5-Day Best of Mountain Rwenzori Hiking safari Uganda

Mountain Rwenzori Hiking safari Uganda

This 5-Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking safari Uganda With African Safari Tour Holidays is an experience like no other . The 995 square kilometer Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1991. It consists of six distinct mountains including Speke, Baker, Emin, Gessi and Savioa. Mt Stanley’s 5109 meter Margherita Peak is the third highest point in Africa. Mountain Rwenzori was named as the “Mountains of the Moon” by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 15O. The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the modern map on the 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori,’ a local name that he recorded as meaning “rainmaker” or “cloud-king.” 

 Enjoy a 5-day Mountain Rwenzori hiking safari adventure if you are a speedy and a strong traveler who believes they can make it to the peak of the mountain using the Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit. The mist-shrouded peaks provide stunning backdrops and besides Stanley, there is Mt. Speke, Mt. Baker, Mt. Emin Pasha, Mt. Luigi di Savoia and Mt. Gessi. 

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains is a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and glaciers. The range is known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The flora and fauna of the Rwenzori are equally impressive, with a wide variety of plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth.

The most popular route for hikers hiking Mountain Rwenzori is the Central Circuit, which typically takes around 7-9 days to complete. This challenging trek covers a distance of approximately 65 kilometers and involves steep ascents, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather. Hikers must be prepared for long days of walking and camping in basic mountain huts along the way.

The trek begins in the town of Kasese, where hikers can make final preparations and gather supplies before setting off into the mountains. The trail initially leads through dense rainforest, where hikers may encounter monkeys, birds, and unique plant species. As the elevation increases, the landscape changes, giving way to open moorlands and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

One of the highlights of the hiking safari adventure is reaching the famous Margherita Peak, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains at an elevation of 5,109 meters. This challenging ascent requires a good level of fitness and mountaineering experience, but the reward of standing on the summit and taking in the breathtaking vistas is truly unparalleled.

Throughout the hiking safari adventure, hikers are accompanied by experienced guides and porters who provide valuable knowledge about the local environment and ensure the safety and well-being of the group. The support of these local experts adds an enriching cultural aspect to the experience, allowing hikers to learn about the traditions and way of life of the communities living in the shadow of the mountains.

In addition to the physical challenges of the hike, hikers are also treated to encounters with unique wildlife, such as the Rwenzori turaco, a striking bird species found only in this region. The diverse plant life includes giant lobelias, heathers, and groundsels, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere that adds to the sense of adventure.

After completing the hiking safari adventure, hikers can take time to relax and reflect on their achievement while enjoying the hospitality of local communities and exploring nearby attractions such as the picturesque Rwenzori foothills and the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It’s important to note that hiking Mountain Rwenzori requires careful planning and preparation. Hikers should be in good physical condition and have appropriate gear for mountain trekking, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a reliable waterproof jacket. It’s also essential to be aware of potential risks such as altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and challenging terrain.

The climate on the Rwenzori Mountains is cold and extremely wet. Rainfall is heaviest—reaching 300 millimeters per month—during March-May and August-December, though even in the drier months some daily rain is common. Though daytime temperatures average 10oC, after dark they drop below freezing.

It is common for visibility to be obscured by mist and snow while on the peaks, hence it is best to hike there during the drier months of January and June-July. Wildlife in the park comprises mammal species, 217 bird species, 9 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians. Large mammals include elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bushbuck, chimpanzee and leopard, present in the forest zone. The bird species include the Rwenzori turaco.