Mountain Rwenzori is the tallest mountain in Uganda standing an average height of about 5,109 meters above sea level. It is located in Kasese district on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is located in the Mountain Rwenzori National Park stretching for a land mass area of about 120 square kilometers. The highest peak of Mount Rwenzori is Margherita Peak which stands at 5,109 meters. It is covered by glaciers along with the other following high peaks including Mount. Baker, Mount Speke, and Mount Emin.

The glaciers on these peaks are a source of life for many flora and fauna on the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori. Due to the presence of these glaciers on top of Mountain Rwenzori, it was named “the Mountains of the Moon”. The Rwenzori mountain ranges stretch as far as the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A lot is a steak when you attempt the challenge of trekking Mountain Rwenzori since it is the highest mountain in the country. Trekking Mount Rwenzori is a bitter-sweet experience that demands patience after the hardships of trekking there comes joy at the top. The following are some of the things to expect while trekking Mountain Rwenzori.

Fatigue

As you may well know climbing the highest peak on Mountain Rwenzori is not a cup of tea. It requires the utmost mental and physical preparedness because the hikers are stretched to their breaking point. Thus climbing this mountain requires the most resilience and commitment. The steep slopes of Mountain Rwenzori are energy-draining draining tiring even the most energetic hiker. However, at the end of the muddy slippery steep slopes, there is victory at the peak of Margherita.

Flora and fauna

The Rwenzori mountain is a cocktail of adventures and experiences since it harbors numerous flora and fauna species. These species can be spotted as you hike to the top of the mountain. The flora species range from the lush vegetation cover of flowering shrubs to the giant lobelias and tree groundsel among other many species. The common flora species on the steep slopes of Rwenzori mountain are located in lower altitudes. However, each level presents different species that can thrive very well on that specific level.

Just like the flora species, Mountain Rwenzori is home to several fauna species. These species range from mammals of 18 species, primates, and 6 amphibian species to 217 bird species. Some of these species include forest elephants, hyrax, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori duiker, and the three-horned chameleon to mention but a few can be spotted.

Diverse landscapes and vegetation type

As hikers ascend the mountain of Rwenzori, they are welcomed by diverse landscapes ranging from up slopes to down slopes. The ecosystems on the mountain are characterized by different types of vegetation zones. From lush rainforest, bamboo, and shrubs through the heather zones of giant lobelias gardens to the plantless glaciers at the top peaks of the mountain.

Weather and Climate

Uganda is such an unpredictable climatic country as it may heavily downpour during the peak of the dry season or shine harshly in the wet season. Thus hikers need to be prepared with the relevant gear to tackle any weather the universe throws at them. However, it is important to note that Mountain Rwenzori lies on the equator and therefore receives a tropical or equatorial type of climate. The months of June to August and December to February are the periods during the dry season. During this period there are humid conditions, especially on the lower altitude slopes of the mountain. In the wet season, there are heavy downpours that come with cold, misty, and foggy conditions in most cases hindering visibility.

The saying “the higher you go the cooler it becomes” is well suited for Mountain Rwenzori as the slopes on the higher elevation are extremely cold and require specific gear to go there. As the hikers reach the glaciers on top of mountain Rwenzori, they are met with a cold breeze.

The resting huts

Hikers as they attempt to climb Mountain Rwenzori, will expect to meet the resting huts or camps at different levels of elevation. These resting camps or huts as the name suggests are the resting places or shelters for hikers to relax and have a meal before embarking on the rest of the challenge to the summit of the mountain.

What is the expected gear to climb Mount Rwenzori?

When embarking on a trekking adventure experience of Mountain Rwenzori, hikers are required as a must to have a specific gear that with help the hikers on the different levels of the mountain. Some of the things expected by hikers to pack or have before attempting to trek Mountain Rwenzori include the following.

  • Sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is important as it helps to keep the hiker warm in the extreme temperatures on the mountain top. When the hikers reach the huts or camps, they lay down their sleeping bags to relax and rest.
  • Warm clothing. This warm clothing is the most important attire in the hiker’s climbing gear as it protects him from the extremely cold conditions of the elevated slopes in the glaciers. These clothes include sweaters, scarves, gloves, and warm jackets, to mention but a few.
  • Plastic bags. These plastic bags help keep your bags or luggage dry and your entire property from the rain and fog that may soak it.
  • Energy-giving snacks. Hikers are advised to pack enough energy-giving snacks that will help keep them hunger-free and energized.
  • Reusable water bottle. It is very crucial to keep hydrated as you embark on a trekking adventure of Mountain Rwenzori. The steep slopes coupled with the slippery muddy trails make the entire hiking process energy-draining and tiresome thus requiring the hiker to refresh and hydrated.
  • Hiking boots. The hiking boots help the hiker manoeuvre through the rough and slippery terrain of the steep slopes of Mountain Rwenzori.