There is no place more beautiful and packed with adventures in Nature than Uganda, and mountain climbing in this country is an unforgettable experience. For enthusiastic travelers who wish to break the monotony of everyday life and instead wish to fill-up with memorable adrenaline, then the Pearl of Uganda is your next stop. The snow-capped mountains, Crater-filled Mountain peaks, verdant Valleys, breathtaking sunsets, wildlife-filled forests along the Mountain slopes create the perfect backdrop for mountain climbing tours in Uganda.
The top and unmissable places for Mountain climbing in Uganda
Uganda is a beautiful country filled with extraordinary mountains that are only waiting for passionate travelers to climb and choosing where to go first is sometimes a difficult task. Therefore, below is the list of unmissable location for mountain climbing in this country;
Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori mountains are the most popular and recognized Mountains in Uganda and one of the best in Africa with snow-capped peaks serving as their defining landmark. These mist-shrouded Mountains have rugged massifs that rise over 4000 meters above the Albertine Rift Valley this making them visible even several kilometers away.
Travelers enjoy sights of giant Lobelia, groundsel and heather among the way with lots of wildlife such as chimpanzees, forest elephants, red duikers, the three-horned chameleons and Rwenzori black-fronted duikers beautifying the trails in some areas. One of the popular Rwenzori Mountain climbing Trails is the 7-day Central Circuit trail that provides a circular hike of this Mountain from the Mihunga trailhead through the slopes the Bujuku valley, Nyabitaba until the snow-capped Peaks.
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is another popular Mountain in Uganda and sits along the border with Kenya rising about 4321 meters above sea level. For travelers looking for a less challenging option for Rwenzori Mountains, this is the best choice. It is popular for featuring the World’s largest extinct Volcano base at 4000 square meters and its lower slopes are inhabited by the black and white colobus monkeys, forest buffaloes, forest elephants, duikers, blue monkeys and lots of birds, most of which can be sighted during mountain climbing adventures. There are presently three renowned trails (that don’t need specialist climbing skills and equipment) for conquering this Mountain and they include the 4-day Sasa Trail (the shortest), the more strenuous 7-day Piswa Trail that rewards climbers with views of Nandi Hills in neighboring Kenya, Karamoja plains and others, as well as 4-6-day Sipi Trail with views of the three waterfalls.
The Virunga Volcanoes
The Virunga Volcanoes provide a wide range of climbing options with a lot of versality thus perfect for both beginners and experienced climbers. The three Volcanoes (Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura) are climbed from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and vary in duration.
Climbing Mount Gahinga
Climbing the 3474-meter tall Mount Gahinga leads travelers to its swamp-filled Crater as well as huge Lobelia on its Peak. Interestingly, it takes only 6-8 hours to conquer this beautiful Mountain (ascent and descent) and on a lucky day, you might encounter the endangered Golden monkeys close to the Bamboo zone (on the lower slopes of the Mountain).
Climbing Mount Sabyinyo
Climbing the dramatic 3669-meter high Mount Sabyinyo is one of the most interesting things because you will get the chance to stand at three countries- Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda at a go because it is shared by these three countries. The 8-hour climb normally starts with a walk through a flat swamp area, followed by ascent through the Afro-montane and bamboo zones to the lowest peaks. Taking on the second peak requires going through wooden ladders to overcome the knife-edged ridges and the last peak provides the most breathtaking views.
Climbing Mount Muhabura
Mount Muhabura is the highest of the three Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at 4127 meters above sea level and sits in the furthest southern end of the Virunga Ranges. It has a Crater Lake on its peak and getting there, you will take 7 hours starting with a comfortable ascent, then a steep one leading to the first hut at 3117 meters above sea level. Continue to the second hut at 3860 meters above sea level until the summit. It is actually the most difficult in this Park and some climbers even opt for overnight because descending is equally difficult.
Mount Morungole
Climbing the 2750-meter Mount Morungole leads you to the home of “IK people” and usually takes a full day because it is combined with a cultural experience. Climbers are rewarded with views of the Kidepo savannah plains, and wildlife species.
Mount Moroto
It is also possible to climb the highest peak in the Karamoja region at 3083 meters above sea level. Mount Moroto is marked by three peaks that include Sokodek at 3083 meters, Sogolomon at 3027 meters and Imagit/Leoron at 2773 meters above sea level. This 30-kilometer Trail lasts about 3 days with a slightly strenuous climb in the first day, breathtakingly scenic climb on the second day while transversing the forest and then a 6-hour descent on the last day.
Which is the best month for mountain climbing in Uganda?
If you are planning an unforgettable mountain climbing adventure in Uganda, the ideal month to visit is June through September and December through February because during these months, there is a better chance for good weather (less rains) hence climbing trails are drier and less muddy or slippery. However, the activity is also available during the rainy season- March through May and October to November except you will have more challenging climbing experiences trying to maneuver through muddy and slippery trails. The upside of this season is that there are fewer crowds and you are likely to get discounts on accommodation.
What should you pack for mountain climbing In Uganda?
You will need a pair of sturdy hiking shoes/boots with ankle support, cotton hiking socks, a rain jacket, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, lightweight and breathable safari pants, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellant, warm layers (a sweater), re-usable water bottle, energy-giving snacks, waterproof backpack, gardening gloves and many others.