Mountains In Uganda
Uganda isn’t only popular for Big 5 and unique primates, but also breathtaking landscapes characterized by scenic mountain ranges. The mountains in Uganda feature both Block and Volcanic Mountains, each offering breathtaking scenery and ultimate adventures.
Top mountains in Uganda include the Rwenzori Mountains (5109m), Mt. Elgon (4321m), Muhavura Volcano (4127m), Mount Kadam (3063m), Gahinga Volcano (3474m), Sabyinyo Volcano (3674 m), Morungole Mountain (2750m), and Mount Moroto (3083m).
Rwenzori mountains (Mountains of the Moon)
Mt. Rwenzori is a fold block mountain range and is Uganda’s highest mountain. The Rwenzori Mountain ranges are distinct, being the only Block Mountains with stunning snow on the summits. The Rwenzori Mountains comprise other mountain cones/ranges, including Mt. Speke, Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, and others.
Mt. Stanley –rising at an altitude of 5109m, this is the highest of the 6 mountain massifs on Mt. Rwenzori. The Margherita peak on Mt. Rwenzori lies right on Mount Stanley. When it comes to mountaineering/climbing/hiking adventures, Margherita Peak is the must-visit peak. It can take you about 8-9 or more days to enjoy the trek to and from the summits of Stanley Mountain. Conquering the summits of Mt. Stanley is possible through the available routes/paths, including Kilembe hiking trails, the central circuit trail, and bukurungu hiking trail.
Mt. Speke is at 4890m above sea level, this took its name from the British explorer, John Speke. Mount Speke offers more technical mountaineering adventures than Mt. Stanley.
Mt. Baker at 4844m above sea level is the 5th-tallest mountain range on the African continent. It is also Uganda’s 3rd-highest mountain and takes its name from Sir Samuel Baker.
Additional mountain massifs that make up the Rwenzori Mountain ranges include Mt. Luigi da Savoia (4627m), Weismann’s peaks (4,620m asl), Mt. Gessi (4715m), and Emin (4791m). Access to the summits of the Rwenzori Mountains is possible along the set hiking/climbing routes, including Kilembe, the Central circuit, and the Bukurungu wilderness camping/hiking trail.
Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda -(4321m)
Mt. Elgon, an extinct volcano mountain, formed about 24 million years ago. It features several rocky summits, and Wagagai Peak (4321m) is the highest of these volcanic mountains. It is known for its large caldera, which still remains intact. Mount Elgon is located in the two East African states, Uganda and Kenya. In Uganda, Mt. Elgon lies in the Eastern region and is one of the hiked mountains in Uganda. Mountain hiking/climbing in Uganda’s Mount Elgon requires about 4-6 hours. The summits of Mt. Elgon can be conquered through the available hiking trails, including Suam, Sipi, Sasa, and Piswa hiking trails. Hiking tours to Mt. Elgon in Uganda can be organized through the trusted local tour operator bujuku eco tours.
Other peaks found on mount Elgon include; sudek peak(4302m) found on the kenya Uganda border, koitobo peak (4222m), Jackson’s summit (4165m).
The Virunga Mountains
8 major Virunga Volcanoes/Mountains are distributed in the 3 main Virunga Conservation Areas which are; Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes (Rwanda), and Virunga National Park (DRC). But in Uganda, climbers can only hike 3 volcanoes found in Mgahinga National Park. The three Virunga Volcano Mountains in Mgahinga include Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Mount Muhabura
Located in Mgahinga National Park, Mt. Muhabura (4127m) should be a must-hike on a Uganda hiking tour. Muhabura (Muhavura) Volcano is the 3rd tallest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes. At the summits of the Muhabura Volcano, expect to enjoy mesmerizing views, and at the base, there are lots of mammals and birds that roam in the Park’s lush vegetation. The common wildlife that reside along the base of Mount Muhabura include forest elephants, gorillas, and many bird species.
Gahinga
Mount Gahinga (3474m) is one of the dormant Virunga Volcanoes and lies between Sabyinyo and Muhabura Volcano Mountains. This is found in the Virunga Area, and is the smallest of the 3 Mgahinga Virunga Mountain ranges. This is where Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park derives its name. Locally, the word “Gahinga” is translated as “a pile of stones.”
Sabyinyo Volcano
Mt. Sabyinyo (3669m) is located on the Uganda border with Rwanda and Congo. It is one of the best volcanoes to conquer, especially for climbers who desire challenging hiking expeditions. At the summits of Sabyinyo Volcano, climbers are in a position to view all three 3 countries –Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda.
Mount Moroto
Mt. Moroto is an exceptional hiking spot for climbers in Northeastern Uganda. If you have plans to explore the Karamoja plains/northeastern end of Uganda and you are a hiker, a visit to Mt Moroto guarantees you captivating mountaineering excursions. This is a dormant volcano mountain and stands at an elevation of 3083m. Sokodek is the highest peak of Moroto and is found in the Northeastern part of Uganda. Mt. Moroto is among the numerous attractions to explore in the Karamoja region. The available hiking/climbing options that Mount Moroto offers include full-day treks, half-day, 3-hour guided walks, or you can plan and book 3-day hiking tour.
Mount Moroto is one of the ancient Volcano Mountains and features a lush forest reserve. The main habitats at the base include the dry montane forest, arid-thorn savannas, and more. A variety of birds and primates/monkeys reside around the base of Mt. Moroto. Access to Moroto Volcano from Moroto is possible, about 3km drive.
Mount Morungole
Located in Kidepo Valley National Park, Mt. Morungole is one of the favorite hiking sites in Northeastern Uganda. This Volcano Mountain lies in the rugged semi-arid Karamoja region of Uganda. Its close-by peaks include Labwor, Mt. Zulia, and Dodoth Hills. Mt. Morungole is at an altitude of 2750m, and the summits are dominated by the IK people. A complete trek through Morungole takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your hiking speed.
Morungole Volcano hikes can be combined with wildlife safaris in Kidepo. At Kidepo, expect to explore a variety of species of animals and birds. This Park alone contains a total of about 77 mammals, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, African wild dogs, giraffes, and zebras.
Mount Kadam
Mt Kadam lies close to the eastern border of Karamoja and Kenya. It is the tallest of the Karamoja Mountains, rising at an altitude of 3063m. To the north, it is bordered by Elgon Volcano Mountain. Mount Kadam is among the spectacular volcanic mountains worth exploring on Uganda mountaineering adventures. A round hike through Kadam Volcano takes 2 days, but there is a possibility to have an extended hiking expedition of 4-5 days.
Mount Napak
Napak Mountain is one of the extinct volcano mountains in Uganda. It is found in the Napak District, at the Northern end of the Bokora Game Reserve. It stands at an altitude of 2530m, offering amazing adventure options to climbers in Northeastern Uganda. Napak Volcano is popular for its steepness and breathtaking views of the vast Karamoja plains.
Getting to Mt. Napak is possible from Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, or if you are in Soroti. It is also possible to depart from Kampala and drive to Napak to begin your hikes to the summits of Mount Napak.
Best time for mountaineering/hiking in Uganda
Mountains in Uganda are best hiked during the peak dry seasons from June to September or from December to February. Early preparation is also key for you to have the best of Uganda mountaineering adventures, and this includes getting fit, packing the right gear, that is, waterproof hiking boots, comfortable hiking safari clothes, a first aid kit, safari hats, bottled water, camping gear, and snacks.
Mountains in Uganda present an exceptional opportunity for adventure seekers to conquer different summits. Want to spark your adrenaline spirit? Then book your mountaineering adventure with Bujuku Eco Tours and Travel.
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