Uganda crowned the “Pearl of Africa” is blessed with the different components that make our geographical landscape the most beautiful in Africa.
With the different mountains and highlands across the country, Uganda positions itself as the desired destination for mountain climbers.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the hikers’ paradise in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich in unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant lobelia.
It will take you up to 12 days or less to hike to the Margherita peak the highest point on the Mountain and covered by glaciers
Many trails have been created to cater for the interests of the different hikers and among the many is the central circuit that takes you through the different vegetation zones and as well the crater lakes on the mountain creating the beautiful scenery.
Mount Elgon national park.
Once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m, Mount Elgon has experienced an epoch of erosion that have reduced its height to 4,321m, placing it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.
Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. The mountain is located on the Uganda-Kenya border and considered the oldest and largest solitary volcanic mountain in East Africa. It rises about 3,000m above the surrounding plains.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating a widespread trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
Mount Mgahinga Gorilla Mountain
Crowned by its gentleness, Mgahinga is and has been the hiker’s choice located about a 10 minute drive from Kisoro town a centre town between Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. There are a number of different kinds of hikes on the mountain and that gives you a choice to choose what best suits your interest on the mountain considering your physical ability, interest on the mountain and the pace at which you hike. There are 3 volcanoes that one has a clear view while hiking the Mgahinga that you can access from this park therefore the choice is always yours depending to the fitness and the amount of time you have. Plenty of attractions that makes the hike to the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga fun and really rewarding
The two trails of Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhavura will require more than a day to cover the 14km and 12 km respectively. They are also much steeper than the day hikes to climb to the top of each of these volcanoes. However, the views, while climbing and on the top is epic! On the Sabinyo hike you get to stand in the three countries of Uganda, DRC and Rwanda at the same time.
Mount Mgahinga hikes can be done alongside the Gorilla tracking, Golden Monkey tracking or Batwa trail hiking.