Hiking in Uganda
Discover the thrill of mountain climbing in Uganda by exploring the best hiking destinations, such as the Rwenzori Mountains, Virunga Volcanoes, and Mount Elgon. These adventure spots complement prime trekking adventures in the southwest, especially if you’re interested in hiking the Virunga Mountains.
Mountain climbing is an exhilarating adventure that can push you beyond your limits and help you achieve your adventure dreams. Uganda offers a unique opportunity to combine jungle trekking with exceptional mountaineering in alpine wonderlands and hiking in botanical Edens, all while experiencing big game-viewing safaris across vast savannah reserves and water channels.
From the challenging summits of the Rwenzori Mountains to the stunning peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes Chain, Uganda promises an unforgettable experience of climbing alpine wonderlands and trekking adventures through cloud-covered peaks. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, there’s a hiking trail for everyone in Uganda. All you need is a truckload of adventure spirit.
Here are some of the best places for hiking adventures in Uganda that should feature on your safari holiday list:
The Rwenzori Mountains
The Virunga Mountains
Mount Elgon in the east
Karamoja Mountain Ranges
Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon: Mountaineering Adventures in Uganda
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the legendary “Mountains of the Moon,” is an unforgettable hiking adventure through Africa’s most stunning botanical wilderness. The rugged massif towers almost 4,000 meters above the Albertine Rift Valley, making it visible from great distances.
The lower Rwenzori Mountains offer a striking, pristine landscape of alpine vegetation studded with magical giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers, creating a mystical world to escape into. The fast-flowing rivers, magnificent waterfalls, sky-blue lakes, and unique flora found in the region leave nature enthusiasts stunned.
Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains is an experience through exceptional natural beauty unique to the region. It is a medley of spectacular snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and V-shaped valleys that would make the Smokey Mountains scream for attention.
Beyond the stunning landscapes, hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains offers the opportunity to encounter threatened animal species such as the African forest elephant, eastern chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, Rwenzori black-fronted, and red duiker. The experience is also a chance to witness the bizarre endemic flora unique to the region.
Unlike the popular Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the Rwenzori Mountains offer different climbing options. It is a mountain range with six summits separated by deep gorges, creating a unique experience you won’t find on the Kilimanjaro trails.
Summit Peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains
If you’re looking for an exciting hiking experience in East Africa, climbing the Rwenzori Mountains should definitely be on your list. This trek offers a chance to witness stunning natural beauty and discover rare plant and animal species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Mount Stanley: 5,109 meters (16,762 feet)
Mount Speke: 4,890 meters (16,040 ft)
Mount Baker: 4,843 meters (15,889 ft)
Mount Emin: 4,798 meters (15,741 feet)
Mount Gessi: 4,715 meters (15,469 ft)
Mount Luigi di Savoia: 4,627 meters (15,180 feet)
Hiking to Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley
Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley is the highest peak and most thrilling for mountain climbers. It is also the third-highest peak in Africa, after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.
Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Trails
The Rwenzori Mountains offer a range of hiking trails suitable for all types of hikers, whether you’re a keen birder, peak climbing fanatic, or simply seeking peace, seclusion, and beauty. With hiking routes ranging from a single day to twelve days, there’s something for everyone.
Two trekking circuits provide access to the Rwenzori peaks. The Southern Circuit is the most intense and impressive, ascending via the Mubuku and Bjuku valleys from Nyakalengija to meet the Central Trail that winds between the prominent peaks. The Central Circuit runs up the Nyamwamba Valley above Kilembe near Kasese, meeting the Southern Circuit at River Bujuku.
For a shorter route, skip Nyakalengija altogether and hike the Kilembe Central Trail, managed by Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS). RTS offers a variety of mountain climbing packages using a combination of trails along (and between) the Nyamugasani, Kamusoni, and Nyamwamba river valleys.
Challenging Hiking Trails
The most recommended hiking route is the eight-day hike to Mount Baker (4,842m) and back. A more extended 10–12-day mountain hiking expedition can reach Mount Stanley, while shorter walks to appreciate the scenery can take 3-5 days.
Ita from Nyakalengiya requires 10–12 days through more incredible landscapes than the established Central Circuit. An alternative ascent from Kilembe takes you through pristine landscapes, including a remarkable string of eight lovely glacial lakes in the Nyamugasani Valley.
An eight-day hike with RTS to Mount Baker summit costs about USD 1,200 per person, including park entrance, one porter, tented accommodation, and food (excluding high-energy snacks). A nine-day ascent of Margherita (Mount Stanley) instead of Mount Baker will cost about US$1,280. Shorter treks up to Mutinda or Lake Kopello cost about US$122 daily.
Hiking Virunga Volcano Mountains Chain along the Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC.
Embark on a Rwenzori Mountains hiking adventure and experience the magic of this pristine landscape, which boasts incredible landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and a range of hiking trails to suit all preferences.
Hiking Virunga Mountains: Home of the Mountain Gorillas
The Virunga Mountains form a chain of eight stunning volcano peaks studded in the Albertine Rift on the Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC tri-border. Two of them, Nyiragongo (3470 m/11,385 ft) and Nyamulagira (3058 m/10,033 ft), are still very active (as recent as 2020) and account for 40% of African volcanic eruptions.
Hiking Virunga Mountains occurs from the Ugandan side on three mountains, including Muhavura (4127m / 13,540ft), Gahinga (3474m / 11,398ft), and Sabinyo (3645m / 11,959ft).
Fortunately, mountain climbing services on all three volcanoes start at the Ntebeko Visitor Center at the base of the volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park. Hiking begins at 7:30 a.m. Bring along a day pack with energy snacks, a lunch pack, and two liters of water.
Climbing the Virunga Mountains in Uganda costs USD 95 for foreigners ($35 park entrance fee and $60 for the guided trek) per day. Hikers can access Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro town (11km, 30-min drive), where they’ll find most accommodation.
Hiking Mount Muhavura, 4,127 m (13,540 ft)*
Mount Muhavura, the third-highest of the Virungas, is the most strenuous climb. Located at the farthest south end of the Virunga chain at the Uganda-Rwanda border, Muhavura’s enormous conical shape towers at 4,127 meters into the clouds.
Seasoned hikers can reach the Muhavura peak in seven hours on a good weather day. The 1200-meter ascent is quite steep, requiring a bank of energy and good physical fitness, even for a seasoned hiker.
Hiking Mount Gahinga, 3,473 m (11,394 ft)
Perfectly sitting between Muhavura and Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga is the smallest and simplest climb of the three Virunga volcanoes in Uganda. The Gahinga mountaineering trail ascents through stunning afro-montane and bamboo vegetation, teeming with endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Hiking Gahinga usually takes 5-8 hours, up and down. Even a moderately fit climber can ascend the summit within 4 hours.
Hiking Mount Sabinyo 3,669 m (12,037 ft)
Hiking the 4-mile ascent on Mount Sabinyo is the most dramatic of the three volcanoes. The mountain climbing challenge on Sabinyo involves conquering three peaks.
You begin the challenge by walking through a flat swampy zone, then ascending a moderately steep climb through the afro-montane and bamboo zones to the top of the lowest peak. The last challenge is climbing the almost vertical wooden ladders that would even stop you in your truck by just looking at them.
Mountaineering Mount Elgon’s Stunning Scenery Without Disruptions From Many Hikers
Hiking Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda offers some of the most rewarding mountain climbing adventures in East Africa. Its vast shape towers 4,321 meters above the surrounding plains.
Mount Elgon has the largest extinct volcano base, with the lower slopes populated by elephants, buffalo, and various small antelope. The dense montane forest harbors primates, including the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, and more than 300 unique bird species. Elgon’s higher altitudes provide a refuge for incredible flora.
Unlike other mountain climbing adventure trails, Elgon’s hiking trails don’t require specialist hiking skills and equipment. The hiking trails are less crowded, allowing hikers to relish the stunning scenery without disruptions.
Mount Elgon’s three hiking trails vary in distance and difficulty.
The Sasa Trail
The Piswa Trail
The Sipi Trail
Day Hikes
Mount Elgon National Park has three short hiking trails beginning at the Forest Exploration Center and covering 3–7 km. The easy, short trails are recommended to inexperienced hikers who want to explore Mount Elgon’s heavenly scenery and wildlife within a day’s walk.
Hikers can access Mount Elgon, 235 km east of Kampala via Jinja and near Mbale Town. Mountain climbing in Elgon typically features on Source of Nile tours, with a night or two exploring activities in Jinja.
Away from camping during your mountain hiking adventure, accommodation options include Sipi River Lodge at the base of Mount Elgon, the colonial-styled Mount Elgon Hotel, and Kapkwai Cottages at the park entrance. More budget options are available in the nearby town of Mbale.
Hiking in the Karamoja Hills
The string of volcanoes stretching on the Karamoja Plateau is an excellent mountaineering alternative to the strenuous Rwenzoris, Virungas, and Mount Elgon.
These mountains, including Mount Kadam, Napak, Moroto, and Mount Morungole, have lower elevation and a milder climate compared to other mountains in Uganda and don’t require special equipment or technical mountain climbing experience.
Mountaineering in the Karamoja Mountains is a blend of authentic cultural encounters with mountain communities, stunning landscape views, incredible birdwatching spots, and ideal campsites along the trails.
Let’s take a look at the Karamoja mountaineering trails.
Mount Moroto Trail
The 30-km Moroto mountain climbing trail ascends a 2,250-meter distance, taking about three days. The trek is moderate, with a strenuous climb on the first day, a scenic hike through the forest and over the ridges on the second day, and a half-day descent on the last day.
Mount Kadam Trail
The Mount Kadam trail to the 3,063-meter summit is about 29 km and can take 2–3 days to complete. Ascending the peak starts at Nakapiripirit town at 1,450 m elevation.
Mount Napak
Known for its steep slopes and lush vegetation, Mount Napak is arguably the most challenging summit in the Karamoja Mountains. At the base of Napak, the Iteso community finds fertile land for settlement, and the mountain provides them with hunting grounds.
Hiking Mount Morungole to Find the IK Community
Mount Morungole, also known as Ik-land, towers 2,750 meters in the extreme northern Karamoja hills, looming over Kidepo National Park’s Narus and Kidepo plains. Morungole is the source of many water streams that feed into the Narus and Kidepo rivers, creating a wildlife oasis in Kidepo National Park—a top tourist attraction in Uganda.
Uganda’s smallest community, called the Ik, lives on the Morungole ridges—a fascinating cultural experience on a day’s hike. You can visit the traditional beekeepers and experience their rudimentary honey extraction methods.
Climbing the mountain takes a full day, from 7:00 a.m. to about 5:00 p.m. Regardless, you’ll trek through stunning scenery as you climb higher, so bring your camera to capture incredible landscapes.
