Uganda’s best hiking paths
Uganda’s best hiking paths: Uganda has some of the most beautiful scenery and the highest amounts of biodiversity in all of East Africa. From the snowy sub-peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the wet and wild forests of Bwindi and to the stunning views of Mount Elgon, Uganda has high-altitude hiking trails for everyone. Whether you find yourself at the top of the mountain with an expert view or a pathfinder at bottomland, you have a trail. Below are some of the best hiking trails in Uganda.
The Rwenzori Mountains also commonly referred to as the Mountains of the Moon are some of the most rewarding and seductive hiking spots in Africa that will present hikers with a stunning and a diverse terrain. Climbing in the Rwenzori Mountains is like traveling through time and space because you are climbing along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of the Congo border and going through beautiful ecosystems. It is, however, possible to hike up to Margherita Peak that is the third highest in Africa with a height of 5109m/16763ft, through a blend of vegetation that is only found in a few parts of the world. After climbing the icy and snowy slopes of Margherita Peak the climber is suddenly and dramatically reintroduced to the world of tropical rainforests. This hike requires one to have the commitments, determination, and preparations to be made to carry it out. In 7 to 10 days of trekking, if the luck is on the side of the hikers, they get to celebrate the victory along with their team mates by having the most fantastic views from the peak as well as have some special time of isolation.
If you do not want to go for a strenuous trek but want to be rewarded in the process, then the Rwenzori Central Circuit could be the one for you. This 7 day trek is one that circles the central massif of the Rwenzoris. It provides a vantage view of the mountains and one can get a closer view of the vegetation regions that range from the giant lobelias to the groundsel plants. It is also very special to climb these “vegetation leads” next to the plants and the feeling of cognitive dissonance that is a part of it is also very memorable. The scenery is beautiful even at the lower level and this is one of the few hikes that one does not reach the top of a mountain to conquer.
Wagagai Peak is the highest point of Mount Elgon and is 4,321 meters above the sea level and can be climbed through several paths with the Sasa Trail being the most used. This trek is a standard 4 to 6 day trek that is said to take you through the montane forest, bamboo zone, and heath moorland of the mountain. During the hike, beautiful things that one can see include the caves, the caldera at the top and the Sipi Falls. The Sipi Falls area is a less strenuous and takes about 3 hours to go to the top of the middle falls, with an easy side trip that goes through coffee farms and. native huts. This walk will also help one to know the type of culture that is promideal in the Sipi region and the lifestyle of the population in this part of Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the mountain gorillas. This park presents people with an opportunity to watch high-profile animals while at the same time engaging in rather grueling hikes, which is a luxury that is increasingly difficult to come by in contemporary society. To approach one of the twelve habituated gorilla groups, a trekker has to earn his/her chance to see the gorillas and in the process goes through some of the densest and thickest tropical forests. It is a very strenuous and mentally tasking activity to trek with the gorillas. However, it is quite rewarding to be able to watch these beautiful animals in the density of their natural habitat that they belong to.
Apart from gorilla trekking, Bwindi has a lot to offer the hiker, in terms of beautiful sceneries and variety of species. The most famous trail is the Buhoma-Nkuringo where you can walk through the forest and at the same enjoy the astonishing view of the Virunga volcanoes. Thus, you can also watch other animals such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies and also to experience the diversification of the plant life in the forest. Things to do in Uganda include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It somewhat resembles Bwindi’s services but does so in a rather cramped manner because it is slightly smaller and more flat in topography.
Another challenge is hiking to the top of Mount Sabyinyo one of the Virunga Volcanoes is not a piece of cake. It is tough. Sabyinyo’s tough and strenuous path is another thing that can hardly be conquered by anyone, as one has to pull oneself up most of the time, and on the way down – hold back. However, when the conditions are favorable, the pull towards the top is greatly convinced and compensated. It offers you the best view of the park. In front of you, the chain of the other volcanoes goes to the north and to the south. They are your only friends in this wilderness and not even the trees and the shrubs can completely hid them from you. To the left and the right the ground drops sharply to the bottom of the valleys which are an emerald green.
It is therefore for the adventurous people in Eastern Africa that the 3,083 meters high summit of Mount Moroto is a must climb. On the way, the hikers are exposed to different environment and scenery such as the savannah, bushy area and montane forest. Self-professed bird watchers will be able to spot a number of species of birds. Not even the animals such as bushbucks and other animals are a discouragement as they too make the task worth the effort. Thus, when you add the summit celebration to the encounter with the Karamojong people, you will have a story to share, which many people cannot recount.
For the lovers of out door activities, tourists and hikers Uganda presents a great opportunity with a rich and diverse environment. They have a chance to try and climb the Rwenzori Mountain, go through the beautiful Bwindi forest or hike through the volcanic slopes of Mount Elgon. These are but just some of the hiking destinations that are reasons why Uganda is the ultimate hiking destination.
