One Day Hike in Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains is located in Southwestern Uganda on the Eastside of the Western African Valley, It lies along Uganda’s borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the borders of Virunga National Park and it is found in Kasese District. Margherita peak 5109m is the highest peak on Mount Stanley.

The other name for Rwenzori mountains is the Mountains of the Moon because of their snowcapped Nature. It’s famous for its natural beauty that rewards with spectacular viewing of green vegetation, rare plants, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and the mountain. One can reach the Rwenzori mountains using Road or Air transport and we used road transport, the Rwenzori mountains can be accessed by passing through Kampala via Masaka via Mbarara, Bushenyi to Kasese and it takes over 350km, the drive by road takes 6 hours to reach the destination. 4 to 12 days are required in order for one to reach the highest peak depending on your hiking skills. The Rwenzori mountains region is inhabited by 2 tribes, that is to say; the Bakonzo and Bamba. Both people are reliant on agriculture despite poverty and economic problems, their traditional food is potatoes, yams, millet, and bananas. Apart from agriculture they also practice fishing and hunting. Before hiking the mountain, you are briefed by the park ranger guides about the Dos and Don’ts during hiking, and some of these include; walking silently without making noise, you are told to walk in groups, and not leaving our friends behind and it’s only the guide that is supposed to stay behind everyone. As you hike, you are able to see different Bird species, Blue and Black Monkeys, Bush pigs digging roots and grubs along the way, Chimp nets, tallest trees, and also the mountain is enriched with Flora and Fauna. You notice that the higher you hike the harder it becomes but it is sweet pain since the adventure was worth a climb.

The mountain also has rocky cliffs but the trees around can be held in case it is hard for one to climb. For a one-day Rwenzori hike, one is able to reach Samalira at 2373m. This is a steady climb for about 6km and the experience is amazing since you pass a series of waterfalls. You get a chance to view the bamboo afro montane forests Talk about the route that takes you here, what did you encounter, and the experience. There’s a rest spot called Omusita, where people get to catch a breath before proceeding with the hike. While here you get a chance to take pictures and ask any questions in order to get more information from the guides you can use the chance to take pictures and ask questions that you might have forgotten to ask during the walk the hike to the top of the mountain is exciting since you be hiking when the sides of the mountain are filled with the waters of River Nyamwamba. It is such a beautiful adventure. There is also a lake called lake Bujuku as your hike to the top of the mountain. The hiking routes are properly cleared making it easy for one to navigate and hike the Rwenzori mountains. They are small but very clear for one to notice and follow them, the right thing to do as a tourist is to follow the instruction given by the guide or navigator of the day. The Rwenzori mountains are cold most times of the year, therefore you are advised to carry suitable clothing for the weather but also for easy hiking on the muddy and rocky paths. Listed below is what to carry when preparing to hike the Rwenzori mountains, a sleeping bag since the nights on the mountain are very cold. Pairs of socks, traveling poles, traveling pants, a large duffle bag that can be used to carry your clothes in and other stuff, t-shirts, walking boots, and gloves to protect you from the cold weather of the mountain. Hiking the Rwenzori mountains, the highest mountain in Uganda is a great experience. Check out Rwenzori hiking tours for the Rwenzori mountain itinerary.