Why you need to climb Mount Rwenzori
Why you need to climb Mount Rwenzori: Every year thousands of tourists from different parts of the world come to Uganda to climb Mount Rwenzori. Because it is the tallest mountain in Uganda it attracts different people interested in hiking to visit. The snow-capped mountain has beautiful views with different opportunities for taking photos, recording videos, seeing different vegetation as well as wildlife.
Mount Rwenzori is found in the western part of Uganda in Bundibudyo district on the borders of Uganda and DR Congo. The mountain is 5109 meters which makes it the tallest mountain in Uganda and the third tallest mountain in Uganda. Different attractions beautiful to watch are on the slopes of this mountain for example the animals, vegetation, water sources, birds, and much more.
Reasons as to why you need to climb Mount Rwenzori
It’s the tallest mountain in Uganda
Mount Rwenzori is the tallest mountain in Uganda rising to 5109 meters above sea level. The snow-capped mountain has 6 peaks Mount Stanley at 5109 meters, Mount Speke at 4890 meters, Mount Baker at 4843 meters, Mount Emin at 4798 meters, Mount Gessi at 4715 meters, and Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4627 meters.
By hiking Mountain Rwenzori you will be climbing the tallest mountain in Uganda and the third tallest mountain in Africa. It’s a dream come true for many hikers in the world to climb mountains like Rwenzori therefore those who hike and get to the summit will have made their dreams come to reality.
The beautiful plant life
Mount Rwenzori has beautiful plant life which gives a scenic natural beauty. During your hiking on Mount Rwenzori, you will be able to see different plant species on your way to hiking and the slopes of the mountain. Mount Rwenzori has 6 different types of vegetation which provide spectacular and breathtaking scenery. The montane forest. bamboo zone, heather zone, alpine zone, and rock and glacier zone.
The thrilling sense of accomplishment
Standing at Mount Stanley (Margherita peak) the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori is a great memory not easily forgotten. Standing at the tallest point in Uganda is not for everyone so you have to count yourself lucky. By reaching Margherita peak you are standing in both Uganda and DR Congo which is a very big accomplishment.
You need to see the different wildlife
Animals that are found in Mount Rwenzori national park are also found on the lower slopes of Mount Rwenzori. During hiking, there are chances of seeing some of the wildlife that has been recorded in the park. These animals include the giant forest hog, leopards, elephants, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and chimpanzees to mention but a few.
There are over 217 bird species living in Mount Rwenzori national park and hikers have an opportunity to spot a few of them as they go hiking and also on the lower slopes of the mountain. Birds that are likely to be spotted include Montane Rwenzori nightjar, strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, African black duck, red tufted sunbird, Albertine boubou, wattle lapwing, red-headed malimbe, speckled mousebird, variable sunbird, brown crowned tchagra, rameron pigeon, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori apalis, Rwenzori hill babbler, yellow fronted tinkerbird, shikra to mention but a few.
Porters make hiking easy
Mount Rwenzori has porters who are always at the starting points of the hike to help tourists who have excess luggage. These porters are from the nearby areas looking for daily food and other basic needs. During the Rwenzori hiking, hikers can carry only day backpacks and the porters can help with the rest. When porters help carry the luggage, it does increase the chances of hikers reaching the summit.
Plan your hiking safari to Mount Rwenzori
Are you ready to hike Mount Rwenzori on your next safari to Uganda or Africa? At Africa Adventure Vacations, we can help you make your dream come true by organizing a memorable safari to Mount Rwenzori national park where you will be able to hike Rwenzori the tallest mountain in Uganda. You will have to send us an email 3 to 4 months in advance and we plan according to the number of days you will be having on a safari.
When to visit Mount Rwenzori for hiking
Mount Rwenzori is best hiked during the dry season from June to September and December to February. During these months there is little rainfall and plenty of sunshine within the area and this makes hiking easy. The hiking trails are dry and passable making it easy for hikers to get to the summit, and the vegetation is short with good views of different attractions on the mountain and the surrounding areas.
Hikers can still come for Rwenzori hiking during the rainy season from March to May and October to November. This period favors the budget travelers who are looking for budget packages and we don’t recommend it as the best time. It has too much rainfall which makes the hiking trails muddy and slippery, vegetation is tall with unclear views of some of the attractions and the skies are always dark.
