A Hiking Guide Rwenzori Mountain Ranges; The UNESCO-listed Rwenzori Mountain ranges, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, lie along Uganda’s western frontier and are Africa’s highest ranges, rising to 5109m on Margherita Peak upon Mt. Stanley. Locally referred to as Rwenzururu, or rainmaker, by the local Bakonzo that reside on its slopes, the Rwenzoris lie along the equator line, stretching 120km long and 65km wide, with its higher slopes protected under Rwenzori National Park.
A hiking experience on the Rwenzori Mountain ranges is an ultimate mountaineering adventure where you explore not only a diversity of vegetational zones but also dramatic landscapes. Whereas it shares the same montane vegetation with Mt. Kenya or Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzori Mountains offer challenging and technical climbs to their snowcapped, jagged peaks, requiring above-average fitness and a good dose of stamina. The Rwenzori mountain ranges, with their 6 peaks rising above 4000 m, are exceeded only in Africa by the free-standing volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya.
Here is what you need to know.
Peaks on Rwenzori Mountain Ranges
- Mt. Stanley 5109m on Margherita Peak
- Alexandra 5083m
- Speke 4627m
- Emin 4791m
- Gessi 4715m
- Luigi di Savoia 4627m
Hiking Options in the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges
The Rwenzori Mountain Ranges offer a wide range of hiking options suitable for professional mountaineering experts and enthusiast hikers, from as short as one day to multi-day hikes to the summit. All these hiking options are offered exclusively through two hiking companies that begin from two trailheads: Kilembe, 14km west of Kasese, and Nyakalengyija, 24km northwest of Kasese town. All these professional companies operate small but comfortable camping huts that dot along the trails and have quality guides and porters to carry your rucksacks.
Here are sample itineraries of hiking plans that can be tailored to your specific needs and time.
- 4-Days Waterfalls Circuit (3430m)
- 5-Days Hiking to Wiesmann’s Peak (4620m)
- 8-Day Hike to Magherita Peak at 5109 m
Other shorter day hikes are offered through community camps near Nyakalengyija and Kazingo village north of Fort Portal town.
Best Time to Hike Rwenzori Mountains
Towering up to 5109m The Rwenzori Mountain Range has a varied equatorial climate zone, but the best months to hike to several summits are the dry months of December to February and June to August.
Insurance and Fitness Requirement
Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains requires beyond-average fitness levels, so ample preparation of both body and mind is essential. The most common challenge is the altitude-related sickness that’s common above 3500 m; therefore, seek your general practitioner’s (GP) advice for related or any other prescription recommendable. Also confirm the validity of your evacuation insurance coverage.
How long does it take to the summit at Margherita Peak at 5109 m?
Treks to the summit are tailored to your fitness levels, how many peaks you intend to summit, and your adventure appetite. Full summit treks range from 8 days (7 nights) to 11 days (10 nights).
Packing essentials for the Rwenzori Mountain hiking adventure
- Warm long-sleeved shirts and trousers It gets chilly on these mountains, especially in the evenings.
- Mountain boots are essential, at least the ones you have actually used before.
- Any prescribed medication
- Chocolate/sugar bars or any of your favorite dried foods are essential for the energy boost while on the trek
- Waterproof jackets and trousers
- Thermal gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Wattle bottle
- Have some plastic bags to store wet clothing in.
- Sunglasses, but preferably snow goggles, are essential.
- Wool hat
- Sun scream
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Several pairs of warm socks
- A pair of crampons is required for the summit of Margherita Peak.
- At least 2 pairs of gloves, one with a thin layer and waterproof outer gloves
- Rubber boots, ice axes, and harnesses will be available for hire from the operator’s office.
Finally, make sure you have a soft bag or rucksack large enough for your personal gear carried by your porter. And have a daypack big enough for your phone, daily drinking water, lunch box, wet weather clothing, and fleece jacket.