Uganda and Rwanda offer a wide range of mountain climbing safaris including the Virunga volcanoes and the snowcapped Rwenzori mountain range. Given that the most popular attractions are primates which include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, mountain climbing may not to be the main reason for visiting these countries, however. Those intending to do some mountain climbing activities can find the list of mountains to add to their primate and wildlife safaris. Some of the best mountains to climb from easy, intermediate to difficult level are described below:-
Hiking in the Virunga Mountains
The Virunga massif is a chain of 8 volcanoes which include in ascending order from lowest to highest the active Nyamuragira (3,058m) and Nyiragongo (3,470m), Gahinga (3,474m), Sabinyo (3,674 m), Bisoke (3,771m), Muhabura (4,127m), Mikeno (4,437m), and Karisimbi (4,507m). The volcanoes are located along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. The whole area is known as the Virunga Conservation Area which is famous for harboring 604 mountain gorillas.
The conservation area includes Volcanoes, Mgahinga gorilla, and Virunga national parks in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo respectively. Mountain gorillas are the main attractions along with golden monkey tracking only in Uganda and Rwanda. Given that DR Congo’s Virunga national park is still closed due to insecurity reasons. Rwanda and Uganda enjoy an enviable position for those intending to go hiking in the Virunga Mountains.
Hiking in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park covers 37 sq.km is the smallest protected area of Uganda. The area encompasses three volcanoes which include Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo of which all are categorized as intermediate which provides incredible hiking opportunities for beginners. Mgahinga is home to both gorillas and golden monkeys and was nicknamed as a place where ‘Silver meets Gold.’ In addition to volcano hikes, Mgahinga offers golden monkey and gorilla treks as well cultural walk with the Batwa pygmies.
Climbing Mount Sabinyo
The oldest volcano in the Virunga Mountains, Sabinyo was formed during the Pliocene Epoch some 3.2 million years ago. Mount Sabinyo has five peaks of which the highest rises to 3,674 m (12,037ft). Extensive erosion has creating steep jagged peaks that resemble an old man’s teeth which is the meaning of the name Sabinyo in the local language of the Bafumbira and Batwa pygmies. The borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo meet at the summit of Sabinyo with a view across.
Hiking Sabinyo is done in Mgahinga gorilla national park and lasts for 6-9 hours and involves walking through bamboo forest, hagenia hypericum, and Sub-alpine zone. The difficulty level is categorized as intermediate and covers 15 km roundtrip, however. Climbing can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. There are stairs and ladders along the trail on the first peak 3,423m known as “stairs in the mist.” Here, there’s a hut for hikers to rest and enjoy snacks before proceeding to the second and final summit.
Mount Gahinga
Gahinga volcano 3,474 meters is the shortest among the Virunga Mountains. The summit can be reached through Mgahinga gorilla national park and usually takes 5-6 hours, making it ideal for beginners. However, the hike up can be challenging due to sharp volcanic caves and wooden ladders that you must walk through to reach the top. Gahinga means “a pile of rocks as the locals named it after its volcanic features which also include a 180 meter-wide crater-filled swamp.
The trail starts at Ntebeko visitor center and winds through montane forest, an extensive tract of bamboo forests to the Afro-montane vegetation. Golden monkeys may be spotted among other species of birds that live in the bamboo which include bamboo warbler and the African forest flycatcher. The Afro-alpine zone that surrounds the beautiful caldera contains rare plant species including giant lobelias and senecios. Climbing Gahinga volcano distance is 14.5 km with altitude gain of 1,071 meters.
Mount Muhabura
With an altitude of 4,127 meters, Mount Muhabura which means the ‘guide’ in local language is the tallest of the 3 volcanoes in Mgahinga gorilla national park. The strato-volcano with a conical shape can be visible many miles away and acted as a guide for ancient people that traversed Uganda and Rwanda border. The summit of Muhabura volcano contains a crater filled lake rewarding hikers with a beautiful view. Muhabura is hiked in one day due to the well-maintained trail, though; it requires starting the hike at 7am in the morning in order to hike at the pace of the slowest person in the group. Wooden stairs have been constructed along steep volcanic cliffs to ensure smooth path for hikers. Expect to spend 6-8 hours on the mountain and the estimated distance covered of over 9 km by the time you finish. Rest stops are available along the trail to allow acclimatization and photo shoots.
Hiking the Virungas in Rwanda
The Virunga Mountains that can be climbed in Rwanda include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Bisoke. Hikes starts at Kinigi the headquarters of Volcanoes national park, where the gorilla and golden monkey treks begin as well. Hiking has a minimum age requirement of 15 years old. Visitors need to report there at 7am early in the morning to register and attend the briefing from the Rwanda Development Board rangers.
Hiking permits are available for booking through RDB online portal or their head offices in Kigali city, and at the park center. Given that there may be a queue of other hikers at the park visitor center on the day of the hike, it is best to try to obtain your permit in advance. Among other important things to consider are the items to carry during hiking. Packing list for hiking in Volcanoes national park Rwanda include backpack, hiking shoes, packed lunch, energy drinks or bars, bottled drinking mineral water, sun protection, and light waterproof clothing such as rain jacket in case of rainfall. The distance from Kinigi to some of the trailheads requires use of transportation to get there.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi, a stratovolcano with a symmetrical summit rising to 4,507 meters (14,790 feet) is the highest peak in Rwanda and the Virunga Mountains. The peak is often overshadowed by fog for most of the day or “white shell” which translates to Amasimbi in Kinyarwanda. Climbing Mount Karisimbi takes 2 days including a night of camping on the slopes. The use of firewood to cook is prohibited. Hikers need to carry gas stoves and behave responsibly. The first part of the climb will end at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) where you will spend the night.
There’s a big house where you will put your sleeping mats and bags. To reach there can last for 6-7 hours depending on trail conditions as well as the pace of people in the group and it’s all about acclimatizing to the altitude. The porters and cooks will help to prepare dinner and also put a campfire. Temperatures can drop to 3 °C and warm clothing is necessary. On the second day, the final hike to the top requires waking up at 5am in order to have ample time to appreciate the view and make the descent down to Kinigi by 5pm in the evening.
Hiking Mount Muhabura
Muhabura or Muhavura volcano stretches along the borders of Uganda and Rwanda at the north east end of the Virunga ranges and can be hiked from either country. Muhabura stands at 4,103 meters (13,461 feet) above sea level, making for the second highest peak in Rwanda. At the summit there’s a 40-meter-wide crater filled lake as a reward for a keen photographer. Hiking Mount Muhabura starts at Burera outside Volcanoes national park at 9am in the morning. Those intending to go for the hike need to be relatively fit given that the requirement is to reach the summit around 1 pm and be out of the park by 5pm.
Mount Bisoke hike
Bisoke volcano last erupted in 1957 and left a beautiful crater-filled lake on its summit, making for a beautiful volcano. Hiking Mount Bisoke can take a day and is considered as an intermediate level hike. The estimated distance covered for the entire hike going up and coming back is about 7 miles. This is due to the fact that the trail winds up in a zigzag with sharp turns around the slopes of the volcano. One of the highlights is a stretch that winds through hagenia hypericum forest zone a home range of some of the mountain gorilla families. Given that seeing gorillas requires a gorilla permit, hikers may only have a brief encounter with the primates.
Dian Fossey Tomb hike
This hike follows the footsteps of an American primatologist Dian Fossey who is famous for introducing active conservation techniques including anti-poaching patrols to protect the Virunga mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park. Fossey established the Karisoke research center in 1967 flanked to the south and north by Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes. She came up with the center’s name by combining the two words. The hike offers an opportunity to learn about Fossey’s legacy spanning 18 years of groundbreaking field study.
Her anti-poaching attitude often involved direct confrontation with poachers. Fossey was murdered in 1985 and buried on the site next to the tombs of gorillas that were killed before her fate. She wrote a book Gorillas in the Mist from which the movie of the same name was produced in 1988. Her legacy lives on through the Dian Fossey International Gorilla Fund (formerly the Digit Fund) that was recently upgraded with a state-of-the-art facility. The New Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is a must-visit for those intending to do Dian Fossey Tomb hike.
Climbing the Rwenzori mountain range in Uganda
Rwenzori is a fault block mountain formed during the Pliocene epoch about 5.333 million to 2.58 million years ago. The soil structure consists of multiple layers of crystalline rocks including granite, gneiss, quartzite, and amphibolite. The range is located on the border of Uganda and DR Congo on the edge of the Albertine Rift valley. There are six major peaks that make up the Rwenzori mountain range including Mt. Stanley 5,109m, Mount Speke 4,890m, Mount Baker 4,843m, Mount Emin 4,798m, Mount Gessi 4,715m, and Mount Luigi di Savoia 4,843m.
All the peaks were originally covered by permanent snow as per the discoveries in search of the source of the Nile from ancient to modern times. For instance, Diogenes and Ptolemy gave referred to Rwenzori as the Mountains of the Moon due to the snowcapped peaks. Around 150 AD, they reported that the Nile originates from the mountains and produced maps indicating location. However, according to a research paper in the Journal of African Earth Sciences 2009, there’s a gradual recession of snow due to climate change, making for one of the most fragile ecosystems on earth that you should visit before it disappears.
The snowcap on the summit of Mount Rwenzori in Uganda is attached to the traditional folklore of the BaKonzo Bantu speaking people who have lived for over 300 years in the foothills in Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, and Bunyangabu districts. In Rukonzo dialect, snow is known as “Nzururu”, who is the ancient deity of the father of BaKonzo ancient deity. “Kitasamba” meaning the great one who doesn’t need to climb. The Bakonzo possesses great mountain climbing skills and make up the most percentage of the guides, porters, and cooks in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority liaison rangers.
During the late 19th century, European explorers including Sir Samuel Baker described the Rwenzori range as the “Blue Mountains in 1864. Henry M. Stanley who didn’t climb but closer than Baker did named it Ruwenzori, a dialect of the Bakonzo people meaning rain maker in English. The first person to climb Mount Rwenzori was known as an Italian Prince Luigi Amedeo, the Duke of Abruzzi. He reached the highest peak of Margherita on Mount Stanley at 5,109 meters (16,795 feet) in 1906.
Uganda gazetted an area of 996 sq.km as the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in 1991 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. The protected area boundary starts at 1,700 meters above sea level. There are five zones of vegetation to the highest peak including montane forest 1,700-2,500m, bamboo 2,500-3,000m, heather 3,000-4,000m, Afro-alpine 4,000-4500m, and rock and glacier 4,500-5,000meters above sea level.
The Afro-alpine zones contain rare plant species including the giant tree heathers that intertwine to form aerial epiphytic botanical gardens, giant lobelia (lobelia wallastoni) and the groundsels (Senecio admiralis). Rwenzori is rich in biodiversity including 217 bird species including 19 Albertine rift endemics such as the Rwenzori turaco. There are 70 mammal species of which most are endangered including the Rwenzori duiker, Rwenzori leopard, and African elephant. Unique reptile species include the three horned and the cape dwarf chameleons. Among other primate species include the chimpanzees and the Rwenzori colobus monkeys. In addition to flora and fauna, there’s a combination of beautiful glacial lakes, valleys, peaks, gorges, and rivers, making for one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth.
Mount Rwenzori climbing routes
There are three routes used to reach the highest peak Margherita which include the Central circuit, Kilembe and the Bukurungu trails. Mount Rwenzori is classified as one of the hardest to climb and the final ascent to Margherita is technical and requires use of ice axe, ropes and, crampons.
Bukurungu trail
The newest Rwenzori climbing route was developed by Wild Wildlife Fund in partnership with UWA in 2018. Hiking along the Bukurungu trail offers wild camping experience in contrast to staying in huts. Discover the cultural sites of the Bakonzo including Katebwa, Kakaka, and the tombs of heroes that died fighting the rebels. The trail starts at Kasanzi entrance gate winds through all the five vegetation zones. The montane forests along the trail are home to chimpanzees and there opportunities to spot the primates.
Highlights also include scenic views of 5 glacial lakes of Bukurungu, Bujuku, Maghuli, Muhule, and Irene. Hikers will also go through the saddle between Gessi and Portal peaks and join the central circuit to reach the highest peak Margherita. Booking for the Bukurungu route is available through the Rwenzori Ranges Guides and Escort Association or a tour operator. The fee includes park entry fees, guides, porters, and camping tents. The trail takes 8 days to complete for experienced hikers or more for intermediate hikers.
The Kilembe trail
Kilembe was created in 2009 as the second route for climbing Rwenzori mountain highest peak Margherita. The route is managed by Rwenzori Trekking Services in partnership with UWA who maintain permanent camps for accommodation. Hiking along the Kilembe route involves sleeping in permanent huts including Sine camp at 2,596 m, Mutinda 3,582m, Bugata 4,100m, Margherita 4,485m, Hunwicks 3,874, and Kiharo 3,430m. Some of the unique physical features along the route include Enock’s waterfalls and caves at Mutinda camp.
There are peat bogs and beautiful glacial lakes of Bugata, Kopello, Kachope, Bujuku, and wild Kitandara valley. Weismann’s peak, Mount Speke, and Margherita peak on Mount Stanley offer stunning views of the mountains. Hiking the Kilembe trail can be challenging due to the nature trail. You will hike through Afro-alpine vegetation and gardens of rare plant species including dendrosencios, giant lobelias and groundsels. The hike takes 8-12 days depending on the hiking ability of hikers.
The Rwenzori Central circuit
The central circuit follows the footsteps of Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi, and an Italian mountaineer who was the first European to climb Mount Rwenzori in 1906. Luigi and his team reached Margherita peak on Mount Stanley from the east by hiking in a clockwise direction. Some of the photographs he took are kept at the Makerere University School of Industrial Fine Arts, which you can visit as part of your Kampala capital city tour. The route winds through Nyabitaba, Bujuku, Kitandara and Mubuku lakes and valleys as well as the peaks of Weismann, Baker, and Speke.
Climbing along the central circuit can be challenging due to the nature of terrain and can take 7-8 days. However, experienced mountaineers can complete the route in just 4-5 days by skipping some camps. Central circuit is managed by the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services in partnership with UWA. They have constructed several huts and the central circuit can accommodate groups of climbers than any other.
Hiking across the Semliki valley
Semliki valley lies at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain Range along the border with DR Congo. The area is drained by River Semliki which flows through the valley into Lake Albert. The valley encompasses two protected areas which include Semliki national park and Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve. The former is an extension of Great Ituri Congo forest at 670-760 meters above sea level, making for East Africa’s true lowland tropical forests. With over 300 tree species such as ironwood (cynometra alexandri), white stinkwood (Celtis africana), and West African palm oils.
Semliki contains unique physical features which include Sempaya male and female hot springs. The park is rich in biodiversity including 435 species of birds of which 35 are Guinea-Congo forest biome species, almost not found in other parts of East Africa such as Nkulengu rail, Congo Serpent eagle, piping hornbill. Among other central African species include Bongo, forest elephants, and forest buffaloes.
The day hike across the valley includes climbing five hills which include Kyamutema, Nyamitoto, Nyamutswa, Kaleyaleya and finally descending to the Kyangunga valley. The highlight of the trip is to visit the hot springs in the park which means that you have to park entry fees. Most of the hiking is done near the protected area boundary offering views of the park, the Rwenzori range and Congo Blue Mountains. Hikers are free to use other transportation means such as a boda-boda ride in between. The hike covers 21 km and lasts for 8-9 hours depending on the pace and stopovers made on the way.
Mount Elgon
Situated on the Uganda-Kenya border, Mount Elgon at 4,321 m above sea level (14,176ft) is the 4th highest in East Africa. Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano made up of pre-Cambrian and cainozoic rocks formations which include sediments, volcanices, and granitites. The volcano was formed during the Miocene Epoch about 24 million years ago when its peak erupted and sank inward, creating one of the world’s largest calderas measuring 8 km in diameter. The volcano consists of five peaks of which 3 are found in Uganda including Wagagai, the highest, Sudek 4,302m, Mbiyi 4,211m, and Masaba 4,161 m. Among other peaks on the Kenyan side include Sudek 4,302m and Koitobos 4,222m. The higher slopes of the volcano are protected as Mount Elgon National Parks both in Uganda and Kenya. The parks combined makeup the larger Mount Elgon Trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve, which was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.
In particular, Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda covers an area of 1,121 sq.km and encompasses Wagagai, the highest peak. Ascending to the summit offers an opportunity to hike through four unique zones of vegetation which include montane tropical forests, bamboo, Hagenia abyssinica, and alpine moorlands. Due to a variety of habitats, the protected area is rich in biodiversity including over 400 species of trees such as coniferous tree species such as East African yellowwood (Afrocarpus gracilior) and the endemic Senecio Elgonessis tree.
There are over 300 bird species including the splendid glossy starling, the near threatened lammergeyer and African crown eagle, and the globally threatened Sharpe’s longclaw. Primate species in Elgon forest ecosystem include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and velvet monkeys. In addition to wildlife, Elgon consists of stunning volcanic features including water pools, Spi waterfalls, hot springs, gorges, steep ridges such as Wanale, and caves.
Climbing Mount Elgon lasts for 4-5 days including the descent into the caldera. Those intending to spot wildlife and visit the waterfalls, hot springs, and the Crater Lake need 5-6 days. The summit Wagagai can be reached without use of any equipment, making for one of the best mountains for beginners and intermediate hikers alike.
Mount Elgon is part of the Eastern Uganda wildlife and adventure circuit which includes other destinations which include the source of the Nile Jinja, Sipi falls Kapchorwa, Pian Upe wildlife reserve, and Kidepo valley national park.
Hiking Mount Moroto
Mount Moroto is a dry volcanic mountain located in northeastern Uganda, near the town of Moroto. Imagit, the highest peak of Mount Moroto stands at 1,500 meters above sea level, making for the highest mountain in the Karamoja. Geologically, Mount Moroto is part of the Karamoja sub-region, which is characterized by semi-arid landscapes and rugged terrain. The mountain itself is composed of Precambrian basement rocks, which are some of the oldest rocks on Earth. These basement rocks often consist of granite, gneiss, and schist formations. The slopes of Mount Moroto are dotted including cliffs, boulders, and outcrops which were identified by the Tepeth people as they migrated westwards from present day Ethiopia.
The Tepeth are one of the ethnic groups that make up the Karamojong cultural cluster. They’re semi-nomadic in nature and have maintained their traditional ways of living in Kraals with their cattle. Their culture is almost similar to that of the famous Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania. Hiking Mount Moroto offers an adventure as well as a cultural experience with the pastoral nomads. Mount Moroto can be climbed in 2 days covering a distance of 18 km roundtrip. This includes camping in a tent and the logistics can be arranged through a tour operator in Moroto town. The trailheads start at Kadonyo Healthy Center III about 12 km east of Moroto town, which require a 4×4 car to get there.
Mount Kadam
Standing at 3,063 meters above sea level, Mount Kadam is the second in Karamoja sub-region. The volcano is located south of Moroto in Pian Upe wildlife reserve, Uganda’s second largest conservation area. Hiking Mount Kadam starts in Nakapiripiti town staying overnight at Terrace Eco-Gardens and campsite. The trailhead is 3 km from town and can be reached by car or motorcycle ride. From there, the hike to summit covers 25 km and can be completed in a day. After reaching the peak, hikers will descend to camp on the mountainside where they will witness some of the best stargazing at night. Climbing Mount Kadam takes two days. The trip can be extended by doing other activities in the reserve including game drive to spot wildlife and a nature walk to visit caves.
Mount Morungole
Mount Morungole borders with Kidepo valley national park to the southeast and has an altitude of 2,750 meters above sea level. Hiking to the summit offers a spectacular view of the Karamoja plains and an opportunity to meet the IK people, the smallest ethnic group in Uganda. For an immersive cultural experience you can request an IK trained tour guide for Mount Morungole. The shortest trail is 9 km and takes about 4 hours to complete with some altitude gain of 760 meters. Those intending to have a full day hike can opt for the 9-km trail to a different peak of Mount Morungole. Among other optional activities to add include game drive in Kidepo and nature walk in Timu forest reserve. The Kara Tunga Eco-camps offer accommodation in non-self-contained canvas tents.