Mountain Rwenzori hiking in Uganda

The Mountain Rwenzori, also referred to as “Mountains of the Moon,” is a truly demanding and educational journey that provides a distinctive trekking experience through a variety of ecosystems and breathtaking scenery. The park is well-known for having Margherita Peak, Africa’s third-highest mountain peak. It is situated in southwest Uganda.

Southwest Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1991, and in 1994 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2008, it was designated as a Ramsaar site.

Alpha Rent A Car offers fantastic possibilities to see nature at its best. The plant life in Rwenzori Mountain National Park ranges from deep tropical rain forest, bamboo woodlands, and montane cloud forests to high-altitude vegetation, and the terrain is very spectacular. Beyond 4,500 meters, snow and glaciers add a distinct touch to the breathtaking views throughout this pristine mountain range.

Steps you should consider to hike Mountain Rwenzori;

Hiking Fitness Levels: Is required for a successful hike, as it entails lengthy days of hiking and high elevations, allowing you to focus more on the beauty of your surroundings and less on the distraction of how weary you feel.

Start With These Basic Hiking Fitness Tips

• Run or walk in sand. It builds the muscles that protect your knees and ankles.
• Squats and lunges.
• Push-ups.
• Step-ups.

A hiking itinerary with a program will be provided. The primary circuit takes 7 to 9 days to complete and includes walking through several biological zones ranging from lush rain forest to alpine meadows and glaciers.

Hiking equipment and gear: Hiking is typically classified into day hikes and multi-day hikes known as backpacking, trekking, and walking tours. Pack water-resistant and warm clothing, durable hiking boots, warm layers, a sleeping bag, and a back pack. Depending on the route, you may also require technical climbing equipment such as crampons, a climbing helmet, an ice axe, a torch, a first-aid kit, and a trekking stick.

Permits & Logistics: Obtain the necessary permits to enter the Rwenzori Mountain National Park. It is recommended that the walk be organized through Alpha Rent A Car.

Weather and Seasons: Hiking the Rwenzori Mountain is best done during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February. Please keep in mind that weather conditions can change at any time.

Porters and guides: Hiking Mount Rwenzori requires the support of an expert guide from Alpha Rent A Car who is familiar with the terrain, weather, and safety precautions. Porters will assist you in carrying your equipment and supplies, making the hike more doable.

Accommodation: When climbing or trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, you can sleep in your own tent or in the huts built along both trails, however the majority of hikers sleep in these huts. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park contains well-made wooden huts erected along the central circuit and Kilembe paths where most Rwenzori mountaineers sleep or spend the night after a long day of trekking.  

Food and beverages will be organized by Alpha Rent A Car.

• Breakfast is typically comprised of sausages and eggs, toast, cheese, and hot beverages such as tea, coffee, or chocolate milk. Climbers are encouraged to talk with the guide and cooks about their appetites, and they will certainly attend to you accordingly.
• Snacks, including all meals, will be packed and carried by the guides, porters, and cooks along the trail. It usually includes cookies, bread, energy drinks, sandwiches, fresh fruits, a cold drink, and the sort of food on the menu. Tea with biscuits and plenty of hot drinks will be supplied at the end of the day’s hike.
• Dinner begins with an appetizer such as mushroom or chicken soup, followed by a main entrée consisting of chicken or meat, a vegetable sauce, some cabbage, rice, pasta, or potatoes, and fresh fruits for dessert, depending on the journey menu.
• Dining with other hikers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner feels like home, even when you’re thousands of miles away. You will undoubtedly appreciate Uganda’s organic food..

Responsible trekking: As the saying goes, “The slower you go, the more oxygen your body gets, for better acclimatization.” It is therefore always vital to walk at your pace and drink lots of water when climbing the Rwenzori Mountains. Alpha Rent A Car offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is enhanced by the distinctive landscape, varied eco systems, and cultural immersion.