Ever thought of combining two of Uganda’s best adventure experiences? Yes, you can combine hiking Mount. Rwenzori and trekking gorillas in Bwindi national park.
Situated between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mountain Rwenzori is the highest mountain in Uganda and is a popular destination, especially for hiking enthusiasts.
The bigger part of the mountain ranges lies in the famous mountain Rwenzori National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage and about only 20% in Virunga National Park of Congo, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Naturally formed about 3 million years ago, the majestic Rwenzori is made up of six massifs and they include Mount. Stanley, mount Baker, mount Emin, mount Luigi di savora, mount Gessi and mount Speke. Besides being one of the natural sources of the River Nile, mountain Rwenzori shelters stunning snowy peaks and glaciers and that’s where it derives its nickname “mountains of the moon”.
Hiking is the main activity on this majestic mountain. Mountain Rwenzori is also naturally dominated by bamboo forests, tropical rain forests, snow, heath, African savanna and alpine meadows making it home to various wildlife species including elephants, bushbucks, chimpanzees, monkeys and baboons. the mountain’s abundant wildlife also attracts a wide range of about 140 different bird species including the famous Rwenzori Turaco hence making it a hot spot for bird viewing activities.
Mount. Stanley is the highest of the six massifs of Rwenzori and stands at about 5,109 meters tall above sea level. Margherita is the highest peak of Mount Stanley and features several other peaks. The second highest peak of Stanley is Mount Speke standing at 4,890 meters and features about four summits including Johnston, Emanuele, Trident and Ensonga. The third highest peak is Mount Baker at an elevation of 4,844 meters followed by Mount Emin, Mount Gessi and Mount. Luigi di Savoia.
HIKING EXPENDITIONS ON RWENZORI MOUNTAIN.
The popular and noticeable tourism activity on the great mountain Rwenzori is hiking. Bot seasonal hikers and inexperienced hikers are seen mountaineering aiming to reach the summit. Rwenzori mountain carries pride as the third highest mountain on the African continent and reaching the highest summit of Margherita may take about eight days. The most rewarding and breathtaking experience is reaching the final summit even though it’s quite challenging and tiresome, especially for inexperienced hikers.
There are several hiking routes or trails that can be used to make it to the summit including the popular Kilembe route, a central circuit trek that may take about eight to nine days due to its physical nature tough considered one of the best routes to use as it allows the climber to access all the summits. The central circuit route starts from Nyakalengija.
All these hiking trails take you deep in dense thick forests and forest hikes while having remarkable sights of wildlife beauty and other notable physical attractions including water sources and hilly spots. For hikers with a deep interest in wildlife and those allergic to climbing, forest nature hikes can be the best option while it also allows the hiker to dive into the soothing plant life of the lower slopes of the great mountain Rwenzori.
THE BEST TIME TO HIKE MOUNT. RWENZORI.
The best time to hike mountain Rwenzori even though it can be hiked throughout the whole year is the dry season of the year. Unlike the rainy wet season where the hiking routes are muddy and slippery making it hard to make it to the summit, during the dry period of June to August and December throughout February the hiking routes are dried up with short and clear vegetation making it easier for the climbers to access the routes and make to the mountain Rwenzori’s highest peak Margherita. The wildlife beauty alongside a wide range of stunning bird species can also be sighted as a result of reduced vegetation.
While hiking activities are popular tourism activities on Rwenzori mountains, the majestic mountain is also characterized by bamboo forests, snow, heath, alpine meadows and tropical rain forests making it home for various wildlife species including elephants, duikers, chimpanzees, elephants, monkeys and more. About 190 bird species can also be spotted in the mountain ranges of Rwenzori hence a hot spot for bird viewing activities. Margherita Peak of mountain Rwenzori is the sixth highest mountain peak on the African continent.
HOW CAN ONE COMBINE HIKING MOUNTAIN RWENZORI WITH GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST?
Travelers on Uganda safaris who seek total satisfaction in exploring the physical natural wonders of the world in this small country can go ahead and combine mountain Rwenzori hiking and gorilla trekking in the Bwindi impenetrable national park. After hiking the Rwenzori mountain, travelers can still go ahead and dive into the lush forests of Bwindi impenetrable and trek the only endangered mountain gorillas in the world.
The journey from Mountain Rwenzori National Park to Bwindi in further south western part of Uganda takes about 5 hours and is the best journey one could take for its full natural attractions and undulating landscapes. The awesome journey will take travelers through the southern Ishasha sector of the vast Queen Elizabeth National Park where they will spot the rare tree-climbing lions.
Travellers will then get to Bwindi for gorilla trekking where they will have a life time opportunity of spending one full hour with the rare primate species, the only remaining mountain gorillas.
