were deemed the greatest in Africa and tenth in the world, thanks to their breathtaking beauty and block-type shape. Several paths go into the mountain, providing adventurers with plenty of opportunities for exploration. The Central Circuit is the longest path at 8 days and 7 nights. It offers the opportunity to climb Margherita’s highest mountain for those who are up to the challenge. Other shorter paths, such the three-day Mahoma loop, one-day Chimpanzee trail, and one-day Kilembe trail, provide gentler hikes.
Elgon Mountain
On the Ugandan side of the border with Kenya is the highest summit of Mount Elgon, which stands at 4,321 meters. Elgon is located in eastern Uganda. It was formerly the tallest mountain in Africa, but erosion at the pinnacle brought it down to its present height of 4,321 meters, making it the eighth-highest mountain in Africa and the fourth-highest in East Africa. This erosion happened thousands of years ago.
Additionally, the mountain is home to the world’s biggest caldera, which measures 50km by 80km. Discovering the intriguing species along the slopes of Mt. Elgon is more important than merely reaching the peak. During the trip, you could come across a variety of animals due to the diverse plant zones. Caves, pools of water, cascades, and breathtaking landscape are among the other intriguing characteristics.
It takes four or five days to reach the summits using the two main paths. The Sasa path, which begins at Budadiri trail head and can be reached from Mbale, is the shorter route to the summits and passes through the bamboo forest’s biggest region. Piswa is the name of the second trail, and it’s said to be easier than Sasa.
See the Sipi Falls
In the slopes of Mount Elgon is a trio of waterfalls known as the Sipi Falls. Their heights are 85 meters, 75 meters, and 100 meters, respectively. They have become a famous landmark in the eastern part of the country and are often considered to be the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Uganda.
Due to its proximity to Kampala, Sipi has recently grown in popularity as a destination for day treks. Visiting all three waterfalls requires a 7-kilometer hike that might take up to three hours on a good day.
Mount Virunga
Two of the eight major volcanoes in the Virunga range are located in Uganda. On the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in southern Uganda you may find all three of them. They have some of the greatest day walks in Africa, complete with breathtaking scenery. Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, endemic birds, and mountain flora are just a few of the uncommon and exotic animals that call the Virungas home.
Mt. Muhabura
This mountain range, which begins on the boundary between Rwanda and Uganda, is part of the Virungas. The ascent is more difficult since it takes around five hours and the descent is almost as long. On top of it, there’s a little crater lake that you can simply go around to obtain a perspective of the Virunga mountains. Elevation of Mountain Muhabura is 4,127 meters.
Mount Mgahinga
Located between Muhavura and Sabinyo, this mountain is the smallest of the three. At an elevation of 3474 meters above sea level, this climb is both quick and easy. The top has a larger crater lake that is not easily navigable in order to get greater views.
The Sabinyo Mountain
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda all share this area as their shared border. The most difficult of the three due to the more cratered and rough terrain, it is also the most enjoyable and offers the greatest views of the Virungas, which can be seen from all three nations. Sabinyo, meaning “Old Man’s Teeth” in the local language, comes from the fact that its three summits resemble gaps between teeth. There are 3645 meters of elevation on Mountain Sabinyo.