The rain maker “Rwenzori”, Africa’s third highest mountain awaits the brave and adventurous travelers to the summit at 16763 feet, or 5,109 meters above sea level. The range is not volcanic but consists of crystalline rock that moved upward from the earth’s crust. It includes African savanna teeming up with animals including elephants at the base (914 – 1,676 m) followed by rain forests from 1,676 – 2,286 m and later great bamboo forest, reaching up to around 2,895 m. Tourists, who exceed here, have a golden chance to sight heather zone covered by heather trees looming over a ground cover of mosses and liverwort. Above here, you encounter a land dominated by unique plants that can be found only in the Afro-Alpine zone, including the tree groundsel and giant lobelia before reaching to Margherita Peak at 16,763 feet (5,109).
The Rwenzori Mountains stands astride the equator, on the western boundary of Uganda with Democratic republic of Congo. Its location on an open plain close to the equator, its great size and height strongly influence the climate, vegetation, animal life and the climbing conditions. It is made up of six major peaks: Mount Stanley (5,109m), Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Baker (4,843m), Mount Emin (4,798m), Mount Gessi (4,715m) and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627m).
Even though you can climb throughout the year, January and February, June and July are the best months to visit Rwenzori. The rainy seasons of March—May and September—November are not favorable for hiking. During this time, the place is generally wet with the peaks shrouded in mists most of the time. Although this makes for really wild rime formations on the higher summits and glaciers, it can make mountaineering and route finding challenging. The dry season in Uganda, beginning in late June and through July can be very cold at night, but usually is clear of clouds. August and September are also cool and can have completely clear days, but usually a dripping cloud belt girdles the mountain above the forest and moorland. The summit can be totally clear and the successful climber looks down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks poking through like islands.
Thunderstorms in Mountain Rwenzori ranges become common during the shorter rainy periods of October to December however clouds disappear in the evening, leaving nights and mornings clear with excellent visibility. January and February are usually dry, warm and clear with brief rain showers which make it good for climbing conditions.
Mount Rwenzori is divided into five distinct zones, starting with cultivated farmlands on the lowest levels. Higher up is the African savannah then rainforest zone, followed by heath and moorland with alpine vegetation. The climate and animal life is dependent on the zone, with elephant, buffalo, chimpanzees, other primates and a variety of bird life plentiful in the lower zones.
Before climbing Mountain Rwenzori
Many hikers travel to Uganda to climb the Rwenzoris. Given the good weather of this tropical country, you can take a Uganda safari anytime of the year and hikes are possible anytime of the year. The central circuit trail is the most popular package offered by tour operators in uganda. if you are looking to hiking the mountains of the moon here are some of the tips and guidelines you should follow.
Have all the equipments early enough as an essential part of your preparation to hike the third highest mountain in Africa.
Equipment you can’t do without on Mount Rwenzori
- Sleeping bag On Rwenzori, the warmer the sleeping bag the better.
- Sleeping mat On Rwenzori—a sleeping mat is essential if you’re hiking.
- Carry at least three liters of water per day.
- Water purifiers/filter is also essential on Rwenzori, unless you intend to hire an extra porter or two to transport your drinking water up from the start.
- A head-torch
- Sunscreen) is essential
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Glasses/contact lenses
- Money for tipping
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- New batteries
- Tampons/sanitary towels
- Be physically prepared
- Get adequate travel insurance
During hiking
- Go slowly
This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
- Drink enough water
- Walk high – sleep low
Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude.
- Climb light
Climb as lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night.
Packing
Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period.
Clothing
You are advised to take enough;
- Underwear
- Thermal Hiking Socks
- Gloves
- Warm head protection,
- Rain Coat
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection cream.
- hiking boots,
- Hiking/running
- A walking stick / ski-pole.
- Outer jacket to keep you warm
- Shorts
- Sweaters
- T-shirts are strongly recommended
- Take a ski – pole—A ski – pole is essential, buy one or hire one but take one.
- Replace your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
- Malaria
- Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics.
Choosing A Route
Central Circuit, can be completed in about 4-10 days,
5/6 Days Kirembe trail