Mountain climbing and hiking in Uganda

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains are a range of majestic mountains that run along the western border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With a length of approximately 120km and a width of 65km, these mountains are home to the highest peak, Mt. Stanley, which stands tall at 5109m, ranking as Africa’s third-highest peak.

The Rwenzori Mountains are known for their rare and endemic wildlife, stunning glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, making them the best mountain climbing and hiking destination in Africa and the ninth-best in the world.

 

There are several trails available for travelers to choose from if they want to experience exciting treks to the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The Southern Circuit trail is the most intense and interesting of all trails, ascending via the Mubuku and Bjuku valleys from Nyakalengija to meet the Central Trail that winds between the prominent peaks, pioneered by Professor Scott Elliott in 1895.

 

The Central Circuit, also known as the second trail, runs up the Nyamwamba Valley above Kilembe near Kasese and meets the Southern Circuit at River Bujuku. This trail was pioneered by Luigi di Savoia in 1906.

 

For those who want a shorter route, the Kilembe Central Trail, managed by Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS), is the best option.

RTS offers several mountain climbing packages using a combination of trails along (and between) the Nyamugasani, Kamusoni, and Nyamwamba river valleys.

 

If travelers choose to ascend to Margherita from Nyakalengiya, it will require 10-12 days through more incredible landscapes than the established Central Circuit, making it an ideal option for adventurous travelers. the established Central Circuit.

CLIMBING MOUNTAIN ELGON

Climbing Mountain Elgon is not just a mere hike to the summit; it’s an opportunity to discover the diverse wildlife along the slopes.

With varied vegetation zones serving as habitats for plenty of wildlife, you will encounter various animals during the trek. Besides the wonderful scenery, you’ll also come across fascinating features such as caves, water pools, and waterfalls.

 

Two main trails lead to the peaks of Mountain Elgon. The Sasa trail, also known as Budadiri trailhead, is the most direct route to the peak and passes through the largest area of bamboo forest. The Piswa trail, however, takes five days to complete and is known to be a more gentle hike than the Sasa.

The Sipi Falls

The Sipi Falls is a set of three waterfalls (85m, 75m, and 100m) that are situated along the foothills of Mountain Elgon.

Sipi Falls are arguably the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda and have become one of the iconic attractions of the eastern region for day hikes due to easy accessibility from Kampala city.

The trek to visit all three waterfalls covers a trail of about 7km and on average takes up to 3 hours to complete.

 

Top of the Murchison Falls Hike

The Murchison Falls Hike is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular waterfall hikes in Uganda. It’s not meant to be done as an independent hiking tour, but rather as part of a wildlife safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park, which is Uganda’s biggest and most famous park. The Murchison Falls is, without a doubt, the biggest highlight of the safari in the park. The hike to the top of Murchison Falls is one of the shortest hikes you can do in Uganda, taking only 45 minutes. However, it’s also one of the most thrilling hikes, as you will walk along the explosive falls created when the entire River Nile squeezes through a small gap of about 7 meters between rocks.

HIKING THE VIRUNGA VOLCANOES

Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes is an exhilarating adventure activity that you must experience in Uganda. You can climb a chain of eight stunning volcano peaks located in the Albertine Rift on the Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC tri-border. Two of these peaks, Nyiragongo (3470m / 11,385ft) and Nyamulagira (3058m / 10,033ft), are still very active and account for 40% of African volcanic eruptions.

 

If you’re up for the challenge, you must hike the Virunga Mountains which occur from the Ugandan side on three mountains – Muhavura (4127m / 13,540ft), Gahinga (3474m / 11,398ft), and Sabinyo (3645m / 11,959ft).

Fortunately, mountain climbing services on all three volcanoes start at the Ntebeko Visitor Center at the base of the volcanos in Mgahinga National Park, and hiking begins at 7:30 am.

 

To ensure a successful hike, hikers must bring a day pack with energy snacks, a lunch pack, and two liters of water. Climbing the Virunga Mountains in Uganda costs USD 95 per day for foreigners (a $35 park entrance fee and $60 for the guided trek).

 

If you’re looking for accommodation, you can access Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro town (11km – 30 min drive), where most accommodation is located.

For luxury travelers, Gahiga Lodge, located a few meters from the park entrance, is an ideal option.

 

Hiking the Virunga Mountains is a must-try addition to Uganda’s golden monkey and gorilla trekking adventures. Usually, a trip includes two or three nights outside the park with a day reserved for each activity because all have one excursion starting at 7:30 am.

 

Climbing Mount Muhavura, the third-highest of the Virungas, is the most strenuous climb. Located at the farthest south end of the Virunga chain at the Uganda-Rwanda border, Muhavura’s enormous conical shape towers at 4,127 meters into the clouds.

The 1200-meter ascent is quite steep, requiring a bank of energy and good physical fitness, even for a seasoned hiker. However, seasoned hikers can reach the Muhavura peak in seven hours on a good weather day. 

 

Hiking Mount Gahinga is the smallest and simplest climb of the three Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda, perfectly sitting between Muhavura and Sabinyo. Hiking Gahinga usually takes 5-8 hours, up and down, and even a moderately fit climber can ascend the summit within 4 hours.

 

Hiking the 4-mile ascend on Mount Sabinyo is the most dramatic of the three volcanoes. The mountain climbing challenge on Sabinyo involves conquering three peaks. UWA maintains the trail, so you’ll not be bushwhacking like gorilla trekking. Climbing Mount Sabinyo to the last peak and back starts at 7:30 a.m. and typically takes 10-14 hours. 

 

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hike the Virunga Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes is an exhilarating adventure activity that you must experience in Uganda. You can climb a chain of eight stunning volcano peaks located in the Albertine Rift on the Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC tri-border.

Two of these peaks, Nyiragongo (3470m / 11,385ft) and Nyamulagira (3058m / 10,033ft), are still very active and account for 40% of African volcanic eruptions.

 

If you’re up for the challenge, you must hike the Virunga Mountains which occur from the Ugandan side on three mountains – Muhavura (4127m / 13,540ft), Gahinga (3474m / 11,398ft), and Sabinyo (3645m / 11,959ft).

Fortunately, mountain climbing services on all three volcanoes start at the Ntebeko Visitor Center at the base of the volcanos in Mgahinga National Park, and hiking begins at 7:30 am.

 

To ensure a successful hike, hikers must bring along a day pack with energy snacks, a lunch pack, and two liters of water.

Climbing the Virunga Mountains in Uganda costs USD 95 for foreigners (a $35 park entrance fee and $60 for the guided trek) per day.

 

If you’re looking for accommodation, you can access Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro town (11km – 30 min drive), where most accommodation is located. For luxury travellers, Gahiga Lodge, located a few meters from the park entrance, is an ideal option.

 

Hiking the Virunga Mountains is a must-try addition to Uganda’s golden monkey and gorilla trekking adventures. Usually, a trip includes two or three nights outside the park with a day reserved for each activity because all have one excursion starting at 7:30 am.

 

Climbing Mount Muhavura, the third-highest of the Virungas, is the most strenuous climb. Located at the farthest south end of the Virunga chain at the Uganda-Rwanda border, Muhavura’s enormous conical shape towers at 4,127 meters into the clouds.

The 1200-meter ascent is quite steep, requiring a bank of energy and good physical fitness, even for a seasoned hiker. However, seasoned hikers can reach the Muhavura peak in seven hours on a good weather day. 

 

Hiking Mount Gahinga is the smallest and simplest climb of the three Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda, perfectly sitting between Muhavura and Sabinyo. Hiking Gahinga usually takes 5-8 hours, up and down, and even a moderately fit climber can ascend the summit within 4 hours.

 

Hiking the 4-mile ascend on Mount Sabinyo is the most dramatic of the three volcanoes. The mountain climbing challenge on Sabinyo involves conquering three peaks.

UWA maintains the trail, so you’ll not be bushwhacking like gorilla trekking. Climbing Mount Sabinyo to the last peak and back starts at 7:30 a.m. and typically takes 10-14 hours. 

 

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hike the Virunga Mountains in Uganda and experience the breathtaking views of these stunning volcano peaks.Mountains in Uganda and experience the breathtaking views of these stunning volcano peaks.

 

MOUNTAINEERING IN KARAMOJA

If you’re planning to climb the Karamoja mountains, then you must not miss the Mount Kadam, Mount Napak, and Mount Morungole trails. These trails offer a challenging and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.

The Mount Kadam trail to the 3,063-meter summit is approximately 29 km and can take 2-3 days to complete.

The ascent to the peak starts at Nakapiripirit town at 1,450 m elevation. If you want to experience an authentic cultural adventure, then the first few hours of hiking will take you through some fascinating villages.

 

Mount Napak is arguably the most challenging summit in the Karamoja mountains, known for its steep slopes and lush vegetation.

It offers varying hiking plans, from 3-hour nature walks to 3-day mountaineering expeditions for hiking enthusiasts.

On the other hand, Mount Morungole, also known as Ik-land, towers 2,750 meters in the extreme northern Karamoja hills, and climbing the mountain takes about a full day.

However, you’ll be trekking through stunning scenery as you climb higher, so arm yourself with your camera to capture incredible landscapes.

 

These mountains are also home to several ethnic tribes, including Pokot, Pian-clan, Tepeth, Sebei, and the Kadama, who depend on Mount Kadam for their livelihoods.

Therefore, it’s essential to be respectful of their culture and traditions during your hike. If you’re up for a challenging adventure that will test your limits and leave you with unforgettable memories, then these three mountain trails are a must-visit destination.