How to Plan a Hike to Mount Rwenzori?
Mount Rwenzori boasts Africa’s third-highest summit it located in Uganda, bordering the Democratic republic of Congo, the Rwenzori ranges are sometimes known as the mountains if the moon this name was given by Claudius Ptolemy the Greco-Roman mathematician, father of geography and astronomer. He called mount Rwenzori the Mountains of the moon because of the striking glaciers that shine like little moons to thril while on a Uganda Safari.
Mount Rwenzori derives its name from the local word meaning “rain maker.” The first peak, Margherita, was named after the queen of Italy by an Italian aristocrat, the Duke of Abruzzi. Rwenzori is the highest mountain block in Africa. National Geographic chose it as one of the best hiking destinations in the world. Though climbing might be tough, the experience is very thrilling and one of the things you should explore before leaving the world.
What makes Mount Rwenzori more unique is that though it rose from the rift valley floor, it’s not volcanic like other mountains in Africa. It’s also divided into its altitude zones with different microclimates, flora and fauna.
Mount Rwenzori also boasts numerous bird species, some of which are endemic to this area, such as the flycatcher, greenbul, black eagle, long-eared owl, handsome francolin, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, lammergeyer, Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori Turaco and white-starred forest robin, to mention a few, so this is a bonus for bird enthusiasts.
Mount Rwenzori offers a stunning view of nine of Uganda’s great lakes within its valleys, endowed with flora and fauna and changing vegetation on every climbing stage. The mountain is less crowded; unlike other trekking places in the world, it offers a real experience of whispers of the wild. Rwenzori national park was gazetted in 1991 and covers an area of 996 square kilometers. The highest peak rises to 5109 meters above sea level
Mount Rwenzori is divided into 6 mountain ranges bisected by lush green valleys; over 100,000 mountain climbers attempt to climb mount Rwenzori but only a few make it to the highest Margherita peak. The snow-capped mountain covers a distance of about 120 kilometers.
Mount Rwenzori has got main trails, which are the Kilembe trail, which summits Margherita peak andtakes about 9-10 days to ascend and descend, and the central circuit trail, which leads to Elena Hut with magnificent views of Margherita peak and takes about 7 days to ascend and descend.
The tropical forests of the Rwenzori Mountains are covered with fig trees at the base of the mountain, followed by Bamboo zone, Mossy heather zone and then the rocky grounds leading to the peak.
The hike always starts up at Nyakalenjija, past the Mubuku River, to Nyabitita hut where you will have a rest alongside the way. tourists will be able to see chimpanzees and blue monkeys.
The next destination will be the Nyamuleju hut; you will pass over the Kurt Shaffer Bridge and view the magnificent Mubuku River, mount Speke and mount Stanley. Then you will ascend to John Matte hut to spend a night there.
The next destination will be past lake Bujuku ascending through huge lobelias and heath trees, there’s also a rock shelter where you will rest a bit, known as the cooking pot, and then get to the final sleeping destination, which is Bujuku hut.
This day is very interesting as you ascend to mount Victoria and Speke with spectacular glacier views from saviors and Elena; you will pass through huge groundsels and lobelias, moving through the snow to Scott Elliot pass through the snow to the final destination of Elena hut where you will spend a night.
The final day is where you will see your dream alive ascending to the renowned Margherita peak through Alexander peak covered with snow, encounter the panoramic views from Margherita and then descend to the magnificent lake Kitandara and spend a night at Kitandara hut.
From Kitandara hut you will climb Lake Kitandara and descend to the striking fresh field pass where you will be able to see the vast plains of Congo then descend to Guy yeomen hut after a picnic lunch
The next destination will take you along the Mubuku River and to the initial route next to the Bujuku River and then to the Nyabitaba hut, where you will spend a night.
The final day, you will pass through Nyakalenginja and then to the mountain slopes to the Margherita hut, where you will dine and rest after adventuring to the highest peak of Uganda.
Mount Rwenzori can be accessed within a 9-hour drive from Kampala, approximately 440 kilometers from the city. Nyakalenja trail is 22 kilometers west of Kasese and there is a signpost off the tarmac road of fort portal highway, Tourists can also go by air to Kasese town.
Tourists planning to climb mount Rwenzori must carry good hiking shoes, insect repellents, warm clothes, and waterproof jackets and trousers and must also be physically fit mountaineers. Guides and porters can be hired, including the hiking equipment. Endeavor to take about 2 liters of water per day; the potters will always collect and boil water every evening and it will be cool by morning hours.
Though mount Rwenzori offers breathtaking encounters, most of the people who are experienced mountain climbers have rated it as very difficult to climb, even compared to Kilimanjaro, the highest peak of Africa.
Below are some levels of the Rwenzori mountain ranges with permanent snow and three with glaciers.
Mount Stanley/Margherita peak 5109 meters
Mount Speke, 4889 meters
Mount Baker 4843 meters
Mount Gess 4797 meters
Mount Emin 4791 meters
Mount Luigi de Savio 4626 meters
Mount Alexandria-
Mount albert–
Tourists that aren’t experienced mountain climbers can avoid the peaks and take the loop trail that takes about 6 to 7 days, reaching an altitude of 4,372 meters or alternatively, you can take a three-day hike to the moorland zone or divert from the main loop to some other peaks.
Please do not attempt to climb Mount Rwenzori high peaks if you are not fit. The prices are subject to changing anytime. The dry season is the best time to visit when it’s not very muddy and slippery, though rains can fall anytime, even in dry seasons. The dry seasons are June to August and December to January.
