Have you ever dreamt of mountain hiking or you have been wondering “where in the world can I have a one of a kind of hiking experience?” Uganda could be all you have been dreaming about.
What is mountain hiking?
Mountain hiking is a leisure activity or sport where participants embark on the long, usually strenuous walks up and down the mountains. The activity is adventurous since it has multiple experiences depending on the area and nature of the mountain you are hiking.
WHERE TO DO HIKING ADVENTURES IN UGANDA?
Uganda’s beautiful geographical nature presents to her visitors an opportunity to experience the best hiking adventures. Mountain hiking in Uganda has fully developed in a number of areas among which include the following;
Mt. Sabyinyo.
Located in Kisoro district, Mt. Sabyinyo forms part of the three peaks of Virunga Mountains, known to offer the best hiking experience. Mt. Sabyinyo’s summit lies at a height of 3,669 meters above the sea level. It marks the boarder of Uganda, DRC and Rwanda. Hiking can be done at Sabyinyo and the other two, Muhabura and Mgahinga mountains.
Other than mountain hiking, a number of other activities can be done around Mt. Sabyinyo and these include but not limited to the following; golden monkey trekking, bird watching, visiting Garama caves and Batwa trails.
Mt. Rwenzori.
Located in the western wing of Uganda, mountain Rwenzori is also known as the “mountains of the moon.” It is also the only snow-capped mountain in the equatorial climate region (ranked the 3rd highest mountain in Africa with its highest Margherita peak towering to 5,109 meters). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The mountain is home to a number of animals and plant species some of which are endemic to the region for example the Rwenzori climbing mouse, Rwenzori turaco and the Rwenzori red duiker.
Hiking Mount. Rwenzori is somewhat challenging since its trails are wet, slippery and muddy. The mountain also provides spectacular hiking experiences in Uganda and Africa as a whole.
Mt. Elgon.
Tucked between Uganda and Kenya at a height of 4,321 meters, mountain Elgon is believed to have the largest base in the entire world upon which a number of human settlements can be hiked either from Kenya or Uganda to reach the top for three to five days.
The adventure will see you through mountain bamboo trail to Kapkwai Cave as you go via tropical and bamboo forests. On your journey, you must encounter birds, primates and tree species of different kinds. It also involves the 5 kilometer walk to the Chebonet falls in addition to the 11 kilometer hike to the Tutum Cave with an option of camping at the cave for a night.
Mt. Muhabura.
Commonly known as “the guide”, Mount. Muhabura is an extinct Volcano placed at the border of Uganda and Rwanda lying partly in the Volcanoes national park on the side of Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National park on the side of Uganda. It is Uganda’s third tallest mountain at an elevation of 4,127 meters.
Hiking Mount. Muhabura is a memorable experience that will never leave you the same, it is characterized by scenic views of the country as well as wildlife for example birds, primates, mountain gorillas and buffaloes.
It takes only eight hours to travel from Kampala city to Muhabura Mountain by road.
Mt. Moroto.
Located in the Karamoja sub-region, Mount. Moroto is an ancient extinct volcano that rises to over 3000 meters. It is made of scenic landscape with a population of about 40,000 people (Tapeth) considered to be the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Choosing to hike the mountain would be one of the best choices since you will be able to take a glance at cave paintings, community walks and water falls and multiple species of birds.
Best time to visit Uganda for hiking adventures.
Hiking is an all-year-round activity in Uganda; however, it is advisable to visit the country for hiking during the dry season (December to February and June to August). This is the period when the trails are not muddy, wet and slippery.
NOTE: endeavor to have a proper hiking gear, sturdy shoes, rain boots and other relevant equipment for you to have the best hiking experience in Uganda.