Hiking in Uganda: Best Mountains to Climb
Uganda is the perfect place to take your travels one step at a time. From stunning mountain landscapes to roaming the savannah, Uganda is a hiker’s paradise. Read our guide to the best hikes, treks, and even triathlons Uganda has to offer.
The Top 4 Mountains to Climb
1. Rwenzori – Mountains of the Moon
The Rwenzori Mountains offer world-class hiking and mountaineering experiences. The Rwenzori hike takes around nine to twelve days, and you’ll be able to visit the Margherita summit, the highest peak in the range at 5109 metres. You’ll probably have the mountains to yourself, and you don’t need to break the bank to reach the summit, as with a Mount Kilimanjaro experience. But be warned, getting to the peak is no easy feat. The upper Rwenzori is tougher to climb than the Kilimanjaro as its more technical and muddy and you might be subject to altitude sickness.
If you’re not an experienced hiker, there are other shorter, non-technical walks that still offer beautiful views and scenery. Regardless of which route you choose, you’ll enjoy mountain views, different vegetation zones, and a diverse array of animals. This park is home to around 70 different mammals and nearly 220 bird species – some which can only be found in this mountain range.
Best time to summit the Rwenzori Mountains are during the driest months – from December to February and June to August.
2. Mount Elgon & Sipi Falls
Many travellers find Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls to be a fun and exciting alternative to the more challenging climbs available in East Africa. It has many of the same attractions, with a milder climate and lower elevation. Because this hike requires no special equipment or technical experience, you can choose between a long hike or a short day hike. To climb this peak, you’ll need to take a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guide with you from the park gate.
The shortest and most direct route is the Sasa route. This route is a four days roundtrip, with the first day being the hardest. Come prepared for rain and chilly nights.
Best time to summit Mount Elgon are during the driest months – from December to February and June to August.
Best Nature Walks in Uganda
If peaceful walks are more your speed, than read on to find out about good areas for nature walks in Uganda.
Walk among the zebra’s in Lake Mburo National Park – If you’re looking for walking safari in Uganda, Lake Mburo should not be skipped on your road trip. Coking from Kampala, the park lies en-route in between Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National. If you’d like to get off your feet, there are also options to explore the park by horseback or on mountain bikes.
