Mountain Hiking in Uganda.

Without a doubt, Uganda is a hiker's paradise given its attractive mountain landscapes, breathtaking peaks, and endless wilderness. The availability of enough hiking spots from the great Rwenzori mountain, Mountain Elgon in the far East part,

Mountain Moroto in the North and the volcano mountains in the Virunga range. The stunning views of the neighboring countries, and other warm attractions after making it to the summits also make the whole Uganda hiking safaris unexceptional.

Some of the attractions that can be sighted while at the peaks of Uganda's mountains like Rwenzori, Elgon, and the volcanoes may include national parks, crater lakes, Rivers, and other fascinating attractions.

Hiking safaris in Uganda are once in a lifetime opportunity and can never be missed on a large number of tourists' bucket lists. A perfect combination of tracking the primates of mountain gorillas, especially in the lower slopes of the volcanoes, and then later accompanied by hiking is all that the pearl of Africa has to offer and other several exciting tourism activities. While on hiking experience, several birds, plants, butterflies, and wildlife species can also be spotted making the whole Uganda climbing experience such a remarkable one.       

Uganda Hiking Destinations.

Mountain Rwenzori.

Also known as "Mountains of the Moon", mountain Rwenzori is Africa's third highest mountain and undoubtedly gives the most unforgettable and breathtaking hiking experience. Situated along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mountain Rwenzori is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the African continent.

It carries pride as the best mountain for climbing and hiking adventures and just 9^th on the global scene. Sitting on a width of 65km and 120km in length, the mountains of the moon harbor a wide range of endemic wildlife, stunning rivers, lakes, and breath-taking waterfalls which all make up the Mountain Rwenzori National Park. There are six peaks on the Rwenzori and these include Mt Stanley, Mt Speke, Mt Baker, Mt Emin, Mt Gessi, and Mt Luigi di Savoia.

Several hiking trails that will enable travelers to make it to the summit can be spotted, the most popular hiking trail on the Rwenzori is the Central Circuit. With the Central circuit, travelers shall be able to make it to the highest peak of Rwenzori famously known as Margherita. This trail is the most convenient one and takes about 8 days or 7 nights to make it to the summit.

Making it to the final peak of Rwenzori is not a walk-over and therefore demands physical fitness and better health from hikers. It offers the most rewardable and breathtaking experience as visitors will get to sight all the neighboring East African countries, several attractions like other volcanoes in the Virunga, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and some of the iconic national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, and more.    

Mountain Elgon.

The quaint Elgon sits comfortably on the Ugandan and Kenyan border and stands at 4,321 meters tall. Elgon is the 4^th highest mountain in the East African region and the 8^th in Africa but surprisingly, it used to be the highest on the African continent until it was eroded down to its current height.

The highest peak of Elgon is Wagagai which is on the Ugandan side. The mountain is also home to several wildlife species that can be spotted while on a hiking adventure. Getting to the summit of Wagagai takes just 5 days on a good weather day.  Piswa and Sasa trails are the popular trails to the last summit of the tranquil Mountain Elgon.

Mountain Sabyinyo.

Standing at 12,037 ft, approximately 3,669 meters, Mountain Sabyinyo is one of the most challenging volcanoes for hikes and demands adequate physical capability. The hiking process of this beauty demands travelers and hikers to ascend from the first to the last peak which is the third one.

The lower slopes of mountain Sabyinyo are dominated by bamboo, Afro-montane, and part of the swampy domination. Ascending to the second peak of this interesting volcano enables the visitors to get to the trio-border point bordering all three countries in the volcanic range, these include Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The opportunity also comes with the most spectacular views of these three countries.

Of the three volcanoes in Virunga, hiking the Sabyinyo is the most challenging yet exciting experience. The whole climbing session at Sabyinyo starts around 7:30 am and can take about 10-14 hours of long walks and hiking.  Climbing up to the last peak of Mountain Sabyinyo will also reward travelers with an opportunity to have the most stunning views of other volcanoes like Mt Karisimbi, Mt Mikeno, and Mt Bisoke.

Mountain Muhabura. 

Muhabura's elevation goes as high as 13,540 ft and about 4,127 meters making it the third highest peak of the Virunga mountains. The dramatic volcano is dominated by 2 crater lakes including one on top, and the last one at its base separating from Mountain Mgahinga on the other end. The base crater lake is characterized by swamps. Travelers shall also be able to notice the large conical-shaped towers of Muhabura elevating up in the clouds. Mt Muhabura is of no doubt insanely demanding, and even for the seasoned experienced hikers, the volcano demands the most physical ability, especially towards its peak.

It's funny how the descending is as tough as the ascending Muhabura, characterized by dramatic steep slopes, making it a challenge especially for inexperienced hikers to make it. The last peak of Muhabura can be reached in 7 hours considering weather and other related factors.

The most stressful part is always between the 1^st and 2^nd hut at 3117 meters and 3860 meters respectively almost towards the last summit. The whole experience is no lie demanding, yet rewardable when one gets to the summit, as they get to have the most spectacular views of the neighboring volcanoes, crater lake, and other peaks.