The Rwenzori Mountains is a World Heritage Site and offers the opportunity to see nature at its best. It is located in South Western Uganda on the edge of western rift valley shared by Kabale, Rukingiri and Kisoro Districts. The Rwenzori Mountains were previously Ruwenzori Range sometimes the Mountains of the Moons. It is 996 Km-sq with an elevation of 1700m to 5109m on top of Margherita peak on Mountain Stanley. It is accessible from Kasese.
The magical “Mountains of The Moon” lie in Western Uganda on the Congolese border, with snow-covered, equatorial peaks rising to height of 5110 m and lower slopes blanketed in moorland and rich montane forest with bamboo on the lower slopes. Rwenzori is accessible to hikers with outstanding landscape and 19 Albertine Rift endemics, amongst them; Rwenzori Turaco and Shelley's Crimson-wing, would be ample reward for the courageous, backpacking birder.
The plant life varies from heavy tropical rainforest, bamboo forests, montane cloud forests to alpine vegetation and the scenery is truly spectacular. Above 4,500 metres the snow and glaciers add that special dimension to the wondrous views throughout this pristine mountain range. The Rwenzori Mountains have been selected as one of the World's Best Hikes by National Geographic. Rwenzori Mountain service in conjunction with Uganda wildlife Authority organizes the hikes.
The Mountain has six massifs separated by deep gorges; Mount Stanley (5,109m), Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Baker (4,843m), Mount Emin (4,798m), Mount Gessi (4,715m) and Mount Luigi di Savoa (4,627m). Mount Stanley is the largest and has several summits with Margherita being the highest point. Mountain is usually enveloped in clouds. Mountains of the moon are better for visitation during January-February and July-August and takes 6- days for the mountain loop and 3 days for a hike. Margherita is the highest peak of Mt. Rwenzori and it can take a nine to twelve day trek to reach the peak.
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What to carry for the Mount Rwenzori hike
- Non-cotton shirts; any shirt that is quick drying and wicks away moisture is going to be your best bet. Take half of your trekking day's shirts.
- Long sleeve shirts; to keep you warm and keep the sun from directly hitting your skin. Two is a good number for the whole trip. They should be lightweight and breathable polyester.
- Waterproof Pairs of pants; trekking pants or jeans fine when it doesn't rain and are not tight. Carry a pair.
- Waterproof hiking boots; that can get wet without making your feet wet since you will be navigating soggy open meadows, crossing streams and climbing stairs.
- Jacket; A water proof jacket with a hood will serve a basic job of keeping you dry in case of rain.
- Sandals; after a long day moving, your feet will not want to be in boots. Sandals will be good when in the hut to shower and go to the bathroom.
- Pairs of socks; to absorb moisture from your feet. Pack a pair for each day and night.
- Backpack; to carry a few things that you will need to use during the day. The rest of your property should be in a duffel style bag to make carrying easier for the porters.
- First aid kit; as you move anything might happen more especially in the rocky areas, you might accidentally slip and get injured. The kit should have essentials like a bandage for any twists, anti diarrheal like Imodium or some other sort, iodine wipes for any cuts, pain killers, moleskin for blisters, high altitude medication in case you are concerned about altitude sickness.
- Good sleeping bag; invest in a mummy style 0 degree sleeping bag that's warm enough even at higher altitude.
- Headlamp; no electricity in the huts you will need a head lamp or flashlight help you find your way in the night. To reach Margherita peak the hike from the hut starts at 2am, so you will need to invest in a good head lamp that has a long battery life.
- Microfiber towel (or a handkerchief); it will get colder and colder as you go higher, you will get a running nose, bring a towel that dries very fast.
- Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses/lip moisturizer
- Snacks; like energy bars, protein bars, multivitamins in case you don't like what The Rwenzori hiking service providers provide.
- Extra camera battery and extra memory cards; to capture the memories.
- Water filter; as you will get the water from the rivers and streams in the mountains because it's clean. The locals drink it and they are okay. Bring water filters if you don't trust it.
- Gloves; good in areas where the temperatures are too low, cold nights and when moving on the glacier areas since it's too cold.
- Waterproof Poncho; provides the best rain cover for you and the day bag you are carrying.
- Trekking Poles; with daily climbs taking more than 5 hours, trekking poles will come in handy and help you at every turn. They reduce strain on your joints by around 25%.
- Cleaning Essentials; remember to carry your Toothbrush and Toothpaste, Soap, deodorant. A huge packing list as this can make one forget the essential personal effects.
- Ankle Gaiters; to keep the mud and the water away from your shoes.
- Insect Repellant; that contains high percentages of DEET. This is because mosquito bites are not fun and do really hurt for some people. The low ranges are very rich with insects.
- Toilet Tissue; It is better to have extra than run out when you are up in the snow.
- Crampons; marked as C2 and C3 are ideal for mountain climbing and you should keep this in mind as you buy. Wear crampons on your climbing shoes to improve your traction, stability on the snow especially for Mt Stanley or Mt Baker.
- Ice Axe; the perfect snow/ice hiking tool to help you both as you ascend and as you descend. This is for climbing Mount Stanley and baker - on which a trail to the peaks goes through the snow. Ice axes can be rented before the start of the hike or carry yours.
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