Mountaineering/mountain hiking is with no doubt the major highlight of all safaris to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The Central Circuit Trail is known to offer the most challenging treks to Margherita Peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. If your plan is to have the most thrilling hiking or climbing experiences then don’t miss hiking through the Nyakalengija Central Circuit of Rwenzori Mountains.
To have the most of your mountaineering adventure along the Central Circuit, you should prepare adequately. Part of your preparation includes putting all essentials together and here some of the hiking gear you should consider a must have.
Hiking Equipment for Central Circuit
Rain boots
Rain boots are among the must haves by all the trekkers planning to challenge themselves on the Central Circuit. The Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure involves hiking almost half of the Rwenzori Mountains and it all requires strong, comfortable rain boots. Your boots should cover good part of your leg since your trek ushers you through the bogy areas, rivers, lakes etc. The rain boots are uniquely made to ensure that you can move through the slippery wooden footpath.
Sleeping bags, warm cloths
When hiking Rwenzori Mountains, the only places available for overnight stay are huts and these are found along the trails. This means, sleeping bags and warm cloths are essential for your hiking safari holiday.
Backpack
Backpack is among the significant gear you should have if you plan to conquer Margherita Peaks through the Central Circuit. This should be waterproof such that you have your items safely kept in case of rains.
Rain jacket or coat/poncho
Rwenzori Mountains lies astride Equator and rains are unpredictable. Not to be taken unaware, you should have a rain jacket or poncho to have yourself protected when it rains while still trekking. The rain gear/coat you choose for your hiking safaris in the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon must be made of very good material to avoid disappointments.
Climbing/hiking boots
Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure can be enjoyable only if you well prepared and not to have issues while navigating through steep slopes, muddy and slippery slopes, climbing boots are essential. Climbing boots are a must have if you are to have a successful trek from Nyakalengija offices-briefing point to Nyabitaba Hut or from Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut.
Climbing poles
Every climber will be required to have a climbing pole for support when hiking to the summits of the Rwenzori Mountains. The poles are good to keep you firm when navigating via bogy places.
Gardening gloves
Gloves are essential for Rwenzori Mountaineering like it is when you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. The gloves help protect your hands from coldness while hiking Rwenzori Mountains and creates warmth. When choosing the gloves to carry, the waterproof ones are the best.
Waterproof Hat
Having a waterproof Hat wide enough to cover your head is key. Not only will it protect you from the hot sunshine but also from the heavy rains.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Trekking Rwenzori Mountains is usually done during the dry season. To protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, sunglasses & sunscreen should be a must-have.
Equipment for conquering the Margherita Peak
Sturdy climbing shoes-find strong climbing boots/shoes that can work with crampon. Crampons are designed with over 10 teeth and these are good if you are to have easier access to the glacier. It should be noted that entry point to the glaciers at Mt Stanley to conquer Margherita Peak 5109m is entirely a gradual ice wall and extremely hard.
Carabiner-these are essential for you to rope up on the glaciers and also rock climbing prior getting to the peak. A 40m rope with 10mm diameter should be carried. Besides, ice axes are essential for you to have a successful ice wall hike and also, it saves you from sliding from the glacier. These items are available for hire before you set off from Nyakalengija central circuit.