Rwenzori Mountain is located in the east equatorial Africa along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwenzori mountains are the longest non-volcanic or non-orogenic mountains in the world. Rwenzori Mountain is also known locally as Ruwenzori Mountain or the Mountain of the Moon. Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is a unique, challenging, and very interesting experience that one can never find elsewhere. Rwenzori Mountain is approximately 16762 feet tall. The highest peak is Mount Stanley. While hiking mountain Rwenzori, you will encounter different wonders that will keep your mind going, some of these wonders include the nine lakes, cliffs, crags, and snow-capped peaks to mention but a few. Hiking mountain Rwenzori is a very challenging activity to do which is why it requires one to be physically, mentally, and health-wise stable to complete this challenge.
Rwenzori hiking is a very adventurous activity to do and is best for adventure lovers who love to challenge and explore new things since on every level of the mountain new wonders to see. Besides all that, there are different things that you should know before considering embarking on a mountain Rwenzori hiking. The information below will be of help in giving you the information you need to know.
What is the best time to hike mountain Rwenzori?
Hiking, visiting, or climbing mountain Rwenzori is done throughout the whole year but the best time to embark on mountain Rwenzori hiking is during the dry season. This is because the hiking trails will be more accessible. After all, they will be dry. This is from June to August, and December to February. Rwenzori mountain can also be visited during the rainy season but during this time few activities are done and the hiking is twice as difficult as during the dry season.
What to pack for a Rwenzori hiking safari?
Hiking mountain Rwenzori is very difficult and it will require you to be as light as never to succeed in hiking it, but despite that, you will need to pack some essentials for a successful hike. If you are unable to keep up with the weight, porters are available and can help you with that at a fee. Some of the things you should not leave behind while packing include,
Hiking boots
Hiking boots will help you move swiftly on the steep slopes of mountain Rwenzori while hiking, they will also protect you from getting accidents like cuts, and insect bites, to mention but a few while hiking.
Walking stick
Having a walking or hiking stick is also very necessary because it will help you move steadily while hiking. This is because it will give you the support you will need to lift your weight.
Water bottle
A water bottle must be packed and filled with about 3 liters of drinking water because you will need to rehydrate all the time. After all, this activity is so tiring and exhausting throughout. Water breaks will be given to you by your guide so that you get a chance to drink your water.
Personal first aid kit
Since no one knows the future and you are going to visit an environment that you are not used to, the recommended medications by your doctor should be packed. This is done so that in case of any accident, first aid is administered to you.
Jacket/raincoat
You should also pack an insulated jacket that will keep you warm all the way because the weather on Mountain Rwenzori happens to be cold most of the time. The jacket will prevent you from getting cold during both day and night time of the day when at the campsite.
Hand gloves
These should also be packed because despite protecting your other parts of the body from coldness, you will also need to keep your hands warm. This is because if you leave them uncovered they will become numb.
Long sleeved trousers
You should also bring with you long-sleeved trousers since they will protect your legs from getting cold during the hiking activity. Long trousers will also protect your legs from insect bites, scratches from tree branches, and cuts, to mention but a few.
Insect repellant
Since you are going to a new environment and you do not know what to expect, you should pack an insect repellant to protect you from all the poisonous and non-poisonous insects that you may encounter during your hiking activity.
Long-sleeved shirts
Packing long-sleeved shirts should not be forgotten, this is because the shirts will protect your hands and upper body from coldness, insect bites, and scratches from tree branches, to mention but a few.
Binoculars
Binoculars will help you with sighting different wonders you will encounter while hiking, wonders like birds, mountain wildlife, and mountain cliffs, to mention a few.
Camera and extra batteries
A camera is one of the things that you should not leave behind because you will want to keep some memories for yourself while hiking Mountain Rwenzori. When packing the camera, you should not forget to also pack the extra batteries just in case one dies along the way.
Bag pack
A bag pack will help keep your hands free to hold a walking stick. Since all the things needed will be packed in the bag you will either be carrying them or your potter will be helping you to carry them.
Other things you should consider packing include, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cape, socks, mask, to mention but a few.
How many days does it take to hike mountain Rwenzori?
Hiking mountain Rwenzori takes about 7-8 days to hike to the highest peak of the mountain, Mount Stanley which is about 16762 feet tall. During these days of hiking, you will be camping or staying in different camps located along the slopes of the mountain.
How to get to Mountain Rwenzori?
Rwenzori Mountain can be accessed by either road or air transport. By road transport, you can ride in either private or public means of road transport for approximately 4-6 hours. the time will depend on the speed of driving and the route you would have taken.
By air transport
You can also decide to get there using air transport by boarding a chattered aircraft from either Entebbe or kajjansi and flying to Kasese airstrip which is about 1 and a half hours flight. From there you will board any means of road transport and transfer to Rwenzori National Park which is about 30 minutes’ drive away.
Remember to book in advance your Rwenzori hiking permits and we can help you with that so that you do not encounter any trouble during your Rwenzori hiking safari.