Looking for a unique adventure on the African continent and still wondering where to go? The Pearl of Africa – Uganda has got you covered with amazing and adventurous destinations that will make your travel one of the best memorable in your lifetime. Among the destinations in the country that must catch your eyes and thoughts include the world’s longest river – River Nile and the third Africa’s highest mountain – Rwenzori.
In this combined trip, you will hike up to the summit of the Rwenzori Mountains for about 6 to 9 days where you will enjoy the beautiful view and several features like waterfalls, lakes, rivers, rocks and the rare vegetation zone of the mountains. Protected by Rwenzori mountains national park, the mountains stand as the first highest mountain in Uganda and the third highest African mountain after Kilimanjaro of Tanzania and Mount Kenya. Rwenzori Mountains are a range of mountains located in the eastern equatorial Africa on the border between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The highest peak of the mountains – Margherita on Mount Stanley, one of the 6 massifs of the mountain reaches a height of approximately 5,109 meters and it’s known for being permanently snow-capped and glaciated. For one to reach to this highest summit he/she has to climb through different massifs and among these includes; Mount Speke at 4,890 meters, Mount Baker at 4,843 meters, Mount Emin at 4,798 meters, Mount Gessi at 4,715 meters and Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4,627 meters.
For a perfect and safe hike to the mountain summit, there are two routes to use including Kilembe route which is governed by the private organization and the Central Circuit Route which is governed by the locals. All these routes can perfectly help you reach to Margherita though with different features on the way and at different costs.
Rwenzori Mountain Hike
This activity involves of long a vigorous walk before proceeding with the hiking one must pose a hiking permit and it is recommended to hire the local guide or join a guided tour for safety navigation purpose since local guides are more knowledgeable about the path to follow and can enhance you overall experience by sharing their insight and stories about the mountain
Note this activity requires a good level of fitness, packing appropriate gear remember to priotize safety during the hike and respect the natural environment by following the rules leaving no trace principle while enjoying the breathing land scape diverse wild life hence having a fantastic way to experience the mountains of the moon
The cost for park entrance into the Rwenzori Mountains Park is US$50 for the foreign nonresident US$40 for the foreign resident UGX 50000 for the East African residents.
Essential Requirements for Hiking
For the proper enjoying of this activity one should be sure to bring the following items sleeping bag, camping mat ,warm clothing gloves, rain gears including good water proof trousers ,head mountain torch plastic bags to keep the flesh clothes gloves dry and quarantine, wet and muddy garments carry necessary medication hiking gum boots are required but on the other day you can use normal gumboots and the specialists gears for climbing the peak can be hired from the trail operator.
The park entrance costs US$35 for the foreign nonresident 25 US$ for the foreign resident and 15000 UGX for the East African resident
