Climbing/hiking on Rwenzori Mountains
It is exciting to do transforming Climbing/hiking Rwenzori Mountains popularly known as the “MOUNTAIN OF THE MOON’ with the highest peak in Uganda and the third highest in the world. It is located in Kasese district on the borders of Uganda and Congo. Hiking to the summit of Mount Rwenzori is a long trek which last for about 8 days to reach Margerita the highest peak standing at an altitude of 5, 109 meters above the sea level. At the summit, there is a permanent snow which usually melts into various rivers flowing to the lowland areas such as river Nyamwamba and River Mubuku. Interesting, various ranges have been formed which together form the Rwenzori chain of mountains that makes it an ideal place for mountaineering and at the base of the Mountains is Mount Rwenzori national park covered with tropical rain forests and a home to various animals. The landscape also boasts extraordinary views of alpine valleys, diverse flora in the forests and valleys, high altitude ice glaciers, and even elephant sightings.There are different trails that one follows in order to get to the top of the Mountains; the central circuit is the longest trail which last for roughly 8 days and 7 nights to Margerita whereas the Mahoma loop is quite easier lasting for 3 days and Kilembe trails is the shortest done in only one day. All these trails make hiking and climbing so interesting and exciting where travellers get great experience.
Hiking can best be done in different trails from where people enjoy activity in an interesting and challenging way. Yet while at the base of the Mountain, you get a chance of viewing different animal species and spotting various bird species which creates a great experience. The Rwenzori Mountains National park offers an opportunity for nature walking/hiking and climbing within the central circuit zone. Walking from Mutinda to Bugata Camp in the burnt area along the Kilembe Trail in Rwenzori National park is so interesting. Other trails include: trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest, walks through the communities of Kichamba to reach the Karangura ridge and hiking to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass.
Central Circuit Trail: this is a challenging, seven-day climb that provides a circular tour of the high Rwenzori. From the trailhead at Mihunga, the route ascends the Bujuku valley through Nyabitaba for acclimatization before reaching the peaks. One joining the Central Circuit after Bujuku traverses Scott Elliot and Fresh field passes to descend through the Mubuku Valley.
Kilembe Trail: this ascends the southern slopes of Rwenzori from a trailhead at Kilembe near town of Kasese. The route along the lovely Nyamwambe valley passes glacial lakes and stunning viewpoints before joining the Central Circuit at Lake Kitandara. The standard route scales Mount Baker though the scenery makes shorter treks rewarding enough.
Bwamba pass: this is a tough high trek over the steep north Rwnzori ridge of 1,500m which takes you to the Abanya Rwenzori community and isolated mountain villages visiting the bamboo forest and enjoying superb rift valley views.
The communities of Ruboni and Turaco view offer guided forest walks of various lengths outside the park. You can follow the River Mubuku, have a glimpse view of Baker and Portal Peaks as you hike up to 2,300m above sea level and view snowcapped Margherita peak: Along the way, you can spot out chameleons, squirrels, Vervet monkeys and many bird species.