Mountain Hiking

Mountain Rwenzori

Mountain hiking opportunities are popular in the Rwenzori Mountains. A hike to reach the highest peak of Margherita takes 7 days effective hiking and offers fascinating nature and stunning views. It is also possible to make a shorter hike along the foot hills to experience a bit of the special nature combined with a classic safari. We can offer you a tailor-made safari based on what you want to experience, your budget and time-frame. Remember that all our safaris can be adjusted to fit your interests, wishes and time.

The Rwenzori Mountains are found along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, covering a length of

120km and width of 65km. They have Africa’s third highest Mountain, Mountain Stanley that stands at 5109m, and are also on the only three on the continent with permanently snowcapped peaks. The Rwenzori’s support an array of rare and endemic wildlife, stunning glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Basing on the stunning beauty and block type formation, the Rwenzori were ranked the best in Africa and ninth in the world for mountain climbing and hiking adventures. There are a num of trails travelers can take to for exciting treks into the mountain. The longest trail, called the Central Circuit, is 8 days (7 nigh and includes the chance to climb to the highest peak of Margherita for those who can manage. There are other shorter trails t offer easier, treks such as the 3 day Mahoma loop, 1-day Chimpanzee trail and 1 day Kilembe trail.

Mountain Elgon
Mountain Elgon, a 4321m, lies in the Eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya, its highest peak Wagagai situated on the Ugandan side. It was one time, thousands of years ago, Africa’s highest mountain but was gradually eroded at the peak reducing it to the current height of 4321m – 8th in Africa, 4th in East Africa. The mountain also possesses the largest caldera in the world measuring 50km by 80km. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not one of simply targeting to reach the summit, it is more about discovering the fascinating wildlife along the slopes. The varied vegetation zones harbor plenty of wildlife that you may encounter during the trek. There are also fascinating features such as caves, water pools, falls, and wonderful scenery. There are two major trails that lead to the peaks, taking 4 to 5 days. One is called the Sasa trail (Budadiri trail head), accessible from Mbale, is the more direct to the peaks and goes through the largest area of bamboo forest. The second trail is called Piswa and is known to be a gentler hike than the Sasa.

The sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls is a set of three waterfalls (85m, 75m and 100m) situated along the foothills of Mountain Elgon. They arguably are

the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda and have become one of the iconic attractions of the eastern region. Sipi, easily accessible from Kampala, has become very popular for day hikes. The trek to visit all the three waterfalls covers a trail of about

7km and on average takes up to 3 hours to complete.

Virunga Volcanoes
Uganda shares 3 of the main 8 Virunga mountain volcanoes. The 3 are located in southwestern Uganda along the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They offer excellent day hikes filled with some of the best views in Africa. The

Virungas harbor lots of unique and rare wildlife which you have chance of encountering such as the Mountain Gorillas, Golden

Monkeys, endemic birds and mountain vegetation.

Mountain Muhabura
It starts the chain of the Virungas, situated on the Rwanda – Uganda border. It is longer hike to the summit taking about 5 hours which makes it tough, and coming down takes roughly the same. It has a small crater lake at the summit which can easily circumnavigated to get access to views across the Virunga ranges. Mountain Muhabura is 4127 meters above sea level.

Mountain Mgahinga

This is a much smaller mountain of the three, situated between Muhavura and Sabinyo. It is a short and easier hike and its 3474 meters above sea level. It is bigger crater lake at the summit which isn’t so easy to circumnavigate to gain better views.

Mountain Sabinyo

This is situated on the common border of the three countries Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the most challenging of the three because of more rugged terrain with many craters, but the most fun and has the best views of the Virungas stretching across all the three countries. It has three peaks which look like three spaced teeth, hence the local name

Sabinyo which translates “Old Man’s Teeth: Mountain Sabinyo is 3645 meters above sea level.