Rwenzori Trekking: The Essential Rwenzori Trekking Guide

Rwenzori Trekking: The Essential Rwenzori Trekking Guide

Rwenzori Trek, Margherita Peak Uganda

Rwenzori mountains have become a premier destination attracting trekkers from allover the world to discover the beauty of this hidden gem. Located in the western part of Uganda on the boarder with Congo Rwenzori mountains are home to Africa’s third highest peak Margherita peak that offers hikers breathtaking views of its glacial peak. Planning for a Rwenzori trekking is an activity that requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and comfortable hiking though out your visit in the Rwenzori mountains. For a successful adventure the first step to is ensuring you have planned efficiently considering all the major factors that will allow you have an enjoyable experience during your Rwenzori trek.

Choosing the time to Hike

The first step to consider during the panning process is when you desire to travel to the Rwenzori mountains. When you decide to take on your Rwenzori trek is a crucial factor that is affected by the two season that are experienced within the Rwenzori mountains. When choosing The best time to hike Rwenzori mountains, consider the drier months that range from December to March and June through September. These provide optimal whether conditions with dry trails, clear views that are more manageable as compared to the wet season. Considering the above mentioned months is an assurance of a successful Rwenzori trek whether you are summiting the peaks or just visiting the Rwenzori mountains to discover its indescribable beauty. The wet season is muddy and very slippery making it unsafe as well as uncomfortable for hikers and for those who intend to reach the summit the whether is not ideal as you may receive rain while at the peak .

Choosing the Duration of your Rwenzori trek

The second aspect that is very crucial as you plan to consider your Rwenzori trek is how long you want to spend in the mountains. The duration of your trek is entirely up to you but also highly depends on your fitness, experience level, and what you want to achieve. The most prominent activity in the Rwenzori is the summit of Margherita peak this can be done within a shortest period of 5 days for very experienced hikers this is possible on the Central circuit trail actually some hikers have done it within 3 and 4 days only. However the most recommended time is 7 days on the Central circuit trail and 8 days on the Kilembe trail. With a wide range of options hikers have a choose the time they require to use to summit Margherita peak even within 8 -10 days as the experience they get is totally very unique.

Selecting the route

After knowing the duration you require to spend on your Rwenzori trek , its very essential to also chose the right route , as the route determines whether your required duration can be supported. The Central circuit route is the easiest and shortest route to that leads hikers to the summit of Margherita peak. The Kilembe route is steep and a longer route so its crucial to ensure that the duration of the hike matched with the route chosen for example its impossible to do 5days or less to summit Margherita peak on Kilembe trail, Hikers with more time are encouraged to take on Kilembe trail as it offers very unique features. When choosing the route its very important to check with the fitness level and at some point the experience in hiking may be required for a successful trek in the Rwenzori mountains.

Budgeting and costing

As the planning process , budgeting is one aspect we cant do without, its a primary factor that ensures your a successful trip knowing what you are spend and you set this aside in advance. Its very important to know the costs that will be associated with your Rwenzori mountains, from the real trekking fees that always include park fees meals, guides , porters and accommodation in the mountains as well as the equipment which is available or within the package or to be rented. After ascertaining these, consider other sunk costs like the transfer costs from Entebbe, Accommodation costs of the night before and after trekking and finally the tipping or other personal expenses like alcohol and sourvnious. Flights, visa and insurance are other costs to consider during the budgeting process. Additionally the choice of route can affect your budgeting as well as the number of people bigger groups are likely to enjoy discounted offers same with the number of days or the choice of package the hiker intends to do.

Choice of Package/Itinerary

Rwenzori mountains has a wide range of trekking options offering hikers with a variety of options to choose from. Its very important to choose from the wide range of option or itineraries available for the Rwenzori trek to ensure hikers take on a package that aligns with their goals, capability and budget. Much as the main activity in the Rwenzori mountains is the summit of Margheita peak its not every bones goal and choice. Hikers can summit other peaks within the Rwenzori mountains , its nit a competition and choosing a package that can bring you to appreciate and discover the hidden beauty of the Rwenzori mountains is very important. Packages that range from one days nature walk, visit to falls, Mahoma trail nature walk, visit to Mahoma lake, Mutinda lookout, Bujjuku visit, Central circuit trail, are all available for the consumption of trekkers. Some of these packages are less strenuous and can be done by all kind of adventurers with or without mountaineering experience. Other peaks in the Rwenzori mountains are also available and can be explored either independently or in combination with either Margherita or with the others.

Hiking Rwenzori as a group/solo?

Every experience in the mountain is very enjoyable when you are in a group, shared hiking allows hikers to bond and share the experiences at the mend of each day’s hike. Its important to consider whether you prefer to hike alone or with a group, joining our groups on the scheduled dates allows you not be alone and you are like to save some dollars. On the other hand hiking solo allows you have a more personalized experience you can decide to make you trek shorter if you are well experienced without having to worry of any op inion as in a group.

Choosing a reliable tour operator

The planning process can be tedious, but with the help of an experienced tour operator that is reliable is very crucial for a successful and safe Rwenzori trek. With numerous tour companies offering trekking services in the region its essential to choose an operator with a strong reputation at Rwenzori trekking experts we don’t just deliver quality service but plan with you right from the start, with reliability, expertise and a lot of caution to ensure our clients are safe, comfortable and feel value for each dollar. With our well organized packages, professional guides, chefs and porters our reservation team will tailor you the Rwenzori itinerary to cater for all your trekking needs and provide you with all the information to ensure you have a memorable hike on your Rwenzori hike.

Choosing the Accommodation before and after the hike?

As you plan for your Rwenzori trek, its crucial to consider where you will be lodging on the night before and after the trek. We highly recommend hikers to spend a night at the base camp either Nyakalengeji in Ibanda Kasese or in Kilembe at the Trekkers hostel. In Nyakalengeji there a wide range of options from midrange option to budget, Snow heights lodge is a descent and well maintained lodge that is located only 100m from the park gate, its location makes it best desirable and its just above river Mubuku. There is Ruboni community camp comfortable lodge offering hikers with comfortable stay. Other include Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori back packers and so on. Hikers can opt to spend these two nights in Kasese with several options of lodges like Santon hotel, Kasese tourist hotel among the many.

Booking of flights

After ensuring all the above plans have been executed the step is too book you air tickets. Booking flight to Uganda, you will have to land in Entebbe International airport the gateway into the Country. From here you can plan on how to get to Kasese which the primary staring point for all the mountain activities with various options that range from domestic flights, public bus or private vehicle hire. Trekkers can also land within the neighboring cities like Kigali and access Rwenzori mountains easily or even Nairobi or Kilimanjaro airports and then connect with domestic flights or by road transfers.

Checking for the necessary vaccinations required

As you plan to come to Uganda there may not be any necessary vaccinations required for the hiking of Rwenzori mountains, however the entry requirement to Uganda is a yellow fever vaccine. Its important to have an updates yellow fever vaccine before coming to Uganda as they will be asked at the immigration point of every entry point in Uganda. Its also important to ensure you check with your health status before coming for the Rwenzori trek hiking to Rwenzori needs a healthy person.

Start your trainings / Walk

Walking and preparing physically ahead of the Rwenzori trek is very necessary, the Rwenzori mountains are a challenging terrain with steep ascents and rugged terrain that require a lot of effort. The mountain is also associated with very high altitudes that requires hikers to adjust to this through having either yoga or physical exercises. You are required to also prepare mentally for the challenge ahead, with a positive mental attitude to push till the summit. Strengthening all the body parts during aerobics or exercises allows hikers conquer the challenging terrain easily. Incorporating a regular routine that involves trails with high elevation ensures the body is adjusting to high altitudes which will help you overcome the high altitudes that are associated with low oxygen level.

Booking a visa and travel insurance

The entry pass to Uganda is a visa which is available online and essential to consider during the planning process. This can be obtained online through applying two weeks, prior to the time of travel. Ensure the passport is updated with enough blank pages for the entry and exit stamps. Travel insurance is required for the Rwenzori trek, and this is not available in Uganda. Hikers are required to have a travel insurance for medical coverage emergencies, trip cancelation and lost or delayed luggage and personal liability. Ensure to get a insurance cover that caters for high altitude and emergency evacuations incase of anything.

Packing list check

For a successful trek in the Rwenzori mountains, a proper packing list is essential. The mountains packing list requires technical equipment, personal equipment and essential /general equipment for the comfort and to avoid inconvenience. Before embarking on a Rwenzori trip its very crucial to ensure you check the items packed. Warm or thermal clothes that keep your body with warm temperatures are necessary especially at higher altitudes. Hikers can check if they have the necessary equipment of they are summiting Margherita to avoid surprises, crampons, ice axe, ropes, harness, helmet. Sleeping bag very warm to protect you from the coldness is necessary, waterproof bags, water bottles, among the many for more of this list hikers can check with the packing list for Rwenzori mountains.

In conclusion planning for Rwenzori trekking involves a series of steps which all together when considered contribute to successful and enjoyable adventure in the Rwenzori ranges. Starting with the best time choosing a favorable month with optimal whether condition is crucial, further the duration of the hike, then choice of route , through to selecting the package and tour operator like Rwenzori trekking experts who continue to out compete others , all these together ensure you don’t have any regrets on your safari. The accommodation to before and after the trek is also crucial so is the transfer from Entebbe to Kasese. The panning also involves booking of flights ensuring you deal with the right airline while considering your budget for not only the tickets but entire trip helps you plan efficiently. Lastly training both mentally and physically is a very crucial step in the planning for a Rwenzori trek is is the packing list check as well as the visa requirements. Prepare well and in advance for a smooth and remarkable Rwenzori trek .