Uganda’s impressively outstanding mountains and breathtaking sceneries/views make the country a real worthwhile Paradise for climbers. Mountain climbing is a thrilling yet physically demanding adventure that tests the participant’s (climber) mental and physical strength, preparedness, level of endurance, body balance and agility.

The Mountains of western, south-western, eastern and north-eastern Uganda have for years captured the imagination of travellers within the country and across the entire World. From Explorers like Sir Henry Morton Stanley to modern-day climbers and adventure seekers looking for a rush of adrenaline by scaling the mountains, Uganda is simply unsurpassed. Join some of our rewarding mountain climbing tours as we take one the towering peaks of mountains, get rewarded with heights of thrilling experiences and make your mountain climbing experience an unforgettable one, regardless of whether you are a novice or experienced/expert climber.

Why undertake mountain climbing Tours in Uganda?

Uganda is generally a beautiful country with spectacular mountains and hilly landscapes that draw both novice and experienced climbers. Mountain climbing tours in this country have something for everyone hence Uganda is the perfect place to start your mountain climbing adventures. With the network of well-established climbing routes around magnificent mountains and a team of professionals ready to provide safety guidelines as well as climbing gear/equipment, let your adrenaline start pumping.

Best Places for Mountain climbing Tours in Uganda

There are numerous outstanding options and Mountain types to try out during these tours and these include;

Rwenzori Mountains

Set within the western part of Uganda with Democratic Republic of Congo border, the 5109-meter tall Rwenzori Mountains range is a hub of biological diversity as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is specifically known for its challenging and rewarding mountain climbing experiences for enthusiastic climbers. Some of the popular trails/routes for climbing Rwenzori Mountains include the “Central Circuit Trail, marked by 8 days of challenging climbing from Mihunga Trailhead through the steep slopes of Bujuku valley and Nyabitaba before finally getting to the summits of the Mountain. Expect to pass via glacial Lakes, stunning viewpoints, jaw-dropping mountain passes as well as verdant Valleys with a chance of other climbers also joining the Central Circuit after Bujuku before transversing the Scott Elliot as well as Freshfield passes then descend through Mubuku Valley.

Another popular climbing route for the Rwenzori Mountains is Kilembe Trails that ascends the southern slopes of Rwenzori from the starting point at Kilembe, adjacent to Kasese Town. This route passes along the dramatic Nyamwamba Valley via glacial Lakes as well as a number of spectacular viewpoints prior to joining the Central Circuit at Lake Kitandara.

Mount Elgon

Although often ignored by climbers into the country, Mount Elgon is the perfect thrilling alternative for the more hectic climbs in the East African region. It is marked by numerous attractions, milder climate and lower altitude (4321 meters above sea level) that require basic climbing equipment as well as technical experience. There are a number of climbing routes across the mountain and they are the:

Piswa Trail (49 kilometers for round trip and 7 days to complete) characterized by long and gentle hikes. This Trail begins from Kapkwata village on the northern part of the Mountain and passes through hot springs, soft wood plantation to the lush Podacarpus forest on the way to the summits and caldera. The route is known for wide range of wildlife species as well as phenomenal views of the sweeping Karamojong plains on the Ugandan side as well as Kapeguria and Nandi Hills at the Kenyan side.

Another climbing trail is the 4-day Sasa trail known to be the shortest yet most difficult route to the peaks and passes through well-cultivate farmlands and homesteads of the Bamasaba before crossing the largest expanse of Bamboo forest in the Park as well as Jackson’s pool on the way to Wagagai peak.

The Sipi Trail lasts 4-5 days for a total of 56 kilometers and its trailhead is at 2050 meters at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center.

Virunga Volcanoes

Peaks of the three Virunga Volcanoes (Mount Gahinga-3474 meters, Mount Sabyinyo-3669 meters and Mount Muhabura-4127 meters) are climbed by visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in south-western Uganda. Sabyinyo is climbed in only 8 hours for 14 kilometers round trip through steep ridges to the summit while Gahinga takes 6-7 hours to ascend and descend the summits marked by swamp-filled Crater while encountering bamboo forest, giant lobelia and even endangered golden monkeys along the way. Mount Muhabura takes 8-9 hours and 12 kilometers for a round trip where beautiful views of other Virunga Volcanoes, the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Edward and snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains are relished.

Mount Morungole

Set in north-eastern Uganda, Mount Morungole is another wonderful spot for mountain climbing tours in Uganda and is popular for being the highest point in the Karamoja region. Climbing this mountain means exploring the unique culture of IK people who call the mountain slopes and peak home. Another outstanding Mountain in the region is Mount Moroto, with its starting point in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Best Time to undertake Mountain Climbing Tours in Uganda

The most favorable and comfortable conditions for mountain climbing tours are during the dry season-June to September and December to February when extremely cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls (in Rwenzori Mountains), strong winds and heavy rains can be avoided.

What to pack for Mountain Climbing Tours in Uganda

The checklist for Mountain climbing tours include hand protection (warm cotton gloves or mittens), warm sweater, rain jacket, pajamas, hiking boots, energy-giving snacks, sleeping bags, socks, Mountaineering pants, gaiters, first aid kit, toiletries (menstrual products for female climbers, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen and lip balm), sunglasses, Crampons and helmet among others.