Mountain climbing/ Volcano hiking in Uganda is immersed in the beauty that no one could tell unless you organize a Ugandan safari for real-life experiences. Most travelers know Uganda to be harbored with wildlife features, surrounded by water bodies but other than that there are numerous mountains in Uganda. Mountain and volcano climbing is soon the trend to be after the famous gorilla trekking in Uganda. The mountains are characterized by different vegetation cover, crater lakes at the top, wildlife species, glaciers, and white snow among others. These include;
Mount Elgon
The extinct volcanic mountain is found in the eastern region bordering Kenya, it is covered the population of the sabiny and Bagisu of the Mbale region. Mount Elgon is so far the 8th highest in Africa and 4th in the East African region. It stands out at 5,895m with its highest wagagai peak at 4,321meters high above sea level.
Mountain Elgon is characterized by different vegetation covers which are determined by the altitude, the higher it becomes the change in different vegetation occurs. The lower slopes are covered by open moorland to montane forest. Mount Elgon is also an important water catchment watershed that has resulted from various water falls such as the famous sipi falls.
Other than, vegetation, mount Elgon features a large caldera crater lake at the top, hot springs, caves, and wildlife species at the bottom. Such as Elephants, duikers, bushbucks, antelopes and leopards, and hyenas occasionally are seen, primates like blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys among others.
You have a chance to encounter all the fascinating beautiful scenery of Elgon during a hike to the top. There are two alternative trails to follow during hiking and these are;
Piswa trail, this trail is considered gentle with less steeps however it takes about 4-5 days to reach the summit.
Budadiri/ sasa trail starts from Mbale town, it is short compared to Piswa but it involves strenuous trekking therefore you need to be an avid hiker. The trail takes 3-4 days to reach the summit depending on the speed of the group.
Rwenzori Mountains
The snowcapped glaciers mountain is one of the most treasured mountains because of its iconic features and landscape. Mountain Rwenzori covers a vast area in Uganda whereas the other falls to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. The mountain comes the third highest in Africa at its highest elevation 5109 meters above sea level at Mt Stanley, Margherita peak.
Rwenzori mountain is known for its stunning views with a block of so many ranges supporting a variety of wildlife species, different vegetation cover, including bamboo, alpine, and heather zone, waterfalls, Mountain climbing/ Volcano hiking, flora, and fauna. Because of the array of features of Rwenzori mountain, it is ranked 9th in the whole world for mountaineering activities and hiking safaris. Rwenzori mountains also host 70 mammal species including the endemics of the Albertine rift valley and rare species not seen anywhere else. Notable ones are elephants, blue monkeys, bushbucks, antelopes, Angola monkeys usually spotted in the forested zone, and reptiles such as three-horned chameleon.
Its also known as a birds haven with over 200 bird species including 17 endemics, some of these birds include a Long-eared owl, Blue-headed Sunbird, a Golden-winged Sunbird, a white starred robin, Rwenzori Turaco, cinnamon chested bee-eater, and so many other birds.
There are a quite number of trails to reach the summit, usually about 7 to 8 days. Most of the trekker’s target is not to reach the summit but explore the different vegetation cover. The trails include;
Central Circuit is managed by the Bakonzo who are largely the occupants of the surrounding area and one of the easiest trails to reach the summit.
Kilembe trail is only recommended to the regularly experienced hikers as it is challenging to reach the summit.
Virunga mountains
Virunga mountains includes a chain of 8 extinct volcanic mountains that straddle in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of congo. However, the three volcanoes are in southwestern Uganda covering Mgahinga gorilla national park. These volcanoes have an excellent spark in the eye seeing the most endangered species they harbor including primates and wild life. There is a possibility of seeing the rare endemics such as Golden monkeys and mountain gorillas as you hike the volcanoes.
Virunga ranges in Uganda include;
Mount Gahinga
It is located within Mgahinga gorilla national park however shared with Rwanda. The name Gahinga was derived from Kinyarwanda which means a pile of stones that came out from a volcanic eruption washed away to form a pile. The volcano is characterized by a swamp and a caldera lake at the top. Its highest elevation is at 3474 meters above sea level.
Mount Muhavura
Mount muhavura is the highest among the three volcanoes at 4127 meters above sea level. It has clear views at the top overlooking Lake Edward and Rwenzori mountains. Mountain climbing/ Volcano hiking, It is situated on the Ugandan Rwandan border there it can also be accessed either way. The hike to the summit takes about 5- 8 hours depending on the physical fitness and experience in hiking.
Sabyinyo
Mount sabyinyo straddles between three countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is characterized by 3 peaks with a rugged terrain shaped like teeth from which the name was sabyinyo was derived which literally means old man’s teeth. Mount sabyinyo is at 3645meters above sea level. The most interesting fact about sabyinyo is that while at the summit you are present in three countries.
Preparing for mountain climbing
- For any successful mountaineering experience, you need ample to plan and prepare yourself mentally and physically. Remember it’s all about hiking, make sure you start to practice long walks if you are not a regular hiker.
- You need good comfortable hiking boots for stability on the ground. The rugged terrain is composed of huge stones and rocks.
- You need to pack energy-giving foods and enough drinking water to keep hydrated.
- You also need rain jackets, safe sleeping bags, warm sweaters/Jackets, gardening gloves, scarfs, and other items of personal use.
- Don’t forget walking sticks as it is very essential.
At Africa Tours Adventure we arrange Gorilla safaris as well complement it with a hiking tour to any of your preferred destinations making it a complete Uganda safari experience.
