Are you eager to take part in the mystical challenges with an aim of testing your physical fitness but still wondering on the best destinations to quench this thirst? Worry no more because the Pearl of Africa – Uganda has got you covered.
Stretching over an area of approximately 241,038 square kilometers, Uganda is known for its beautiful mountain ranges varying around 2854 in number in different regions and Rwenzori Expeditions is ready and willing to take you through every part of your choice during the mountaineering safari at an affordable and negotiable price. Of all the 2854 mountains in the country, there are about 10 mountains that are suitable for a hiking safari thus ranking the country among the best mountaineering destinations in East Africa and Africa at large. Among the mountains include;
Rwenzori Mountains
Legendary known as the ‘’Mountains of the Moon’’, Rwenzori mountains are a range of mountains in eastern equatorial Africa situated on the border between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rwenzori Hike to the snowcapped mountains feature the highest peak of Uganda and the third highest on the African continent – Margherita after Uhuru of Tanzania and Batian of Kenya. The permanently snow-capped mountains – Rwenzori are a UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as one of the most dramatic and challenging hiking destinations in Uganda and Africa at large.
With a number of peaks, the mountain’s highest peak is Margherita ranging at a height of 5,109 meters. This peak is located on one of the mountain massifs of the Rwenzori Mountains – Mount Stanley. Other ranges include Mountain Speke (4,890 metres), Mount Baker (4,843 meters), Mount Emin (4,798 meters), Mount Gessi (4,715 meters) and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 meters). The glaciated mountain is protected by Rwenzori mountains national park which is a home to various attractions such as over 70 mammal species, about 217 bird species, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and a unique vegetation zone.
Mount Elgon
Positioned on the border of Uganda and Kenya, Mount Elgon is the oldest extinct volcanic mountain in East Africa and the second largest mountain in the Republic of Uganda after Rwenzori. Elevating at a height of 4,321 meters, the highest of peak of the mountain is known as Wagagai. On the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya, Mount Elgon offers a variety of hiking options that include the adventurous climbs to the summit of Wagagai. Aside the highest peak, the mount also consists other peaks including Sudek (4,302 meters), Koitobos (4,222 meters), Mubiyi (4,211 meters) and Masaba (4,161 meters). Protected by Mount Elgon national park, there are other features to see during your mountaineering safari apart from the mountain and these include; the caldera, warm springs by Suam river, beautiful vegetation and several wildlife species like elephants and others.
Mount Sabyinyo
One of the Virunga Mountains, Sabyinyo Mountain rewards the hikers with beautiful and stunning views of the surroundings during the challenging climb to the summit. The mountain stands as the oldest volcano of the ranges positioned north-east of Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes and west of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Its highest point that elevates at a height of 3,669 meters marks the intersection point of the borders of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Adjoining different national parks such as Virunga, Volcanoes and Mgahinga national park, the slopes of the mountain are a home to a number of endangered mountain gorillas.
Mount Moroto
Located in the Northeastern part of Uganda, Mount Moroto is one of the chains of volcanoes along Uganda’s international border with Kenya that begins with Mount Elgon in the south, Mount Kadam and Mount Morungole. With a summit of 3,083 meters, the mountain is surrounded by a forest reserve that protects a range of habitats from arid thorn savanna to dry montane forest. The mountain is enclosed by a nature reserve that hosts several species like over 220 bird species, monkeys, wild cats and many others.
Mount Morungole
Lying within Kidepo valley national park in the north eastern part of Uganda, Mount Morungole is another mountaineering destination in Uganda. Elevating at a height of 2,749 meters, Mount Morungole is near border with Sudan in the rugged semi-arid Karamoja province. During your adventurous hike, you will enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings plus different entertainments from the locals.
What to pack for a mountaineering safari in Uganda
For a memorable experience, you should possess a right packing list for your mountaineering adventure for both your safety and success of the trip. Among the things to pack include;
Hiking boots that will help you step firmly on the slippery surfaces and lose rocks of the mountains.
Enough drinking water that will help in the times of rehydration
Energy giving snacks that will keep you strong in the hiking process
Sleeping bags, warm jackets and sweaters so as to keep warm while at the summits of the mountains and during the night coldness.
