Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains is one of the only three UNESCO heritage sites. Like the famous Bwindi Park, the Rwenzori Mountains were proclaimed a world heritage site to protect the natural beauty, flora and fauna of the area. In AD150, the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy wrote of a snow capped mountain range, deep in the heart of Africa that, he claimed, was the source of the Nile and which he called the Mountains of the Moon. Over the centuries this curious notion of tropical snow faded into mythology and, when John Speke found the Nile’s exit from Lake Victoria, a place in fiction for the Mountains of the Moon seemed assured. But then, in 1889, Henry Stanley emerged from central Africa to announce that such a mountain did exist. He mapped it by its local name of Rwenjura – or ‘rainmaker’. In due course mountaineers explored Ptolemy’s Mountains of the Moon. Though just miles north of the Equator, they found in the high Rwenzori glaciers and snow peaks whose meltwaters represent the highest springs ofthe Nile. These trickle downwards into U-shaped glacial valleys where, supplemented by up to 2500mm of rain/year, they saturate the broad valley floors to form great soggy bogs. Within these rain and mist-filled troughs, loom specimens of Africa’s bizarre high altitude vegetation and stunted trees enveloped by colourful mosses and draped with beards of lichen. This remarkable landscape is bisected by the Uganda-Congo border which passes through Mt. Stanley the highest peak. The Ugandan Rwenzori is protected by the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and, in Congo by the Virunga National Park. The park can be explored along a 7 -day trail that meanders along the Mobuku and Bujuku valleys beneath the highest peaks. Though distances are short, the terrain, altitude and weather combine to create a tough trek, the difficulty of which should not be underestimated. After its sighting by Stanley, the weather confounded several attempts to scale (or even observe) the mountain’s main peaks. In 1906, the Italian Duke of Abruzzi timed his expedition more carefully, making his attempt during June and July. He and his companions succeeded in scaling, mapping and photographing all of the main peaks and establishing the layout of the high Rwenzori.

Planning a Rwenzori Trek

While those with the inclination can scale the main peaks, most visitors are content to follow the Central Circuit trail to enjoy their magnificent setting. Time your ascent for the driest months which are July-August and December-February. Pack for an alpine expedition, taking a good quality sleeping bag and raingear, and a supply of spare warm clothes, especially socks. There will be little opportunity to dry clothes and equipment. Strong boots capable of being fitted with crampons are essential for the peaks. A pair of cheap gumboots are better suited to the boggy conditions of the Central Circuit. The Central Circuit hike is organised through the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) and starts from Nyakalengija. RMS will provide a guide, cook, and sufficient porters to carry your heavy equipment and food, leaving you to carry a small pack with raingear, spare clothes, camera, water bottle and snacks. UWA will provide a ranger escort. You will be responsible for providing your own food, cooking equipment and fuel, first aid kit, and sleeping bag and mat. Some equipment, such as crampons, ice-axes, ropes and harnesses, can be rented from RMS. Food can be purchased in Kasese or Kampala but specialised, lightweight dried meals should be brought with you to Uganda. Note that park fees are paid separately to UWA. Expeditions with technical mountaineering guides and quality equipment can also be arranged after contacting us.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Rwenzoris?

Rwenzori mountains can be hiked all year round but the recommended time is the dry season of June to September and December to February. During the dry season, hikers find the hiking trails dry and passable, the skies are clear, and the vegetation on the slopes are short with good views of the wildlife as well as other attractions. TIP: Avoid the rain seasons at all costs. The Rwenzori is one of the main watersheds of the Nile receiving rain throughout the year but exceptional amounts from April through till June and November. Though hikers can still hike Mountain Rwenzori during the rainy season which happens from March to May and October to November. During this season, hikers find muddy and slippery trails as well as tall vegetation cover which gives unclear views of attractions.

Getting There

The Park is 25 km from Kasese. Leave Kasese in the direction of Fort Portal and take a left turn after 4 km. The junction is signposted with a large yellow Rwenzori Mountains National Park sign. The route to Ibanda is 15 km along a rough track. Ibanda is the HQ for the national park and trail head. Vehicles could be left here for the period of the trek. For those leaving vehicles in Kasese (Margarita Hotel) or if traveling by public means a special hire vehicle is the most sensible option to get up to Ibanda where transport is very infrequent. Local car rental agencies offer a transfer service each way for the vehicle hire.

What to pack for Rwenzori hiking?

In order to be safe and comfortable throughout your Mountain Rwenzori hiking, you need to bring important equipment with you. Some of the equipment you need for Rwenzori hiking include a waterproof daypack, waterproof duffle bag, sleeping bag, gaiters, trekking poles, water bottle, scarf, sun hat, sunglasses, headlamp, torch, warm gloves, waterproof hiking shoes, stocks, long-sleeved clothes, a rain jacket, camera, extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, toiletries, and energy giving snack and others.

How Many Days Do I need to Reach Magherita Peak?

How long does it take to hike Mount Rwenzori is one of the most asked questions by travelers planning to visit Uganda? Well, the number of days taken to reach Margherita, Rwenzori summit depends on different factors including the physical ability, season for the hike and trail used. But most of the hikers take about 7 to 9 days to the summit. Margherita peak, found on Mount Stanley, one of Rwenzori’s massifs, is the highest point on mountains at an elevation of 5109 meters above sea level making it the highest point in Uganda and third highest on the African continent.