Things you need to know before climbing Rwenzori Mountains

Things you need to know before climbing Rwenzori Mountains: Rwenzori Mountains is the third tallest mountain in Africa found in Uganda. In Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains are found in the western part of the country inside Rwenzori mountains national park. Rwenzori mountains has the highest point in Uganda at 5109 meters above sea level and for that reason, hikers from different parts of the world want to climb the mountain.

If climbing Rwenzori mountains is on your bucket list, then this article you are about to read is the right one. Hiking Rwenzori is a once in a lifetime experience and we are excited to tell you the different things you need to know before coming to climb Rwenzori mountains in Uganda. Below is a list of things you need to know before hiking Mount Rwenzori.

You need to know that hiking is challenging

Hiking Rwenzori mountains is very challenging but worth it, especially for those that reach the highest point of the mountain at Margherita peak. In the beginning, the hiking tends to be easy but the more you hike to the top the more it becomes tough. The hiking trails on Mountain Rwenzori are very steep and hard to pass through, especially during the rainy season. Hikers who are fit enough will eventually reach the summit and have great views of the surrounding areas while standing at the highest point in Uganda.

You need to know about the best time to climb Mountain Rwenzori

When people think of climbing Rwenzori mountains, there are some who think of the best time to climb the mountain. Well, the dry season is the best time to climb mountain Rwenzori and it does happen from June to September and December to February. During this period, lots of hikers climb mountain Rwenzori because that is when the ground is dry with passable hiking trails, vegetation is short with clear views of attractions on the mountain and the roads leading to the mountain are in good condition.

Hikers going for Rwenzori hiking can still go during the rainy season which happens from March to May and October to November. The activity is done throughout the year however those that hike in the rainy season should know that the hiking trails are muddy and slippery, the vegetation is tall with unclear views of attractions and the clouds are very dark most of the days giving unclear views of the areas nearby.

You need to know the number of days taken to reach the Margherita peak.

Hikers wanting to climb Rwenzori mountains need to know that it takes 7 to 9 days to reach Margherita peak which is the highest point on the mountains. Hikers need to plan early enough the number of days they will hike the mountains based on the time they have on a safari. Hikers are allowed to hike for any number of days they want up to a certain level of the mountain.

You need to choose the service providers for your hiking safari.

There are many service providers on Mountain Rwenzori and when planning to go hiking you need to choose which one to use. Googling about different service providers will enable you to know which are the best ones to use. You can also ask a friend who has hiked before the service provider they used. The service providers are of different process and use different hiking routes therefore you will choose which one to use based on your budget and interest.

Prepare to be cold and wet

Hikers especially those who visit Rwenzori mountains in the rainy season from March to May and October to November need to prepare for cold days. During these months, there is plenty of rainfall almost every day that even if you have a rainy jacket and rainy pants you will still be cold. Even though Rwenzori mountain is located near the equator, areas above 2500 meters will be cold no matter what.

Pack the right equipment

Hikers coming for Rwenzori hiking must pack the right gear in order to enjoy the hiking exercise. If it’s your first time to go hiking Rwenzori Mountains then you need to bring along the right hiking equipment. What to pack for Rwenzori hiking includes a sleeping bag, backpack, long-sleeved clothes, long-sleeved shirts, body belt, stocks, waterproof hiking shoes, ankle gaiters, sunglasses, hats, gloves, toilet tissue, torch, travel towel, wet wipes, headlamp, insect repellent, sunscreen, drinking water bottle, energy giving snacks, a camera, and a pair of binoculars.

Be prepared for huts/tents

There are no constructed lodges on the slopes of mountain Rwenzori and therefore tourists should be aware. Depending on the hiking trails used when hiking Rwenzori mountains, yaou will be staying in either huts or tents. The central circuit trail has huts while Kilembe and Bukurungu trails have got tents.

You will feel uneasy at higher levels of the mountain

The higher you climb on Mountain Rwenzori the more the chances of getting altitude sickness. Hikers are likely to get headaches or nausea while hiking Mountain Rwenzori at an altitude of 3000 meters and above. Hikers who feel uneasy during hiking are asked to tell their guides so that they see if they can get treatment or descend the mountain. The guides are well-trained and are able to take care of hikers during times of altitude sickness.