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When Is the Best Time to Climb Mount Rwenzori?
The Rwenzori Mountains may be visited at any time of year, although the best time to climb them is during the dry seasons, which last from June to August and from December to February.
A lot of hikers keep inquiring about the ideal time to climb the Rwenzori Mountains, so they want to know the most crucial period for people who want to travel to Africa’s third tallest peak. The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, are located in western Uganda, near the Uganda-Congo border. The tropical snow peaks include Africa’s third highest point, and the lower slopes are covered in moorland, bamboo, and lush, damp montane forest. enormous lobelias and “everlasting flowers” are strewn across the slope with enormous tree heathers and multicolored mosses, creating an exquisite, fairy-tale landscape.
When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Rwenzori?
The Rwenzori Mountains may be visited at any time of year, although the best time to climb them is during the dry seasons, which last from June to August and from December to February.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains from June to August.
The dry months of mid-June to August may appear to be the best time to explore the Rwenzori Mountains. A brief window of opportunity opens up for mountaineers anxious to see Mount Rwenzori at its finest, although it is a season when the mountains may get less rainfall. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is more frequented during the dry months than during the cooler months of March to May and September to November. However, it is extremely chilly in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park during this season, where climbers/trekkers may enjoy the region’s beautiful weather.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains from December to February
After the frigid months of September to November, the weather tends to be reasonably steady from December to February, with pleasant to warm days and cold nights. The short period of hiking/climbing in Rwenzori Mountains National Park provides mountaineers with the opportunity to see the Rwenzori Mountains at their best. The dry months of December, January, and February are also peak climbing months, with many more people attempting to summit the Margherita.
Trending Rwenzori Safaris
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains from March to May.
The chilly months of March to May and September to November, on the other hand, are often low seasons due to frequent rains, muddy routes, and treacherous rocks in the Rwenzori Mountains. During these months, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is quite empty and tranquil, making it ideal for solo mountaineers who want to climb the Rwenzori mountains at their own pace and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing Rwenzori Mountains.
How much does it cost to hike the Rwenzori Mountains?
The Rwenzoris are less expensive than popular hikes like Kilimanjaro, but they are no less stunning in our perspective. The cost of a tour for two people ranges from USD 555 per person for a three-day trek to USD 2,000 per person for a 10-day Rwenzori climbing safari in Uganda. When you have a group of three or more, the price per person reduces somewhat to around $525 for a three-day trek and USD 1,987 for a ten-day expedition.
The four main peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains will be seen on this 12-day Mount Rwenzori hike: Margherita Peak (5109m), Mt Speke (4890m), Mt Baker (4844m), and Weismann’s Peak (4620m). The 10-day Rwenzori Climb is incredibly difficult, and you must be in good physical condition to complete it. The stunning views from Margherita Peak are well worth the effort of the walk.
When two individuals travel together in the low season, the 12-day tour costs roughly $2,280 per person. Because of increasing demand, peak season expenditures might jump by 20%. During the low season, the trek is reasonably priced, costing around USD 190 per person per day.
What are the hiking trails on the Rwenzori Mountains?
If you enjoy stunning mountain scenery and trekking but lack professional mountaineering skills, there are two routes in the vicinity that will give you a superb Rwenzori experience without the intimidating difficulties of climbing these mountains. There is something special about visiting the Rwenzori Mountains, and these two itineraries will show you everything of the region’s stunning magnificence.
Central Circuit Trail on the Rwenzori Mountains.
The central circuit trail on the Rwenzori Mountains is the oldest and most popular way to the stunning Margherita Peak on Mountain Rwenzori. The route is maintained and administered by the indigenous Bakonjo people that live around it. The central circle route was chosen as an ideal method to the summit because, unlike other routes, it is gentler and less arduous for new hikers. It also has a lot to offer hikers, including superb views of all the other gateway peaks, such as Baker, Speke, and Stanley, as well as vegetation, fauna, and primates, among other things.
This hiking trail’s ascent and descent of the mountain is unique because hikers can transfer along multiple trails, allowing hikers to explore and discover more of the mountain. For all hikers, lodging along this route is provided in the shape of wooden houses at particular stations.
Kilembe Trail on Rwenzori Mountains
The Kilembe trail is another option for hikers, albeit it is more challenging than the Central Circuit path to reach Margherita Peak. It’s a demanding and challenging trek, thus it’s unsuitable for beginner hikers. It is difficult and fairly steep, forcing hikers to burn a lot of energy throughout the journey. Because of its extraordinary beauty, it is a very lovely trail to climb, and it allows hikers to explore more on the different routes they take as they ascend and descend the mountain.
The Rwenzori Mountains’ various hiking paths allow you to observe the changing environment, which includes forested parts, rocky areas, and boogy vegetation, as well as the clean countryside. Because of the tough experience, all serious hikers should choose this route to Margherita Peak. You will sleep in cottages at various spots along the mountain.
Bukurungu Trail on Rwenzori Mountains
The Bukurungu trail was built in the Rwenzori Mountains along the Central Circuit and Kilembe routes. The path is perfect for nature lovers since it travels past four stunning lakes (Mughuli, Bukurungu, Bujuku, and Irene), as well as mountain rivers, waterfalls, and rich vegetation. This 8-day itinerary, like Kilimanjaro, includes a must-see stop at Margherita Peak.
The Bukurungu trail, in contrast to the Kilembe and Central circuit paths, is an open track used for camping with no shelters but rather safe and secure camping places precisely constructed and overseen by the Bujuku Eco tours under Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
In a nutshell, visiting the Rwenzori Mountains National Park does not need a permit, but it does necessitate advance booking with trustworthy and reliable tour companies in Uganda. We may now personalize your safari based on the number of days and extra activities as part of a package vacation that includes leasing a vehicle, a driver, and a guide.
Attractions on the Rwenzori Mountains.
70 animal species and 177 bird species live in the vegetation zones. Among the creatures are elephants, chimpanzees, Rwenzori otters, and leopards. Despite their prevalence, they are rarely seen because of the dense vegetation. Primate species like colobus (Angola and black-and-white varieties are thought to exist), blue monkeys, and small antelope like bushbucks are easier to spot, as are rare reptiles like the three-horned chameleon.
Because several of the bird species here are Albertine Rift endemics, the Rwenzoris is designated as an Important Birding Area (IBA). The greatest diversity is found in the montane forest where you may see the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Slender-billed Starling, Blue-headed Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Strange Weaver and several varieties of Barbets, Greenbuls, Apalises, IIladopsis, Flycatchers and Crimson wings.
Visitors, particularly budget tourists, can visit the park even during the rainy seasons of March to May and October to November to take advantage of significant savings on lodging amenities. During these months, there is a lot of rain, which makes the hiking routes muddy and treacherous, the foliage is dense, making it difficult to see the park monkeys, and the roads leading to the park are inaccessible.
What to Pack when Climbing Mount Rwenzori?
Sleeping Bag
Because the nights in Rwenzori are chilly, any investment in a nice sleeping bag is rewarded. We recommend a sleeping bag with a minimum temperature rating of -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) due to the altitude. The mummy shape is the best form and shape to use since it conforms to the contours of the human body and so provides excellent insulation.
Large Duffle Bag
This massive duffle bag is designed to haul your possessions, including clothing, sleeping bags, and other items. Because this is frequently carried on the head of a porter, it is recommended that you keep it as light as possible and not weigh more than 20 Kg. For carrying ease, your duffle bag should be waterproof, have a strong zipper, and both a hand and a shoulder strap.
Long-sleeved T-shirts
T-shirts take up practically no space and are quick to dry. This is why having extra T-shirts to wear throughout the trek is excellent.
More fitting t-shirts will become a better option for insulation in the cool mountain atmosphere as you climb higher. Cotton T-shirts may be worn at lower elevations, but cotton is an issue further up since it collects water and does not dry rapidly. Polyester T-shirts are advised.
A light Backpack.
While climbing the Rwenzori, you will be carrying your day pack. Cameras, phones, computers, and other valuable, personal, and breakable goods will be in your day bag.
It is vital to choose a lightweight backpack since any extra weight on long excursions is considerable. A rain cover, a side mesh pocket for your water bottle, and compression straps to reduce weight on your back should all be included in your bag.
Trekking Poles and pants
Hikes up and down Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains are long and arduous, and they may be taxing on your major joints and ligaments. With daily climbs lasting more than 5 hours, trekking poles will come in handy and aid you at every turn.
Bring a pair or two of trekking trousers to wear as you climb the mountain. If you prefer to wear shorts, carry some zip-off hiking pants that can be easily transformed into shorts. While you are free to wear your jeans, we advise you not to. This is due to the fact that jeans absorb a lot of water and dry slowly, which might be annoying if it rains while you’re trekking.
Ski Jacket
If you intend to climb Mount Baker, Margherita Peak, or Stanley, bring a ski jacket for the snow and ice. Because you will sweat while climbing, a decent ski jacket should be water-resistant but also breathable.
Warm Socks
To climb Mount Rwenzori, you’ll need plenty of socks. With daily hikes averaging 6 hours, a change of socks on each subsequent day will be welcomed. Warm yet breathable socks are recommended. Another reason you may want extra socks is for the really chilly evenings as you reach the summits. The number of pairs needed varies depending on the situation, but having enough pairs on hand is typically a good idea.
Hiking Boots
When climbing Rwenzori is done on foot, it is advisable to invest in the greatest pair of climbing shoes/boots because that is how you will get up there. You should wear shoes that are both strong and comfy for you. Any tiny uncertainties regarding a pair of shoes may ruin your entire voyage, especially if the shoes are either too tight or too loose.
A Poncho
A poncho provides the finest weather protection for you and your day pack. It works so well because it is lightweight, waterproof, and compact. A poncho provides no insulation and should not be considered part of the layers used to keep you warm throughout the trip.
Other items to pack for your hike on the Rwenzori Mountains include ankle gaiters, warm gloves, towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, lip balm, sunscreen cream and insect repellent spray, medicine, first aid kit, blister plasters, water bottle, headlamp, ice axe, and crampons to mention but a few.
Other Activities to do on the Rwenzori Mountains.
Nature Walk
There is a lot of nature to explore in terms of flora and other things because it is a mountain park. You can expect to see a lot of birds, butterflies, and other small flying insects and flora along these bird watching trails.
Bird Watching
Grey-winged Robin, Cinnamon Bracken Evergreen Forest, Bamboo Warblers, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Mountain Soo Red-faced, Red-throated Alethe, Montane Masked and Collared Apalises, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Purple-breasted, Malachite, Blue-headed, Rwenzori Double-collared, Tiny and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbirds, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and many other species may be found in the Rwenzori Mountains.
In the Rwenzori Mountains national park, 217 different bird species have been identified. It is also home to 17 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemics and 58 of the 88 Afro Tropical highland biome endemics. Some of the bird species you can expect to see while on safari here include the Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Archer’s Robin-Chat, African Long-eared Owl, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive Woodpecker, Grey-chested Illadopsis, and Rwenzori Hill Babbler.
Community Tours
Interact with the Bakonzo people who reside in the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains. We’ll take a tour to visit the locals as they demonstrate their daily duties including gardening and animal husbandry, as well as preparing daily meals – from farm to supper. Visit traditional healers, blacksmiths, basket weavers, and dance and storytelling performances. Alternatively, you can go via the holy valley to Bakonzo cultural sites, which would take around 7 hours.
Finally, the rains are erratic, falling early or lasting longer than usual. It is conceivable to have dry weather during the rainy season, just as it is possible to have rain during the dry season. To have the best experience, contact a trusted tour operator company in order better plan your climbing tour to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.
