The south western Region of Uganda, which borders Rwanda also known as the “land of a thousand hills,” is where the majority of Uganda’s highland areas are found. Nearly identical highland regions make up the landscapes of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda. As a result, these nations share certain mountains, particularly those within the Virunga ranges.
Some of the best mountain climbing experiences in Africa can be found in Uganda and Rwanda. with Mountain Rwenzori in Uganda being one of the best famous mountaineering spots.
Hiking in Uganda.
Any of the following mountains can be hiked in Uganda.
Mount Rwenzori
Rwenzori mountain is a prominent location known worldwide for offering world-class mountain climbing experiences. Reaching the highest peak, Margherita which is at 5109 meters above sea level, takes twelve days. The top is completely covered with snow all year. Hiking this mountain is more difficult than Mount Kilimanjaro because of the rugged icy terrain. Throughout the hike, you will be able to see several magnificent features such as rivers running down stream, caves, u-shaped valleys, falls, lakes, various vegetation covers, and a diverse range of wildlife such as primates and birds.
Also known as Mountains of the moon due to its snowcapped peak, hikers who can’t make it to the highest summit can visit any other peaks such as Baker, Speke and Weismann ranging between 4890m to 4620m. If you still can’t reach of the summits, you can hike to the first resting point which is at 3000m.
Rwenzori is a tremendously high mountain, thus trekkers generally develop altitude sickness from the terrifyingly steep slopes and cold conditions. Ladders have been constructed in several places of the mountain to aid in the hiking process.
Mount Elgon
This is an extinct volcanic peak in Eastern Uganda; trekking it requires no particular skills. This peak is accessible to even inexperienced hikers. When using the fastest route of Sasa, it takes roughly 4 days to reach the summit. This route allows you to pass by the Sipi Falls. This area also has a lot of rain, so be prepared for chilly evenings and a lot of rain. The hike is led by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. At the summit of Mount Elgon, there is a large crater that is over 40 kilometers wide and is considered to be the largest in the world.
Mount Moroto
An extinct volcano with a height of more than 3000 meters located in the Karamoja region. The journey up the mountain takes three days, and along the way you’ll see amazing animal and bird species, a variety of plant life, and cave drawings that represent the lives of the mountain’s first residents, the Tepeth people, who still live in settlements at its foot.
Hiking the Virunga Mountains
This is Uganda’s sole park with three distinct mountain ranges: Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhavura. Mgahinga National Park preserves the Virunga Mountain ranges on the Ugandan side.
Except for Mount Sabyinyo, which is currently only accessible from the Ugandan side due to steep terrain and sharp ridges that make it difficult to develop a hiking trail through it, each of these mountains can be hiked from either the Ugandan or Rwandan sides.
Mount Sabyinyo
It is known as “old man’s teeth” because its peak is formed like an old man’s worn out teeth with a gap in between. It’s an extinct volcano on the Uganda-Rwanda border. Because the Rwandan side has very harsh and steep terrain, hiking can be done through Uganda. Permits to hike cost $85 per person.
The mountain is 3,6711 meters high and has three peaks, the highest of which takes around 8 hours to reach. The hiking trail is equipped with ladders and ropes to assist hikers in ascending the steep ridges. You get to stand in three separate countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo) at the same time while at its summit.
Mount Gahinga
It is located in Kisoro District, near the Uganda-Rwanda border, made up of numerous volcanic piles, which inspired its name, Gahinga, which means “a pile of stones” in the local dialect. Its top is 3,474 meters above sea level and takes roughly 6 hours to climb. This peak is less difficult to climb than Mount. Sabyinyo.
Mount. Muhavura
It serves as a guide for the residents of Kisoro district and adjacent settlements, and it can be seen from Kisoro town. It is the third tallest mountain in the Virunga ranges, standing at 4127 meters. The steep slopes make it tough to ascend. It takes around 8 hours to reach the top, where you can camp for the night in tents you bring with you because there are no facilities.
From the summit, you can see the Virunga Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Edward, parts of the Bwindi Forest, and even Mount Rwenzori in the distance.
Mountain hiking in Rwanda
Mount Karisimbi
This snowcapped dormant stratovolcano is the 11th highest mountain in Africa, located in Rwanda along the DR Congo border. This mountain is also famous for gorilla trekking. It is where Dian Fossey a renowned primatologist did most of her research.
The mountain was named so because of the “white shell” at its peak which is referred to as “amasimbi” in Kinyarwanda. Hiking to the summit takes about 2 days with the first resting point at 3,700 meters.
Mount Bisoke
Another Virunga Mountain, known as “Visoke,” at 3711 meters, is located in both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and can be climbed from either country. Hiking it allows you to see its two crater lakes, which are located halfway and at the summit.
The hike to the peak and back takes no more than 6 hours. Permits to hike this mountain cost $75. It is an active volcano that erupted last in 1957.
