HIKING EXPERIENCE AT RWENZORI Mt.

The best Hiking experience at Rwenzori Mountain in Uganda.

Rwenzori mountain is located in southwestern Uganda and is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its highest peak Margherita, standing at 5,109m. The mountain is enclosed in a national park; Mountain Rwenzori national park which got its name from this iconic feature, the “mountains of the moon”. Being the highest peak in Uganda the pearl of Africa, Rwenzori Mountain is a playground for the outdoor enthusiasts. It is an all year round visitor’s attraction, just to have a hiking experience to the top of one of Africa’s highest peaks.

Uganda is known for its exclusive gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi impenetrable national park, the magical wildlife hidden in Uganda’s remote national parks and people so smiley, kind and hospitable, the “mountains of the moon” is another piece of natural wonder that attracts hundreds of tourists to the country.

Uganda registers herds of knee-worn hikers from all over the world to come and experience the unique and thrilling hiking experience.

While there are other activities to engage in at the park, say; wildlife viewing, nature walks, bird watching, scenery viewing and cultural treats, hiking to the top of the mountain is the most sought after.

Rwenzori Mountain is a true mountain range that was formed by the uplift of earth’s crust through the tectonic movements. Hiking to top of the mountain takes you through different vegetation zones. A Hiking experience goes through the Afromontane forest, bamboo zone, heather and the alpine vegetation zone, something that is rare and only experienced on a few mountains.

Summiting Rwenzori’s highest peak; Margherita doesn’t take a day or two. Depending on the speed and fitness of the hikers, the trek to the top takes a minimum number of 5 days, with different resting huts/camps where one can stay for over nights.

Hiking Rwenzori starts from Nyakalengija trailhead, at the base of the mountain, stand at an altitude of 1600 meters. Climb to Nyabitaba, John Matte, Bukuju and Mount Stanley huts to finally conquer Margherita peak.

Trekking to the highest peak is a technical climb that requires roping up, crampons and the most suitable equipment. At Margherita, hikers don’t sleep there because of the very low temperatures, so trekkers that make it to the top, just stay there for a few minutes and then start descending back to the next hut.

On the trek, there are chances of spotting some wildlife species, especially those unique to the Afro montane vegetation. The park is home to more than 50 mammal species and 170 bird species. Trekkers have sights of forest elephants, buffaloes, golden cats, chimps, monkeys, forest hogs and many others. Commonly spotted bird species are Rwenzori turaco, barrel-long-tailed cuckoo, long-eared owl, handsome francolin, cinnamon-chested bee-eater and archer’s ground robin. Some extra include white-stared forest robin, Rwenzori batis, montane sooty boubou, Largen’s bush shrike, slender-billed starling, blue-headed sun bird, golden-winged sunbird and strange weaver among others.

Other activities that tourists to Mountain Rwenzori national park engage in, are nature walks, birding, cultural encounters and scenery viewing.

Cultural encounters in Mountain Rwenzori national park take travelers to different community groups like the Mihunga community and the Bakonzo. Enjoying the traditional performances and tasting the local cuisines are a guarantee to all tourists to the park. An exception is made for those that do not wish to.

Note that, Rwenzori’s position in southwestern Uganda, enables one to easily connect to other beautiful parks like Bwindi impenetrable national park for the endangered gorillas, Queen Elizabeth national park for the tree climbing lions and other wildlife species, Kibale forest national park and several other attractions in the southwestern region. Don’t hesitate to visit the pearl of Africa.