Are you ready to explore Uganda on foot? Are you interested in short or long hikes in Uganda?
Uganda is a hiker’s paradise since it is comprised of stunning landscapes that range from the savannah to the tropical forested land. The journey to the pearl of Africa can never disappoint you as long as we organize, plan, and conduct your safari. Uganda is known as the Pearl Africa located in the East African region. Most travelers know Uganda as a home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas and the tree-climbing lions, however, Uganda’s wildlife is beyond.
Hiking tours in Uganda can be short or long depending on your time and budget. We organize hiking tours to both big mountains and small hills in different corners of the country. Major hiking destinations include the following.
Rwenzori Mountain
This is the highest point in Uganda and the second in East Africa after Mt Kilimanjaro which stands at 5,895 meters above sea level. The highest peak of Rwenzori is Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley standing at 5109 meters above sea level. A complete hiking circuit to the peak takes about 8-9 days.
Mountaineering services in the Rwenzori mountains organize short and long walks or hikes which expose you to Bakonzo culture. You can also encounter rare and unique plant species like the giant lobelias, animals like the rare three-horned chameleon, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. You will also spot some birds like the Rwenzori turaco and more, rivers, glaciers and lakes can’t be missed on a long hike.
Rwenzori mountains form Rwenzori Mountains National Park a UNESCO world heritage site in western Uganda. There are different routes used to hike Rwenzori. These include the central circuit which is the most common one and the Kilembe trail. There are other trails such as the Bujuku Valley Trail, Mahoma Trail, and Karangura Trail, and more. These normally take a few days not more than 7 to complete the circuit.
Mountain Elgon
Mount Elgon is located in eastern Uganda bordering Kenya. Its highest peak is Wagagai standing at 4,321m above sea level. This mountain forms Mountain Elgon National Park home to over 300 bird species. This mountain is believed to have been the highest in Africa. However, beaches of erosion have reduced it to the 4th position in East Africa and 8th in Africa.
Hiking to the peak rewards you with enjoying the caves, plants, and primates like red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons, and more. Mount Elgon is home to two cultures the Sabiny and the Bagisu. For travelers interested in hiking Mount Elgon, we normally advise them to add Sipi Falls to their bucket list. Sipi Falls is a series of 3 waterfalls at different intervals. The hike is through local communities, coffee plantations, and more.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga is located in far southwestern Uganda neighboring Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It offers a great hiking experience. This park is mainly known for hosting rare primates the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and these primates can be trekked here. Mgahinga has several mountains of the Virunga massif however, Mount Sabyinyo offers the best hiking adventure.
At 3,669m above sea level on the summit of Mount Sabyinyo, hikers can be rewarded with a chance to stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same point. This trail is amazing as you have a high chance of meeting mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other bird species.
Mount Moroto
Mount Moroto is an ancient extinct volcano located in Karamoja and it stands at 3000 meters above sea level but it’s less known. Hiking to the summit can take about 2-3 days depending on the speed and physique of the hiker. The trail rewards hikers with caves, waterfalls, and different bird species. You can also opt to have a short hike for about 6 hours to learn more about this mountain.
There are other hiking areas mostly offered by community projects for example, in Kibale Forest National Park, and Hikes to the top of the world hill. This trail is through tea plantations, communities, the local market, crater lakes, and a forest. The summit stands at 1450 meters and offers an aerial view of 3 crater lakes, the Kibale forest, tea estates, and the surrounding communities.
For the best hiking safari to Uganda, contact us now and we plan the most memorable adventure in your lifetime.