6 Best Mountain Hiking Safaris in Uganda; Mountain Climbing Tours
Mountain hiking safaris in Uganda offer enthusiastic hikers/climbers a lifetime opportunity to conquer the great heights of Uganda’s mountains.
Embarking on guided mountain hiking tour in Uganda with an expert is a perfect way for you to discover the remarkable thrill of mountain climbing in Uganda in the country’s top destinations.
Top destinations to visit for Mountain Hiking Safaris in Uganda:
Rwenzori Mountains
Mount Rwenzori lies in Western Uganda just along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a block mountain and has length measuring up to 120km and width of 65km. It is Africa’s 3rd highest mountain rising at elevation of 5109m and is where the Rwenzori Mountains National Park takes its name.
The Rwenzori Mountains (The Mountains of the Moon) features spectacular glaciers, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. It also boasts of its 6 peaks or mountain massifs including Baker, Mt. Stanley, Mt. Emin, Speke, Luigi di Savoia, and Mount Gessi.
Depending on your experience and level of fitness, climbing/hiking to the Margherita peak on Rwenzori Mountains can take you around 8 days. But to have a full exploration about this block mountain, we recommend that you take at least 10 days.
Hiking/climbing to the summits of Rwenzori Mountains can be done along the Central trail (longest trail), or shorter trails like the Kilembe trail, Mahoma loop and chimpanzee trail.
Mount Elgon
Located in Eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon is a volcanic mountain and lies along the border with Kenya. It stands at elevation range of 4321 and is Africa’s 8th highest mountain, also known to contain the largest caldera base. Around hiking safari in Mt Elgon can take between 4 and 5 days. Some of the useful trails to expect to explore include the Sasa trail/Budadiri trailhead and Piswa trail.
The Piswa trail is approximately 49km, and is notably less strenuous. Hikes through this trail start from Kapkwata 2190m which is the Northern part of the mountain. On a hike, expect to enjoy the views of the Kapeguria, Karamoja plains and Nandi.
Sasa trail: This is a 4-day hike to the Wagagai peak (4321m) and back. The starting points are at Budadiri 1250m elevation and you ascend 1650m. As you navigate, expect to come across the lush afro-montane forest where you may come across some beautiful blue monkeys, colobus monkeys and then get to the Mudangi Cliffs.
Virunga Volcanoes
Located in the Virunga region are 3 volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Massifs. The 3 Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda exist in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Virunga region is a shared area by the 3 countries; Uganda, D.R. Congo and Rwanda. The three Virunga Volcanoes comprise of Muhabura, Sabinyo and Gahinga.
Muhabura Volcano stands at an altitude of 4127m and lies at the border between Uganda and Rwanda. It offers longer hikes to its summits, about 5 hours and on a hike, expect to explore the scenic Crater Lake, enjoy the mesmerizing views of the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes.
Gahinga: Situated between Muhabura and Sabinyo Volcano, Gahinga is a special volcano for hikers to explore, especially if you are interested in shorter/easier hikes. On the summit of this volcano, there is a spectacular Crater Lake.
Sabinyo: Located along the common border of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC, Mount Sabyinyo lies at an altitude of 3645m. It is ideal for hikers in need for the most challenging hikes. It features rugged terrain and craters while also offering great views of the Virungas and the surrounding areas.
Hiking the Karamoja hills/mountains
In the far Northeastern Uganda, there exist some amazing hills/mountains worth conquering. These include Mount Kadam (3063m), Mount Morungole (2749m), Napak (2538m) and lastly, Mount Moroto (3083m).
Hiking/mountaineering adventures on Karamoja Mountains/hills can be blended with the thrilling cultural experiences or game viewing excursions in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Other hiking opportunities
Sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls features 3 scenic waterfalls which straddle on varying elevations; 85m, 75m and 100m. These are found along the base/foothills of the spectacular Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda. Access to the Sipi Falls is easier from the heart of Kampala, and also treks take between 2-3 hours.
Hiking to the top of the falls
Visitors on Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park can enjoy a hike to the top of the falls in addition to the normal game drives or launch cruise experiences. The hike allows you explore the powerful Murchison Falls, renowned for its powerful roar form when it forcefully squeezes itself in a narrow rock which measures 7-8m, before it falls 45m down.
Best time to go for mountain hiking in Uganda
The most ideal time to enjoy mountain hiking or mountaineering adventure in Uganda is during the dry season. This occurs in different phases with the longest dry spell usually recorded from June to September, then the shorter dry spell from December to February.
Things to pack on your Mountain Hiking Safaris in Uganda;
The important items to consider packing for your mountain hiking safaris in Uganda include waterproof hiking boots, daypack, a camera, comfortable clothes, insect repellents, enough drinking water, first aid kit, safari hat, sunscreen, and many others.