When you decide to have a great hiking trip in Uganda, the experience must be great too. The mountains are occasionally identified with the legendary “Mountains of the Moon. Â The Rwenzori Mountains are known for their vegetation, ranging from tropical rain forest through alpine meadows to snow. The range supports its own species and varieties of giant groundsel and giant lobelia and even has a 6 metres tall heather covered in moss that lives on one of its peaks. Most of the range is now a World Heritage Site and is covered jointly by the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in south-western Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the eastern DRC. The Rwenzori Mountains reach heights up to 5,109 metres (16,762 ft). The highest Rwenzori peaks are permanently snow-capped.
There are 2 major trekking trails that lead you to Margherita peak; central circuit trail and Kilembe trail. But before you go, there are some things you need to know.
How to go there?
The mountains of the moon are located in the western region of Uganda. You will need to first fly to Entebbe international airport. By road, you will need to take a drive to Kasese, this journey takes around 7-8 hours and you will be able to have a view of Uganda’s country side. By air, you will take a charter flight from Entebbe to Kasese airfield, this takes around 2:30 hours. From the airfield you will drive to the start of the trek, depending on the trail you shall use.
Where to go?
There are two major hiking routes in the Rwenzori; the Kilembe trail and the central circuit trail. Both trails offer great views of the Rwenzori range and the hikes range from 1-10 days. To make it to Margherita peak, you will need at least 7 days.
When to visit?
Climate is the major consideration you have to look into when you are planning for a Rwenzori hike. Rwenzori trek is an all year round activity but the best time is the dry season is best because the weather is warm and the land is dry. But while in the Rwenzori, rain can be expected any time.
Where to stay?
There are different hotels and guest houses around the Rwenzori where hikers can stay if you just want to spend the day hiking. There are also some camping sites. While on the trek on the mountains there are different camp sites along the routes. The camps have wooden huts that have beds and small mattresses, the rooms are shared.
Book early
Rwenzori treks receives a lot of reservations during peak travel season, you need to make your reservation at least 2 months in advance.
Know the weather
The weather in the Rwenzori is mostly cold and wet, rain is expected any time. But the rain reduces during the dry months around the region. So better make the necessary preparation on what to bring and what to wear on the hike. Don’t forget your warm gear, rain gear as you pack for this trip.
Think of other activities
Hiking is not the only thing you can do around the Rwenzori region. Other activities around the region include; birding, chimp trekking in Kibale forest national park, game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park, cultural tours in the Bakonzo villages as well as other activities around the country like gorilla trekking white water rafting among others. And if you are planning to stay there for several days, better have a lineup of the things to do such as 4×4 safari-jeep tours, to take part in these amazing activities.
