Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Mountain Rwenzori National Park : Ranked as Africa’s third highest mountain due to its elevation at 5,109meters above sea level, Mountain Rwenzori is simply stunning. Formed about three million years ago as a result of an uplifted block of crystalline rocks, it is comprised of six massifs namely Mountain Speke (4,890 metres (16,040 ft)), Mountain Baker (4,843 metres (15,889 ft)), Emin (4,798 metres (15,741 ft)), Gessi (4,715 metres (15,469 ft)), Mountain Luigi (4,627 metres (15,180 ft)). Of all these, the most preferred is Mountain Stanley as it hosts Uganda’s highest peak, Margherita (5,109 metres (16,762 ft)). The climbing routes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offer some of the finest mountain scenery anywhere in the world; you will love every minute of your exploration of it. They also have has magnificent campsites and views to wake up to, and fancy sunsets.
There are two popular trekking routes through which you can summit it, one the North and Western part of the mountain. These are Kilembe route and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services route respectively. While it takes one an average of 9 days to hike up the mountain via Kilembe due to its relatively steep terrain, RMS trail requires an average of 6 days in total. Both options are richly endowed with scenic crater lakes.
In 2012, a wild fire ravaged the forest zone of the Kilembe trail. Luckily, the plant life is already growing back and it absolutely doesn’t make the route any less awe inspiring. In total, you will hike the mountain through five vegetation zones before getting to its snow zone. These are forest zone(1,800-2,500m), bamboo zone(2,500-3,000m), heather zone(3,000-4,000m) and Alpine zone(4,000-4,500m). Each of these zones support their own species and varieties of giant lobelia and giant groundsel. Both trails of Rwenzori have well insulated huts where you will spend your nights as you hike up.
Approaching the peaks from the West side will offer you a beautiful view of the main peaks. The sunrise over it makes it unforgettable. It offers great visibility of the whole mountain environ. Once through with summiting and taking pictures, you will descend back to the lower camps for a night and triumphant celebrations.
In an effort to enable you plan for what to wear and carry the next day, the guides will keep you informed of the weather forecast throughout your time on the mountain. They are good at recognizing the individual pace of the climbers and know when to cheer them up.
Each day’s hike will be crowned by dinner at the fireplace where your guides will intrigue you with stories about Ugandans, the country’s history and culture. Their mastery of the flora and fauna is commendable. If you have dietary requirements, don’t hesitate to let us know. We shall cater for in while shopping groceries with your input!! It is absolutely personal service!
The crew that will accompany you during your hike is equally comprised of actual mountain rescuers. Others are ranger guides who live in the mountain and have dedicated their lives to looking after the local wildlife. They are friendly, trustworthy and most importantly very motivating. Whenever you feel low, they will cheer you up.
Travel tip
To enjoy the trek you need standard mountain gears, waterproof hiking boots, warm cloths, rain jacket, head lamp and extra batteries for your camera.
It gets very cold at night, so carry with you a sleeping bag liner, preferably one designed for -5 degree weather. You will find it useful. At the end of each day’s hike, you will have enough resting time. This will give you the best chance of summiting.
You are better off bringing a plastic bottle to carry your coffee/water. It is likely to freeze if you put it in a metallic bottle as it very cold up here.
