The Rwenzori Mountains are snow-capped mountains found in the western part of Uganda and next to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountains measure a distance of 120 km long and 65 km wide making it the largest in Africa. It was the Explorer Henry Morton Stanley who came up with the name “Rwenzori ” in 1888. Rwenzori means “rain maker” among the Bakonjo people who live along the foot hills of the mountain. The Rwenzori mountains were declared as a national park in Uganda in the year of 1991. This was followed by its recognition as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. The Rwenzori Mountains became a Ramsar site in 2008 because of their international scientific importance.
The Rwenzori mountains are made up of 6 ranges unlike free standing volcanic mountains like Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro and others. The 6 peaks of the Rwenzori mountains include Mount Stanley whose peak is known as Margherita measuring a height of 5,109m. The next highest is Mount Speke at a height of 4,890m while Mount Baker is the third highest at a height of 4,843m. The others include Mount Emin at a height of 4,798m and Mount Gessi at a height of 4,715m. It is important to note that Mount Gessi cuts across the border into the side of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 6th and lowest peak is Luigi Di Savaio at a height of 4627m.
The Rwenzori mountains are categorized by rocky outcrops, various vegetation zones that vary with altitude, cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, streams, snow-capped peaks and glaciers which can be seen all year round. The presence of snow at the different peaks is special given that the mountains are located close to the equator. The areas in and around the mountain ranges receive heavy rainfall all year round. These heavy rains have influenced the growth of dense/green rain-forests at the lower slopes of the mountains in addition to creating snow at the peaks. Unfortunately, climate change has reduced the size of the glaciers in recent years.
Climbing Mountain Rwenzori
Rwenzori Mountains Trekking is considered as one of the most challenging but fun-filled and exciting hiking experience especially when you make it to the Margherita peak on Mount Stanley. Mount Stanley is the 4th highest mountain in the continent of Africa and the Margherita peak is the highest point in 
Uganda. Travelers can hike the Rwenzori mountains depending on their physical abilities and preferences. They can choose to either go for low altitude trekking which doesn’t go beyond 4000m and lasts between 2-4 days. The high altitude trekking involves climbing beyond 4000m and reaching for the highest peak in a span of between 2 to12 days. Trekkers decide on the number of days based in their level of fitness. Longer treks are popular because it allows participants to get accustomed to the weather changes within the mountains. Check out the popular 9 Day Rwenzori Mountain hiking package for more details.
Travelers can decide to hike the Rwenzori mountains as a stand-alone destination or they can combine the trek with visiting other amazing tourist destinations in Uganda. These destinations include the Queen Elizabeth national park which is home to tree climbing lions or Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park which
is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. These sites are all located close to the mountains and in the western part of the country.
It should be noted that the mountains can only be conquered by foot. Travelers are required to be physically fit because it is strenuous completing even the low altitude hikes. The Rwenzori mountains have been declared a technical climb recently. This implies that all those who are planning to go for mountaineering and other activities should train themselves in advance. This training can be in form of taking part in sporting activities which are equally challenging so as to be fit enough or mentally ready.
Routes for Hiking Mount Rwenzori
There are two main routes for accessing the mountain ranges of Rwenzori. They include the central circuit which connects to the mountains from the eastern side and then the southern circuit which connects to the mountains from the Kilembe side. The Kilembe route is popular with seasoned hikers because its longer hence allowing for acclimatization. The route is more challenging hence offering a more thrilling hiking experience. It’s important to note that both access routes offer beautiful hut accommodations made out of timber and fitted with bunk beds. Toilets are found in a separate hut. Travelers have the option of going all the way to mountain peaks or exploring the slopes of the mountain. Such hikes allow visitors to see beautiful lakes, rivers, caves, waterfalls, rare vegetation and more striking physical features as we will discuss more later.
Rwenzori mountains trekking takes you through 5 different vegetation zones that vary with altitude. You will first encounter lush green rain forests with dense canopies on the lower slopes and at an altitude between 1,765m and 2,600m. Next is the bamboo zone at altitudes between 2600m to 3000m. The Heather zone is found between 3000m to 3800m. The fourth zone is the moorland at an altitude of between 3800m to 4500m. Lastly are the Rocky glaciers at 4500m with alpine vegetation types that are only found in the area.
Climbing Mount Rwenzori is highly rewarding for those who love nature. It provides opportunities to encounter wildlife including chimpanzees, monkeys, forest elephants and antelopes among others. Birders can expect to spot the rare Rwenzori Turaco, long-eared owls, blue-headed sun-birds, golden-winged sunbirds and a lot more. The rare plants to see while passing through the different vegetation zones are the giant cacti, giant lobelias, giant Heather trees, giant groundsels, mosses and lichens among others.
Best time for hiking Mount Rwenzori
Hiking Mount Rwenzori can be done all year round but most Travelers prefer trekking during the dry seasons between the months of June to early September and then between December to February. The Rwenzori National park has few crowds as not many are registered for mountain climbing. This allows hikers to have the best experiences with the entire park all to themselves.
How to Access the Rwenzori Mountains
Travelers can get to the Rwenzori mountains by traveling to Kasese district first. Kasese is the closest major town to the mountains. To get to Kasese, one can choose air or road transport. It takes just an hour to get to Kasese by flight from either Entebbe or Kampala. There is a flight leaving Entebbe at 7am 
and 12:30 noon on a daily basis. A road trip to Kasese takes between 6 to 8 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. One can decide to use public means of bus transportation to Kasese or plan with A trusted tour operator in Uganda. On arrival, travelers check into one of the hotels in Kasese or at the foot of the mountains to rest as they prepare to begin hiking the next day.
On the day of the hike, participants gather at the park offices for briefing. They are then assigned to experienced Guides, a cook and porters to accompany them. All the Guides at the Rwenzori mountains national park are well trained in everything pertaining to the hike. They know all the special climbing techniques, how to ensure equipment is in excellent condition, how to give first aid and how to quickly notice signs of altitude related sicknesses. They can also arrange for immediate rescue in case of a major problem.
Cost of Hiking Mount Rwenzori and Accommodation options
What is the cost of climbing Mount Rwenzori? The cost of hiking the Rwenzori mountains depends on the number of people in a trekking group as well as the number of days decided upon for trekking. The complete experience costs about $2500 per person. That amount includes the permit, porters, meals and the accommodation.
Regarding accommodation, many hikers love the Trekkers Hostel in Kilembe. This hostel is a converted former copper mine building that was renovated to cater for tourists. It has an amazing view of the Rwenzori mountains, the Nyamwamba river and other amazing physical features. If there is no space at the Trekkers Hostel, one can also consider the Sandton hotel located in Kasese.
As earlier noted, the only accommodations while up the mountains are wooden huts crafted specifically to keep Travelers well protected from the sometimes extreme weather conditions. Safety of Traveler equipment was also put in mind when constructing the wooden huts. Meals are prepared by a qualified cook and porters. The meals are fresh, healthy and carefully chosen to boost the body as it deals with the strenuous hike.
Packing List for Rwenzori Mountains Trekking
It is important that Travelers pack items relevant to the type of trek they wish to engage in. High altitude trekking gear may slightly differ from those of low altitude trekking and so one has to plan on what to 
carry along accordingly. Some of the items that cut across both types of treks include T-shirts, free walking trousers, hiking boots, simple trainer shoes, heavy waterproof jackets, light hats, heavy/light hand gloves, torches with spare batteries and sleeping bags. Other items on a packing list include strong polythene bags to protect personal items from undesirable weather conditions. Hikers should also consider packing snacks, energy boosters/motivators and personal first aid kit. Although safe water is supplied at refreshment centers along the trails, consider packing water treatment tablets to make sure you drink safe water at all times.
Conclusively, trekking mountain Rwenzori is one of the most exciting travel experiences in Uganda that Travelers ought not to miss. Some of the money generated from Hiking Mount Rwenzori is channeled to projects that enhance the lives of people living in surrounding communities. More specifically, some percentage of the trekking fees is used to develop community infrastructures like roads, schools and hospitals among others. By signing up for the hike, you are indirectly giving back to the community.
