Are you an adventurous traveler and looking for the best country to travel to on the African continent? Uganda is one of the best destinations to have all sorts of adventurous, mountaineering, Gorilla Safaris, wildlife and luxurious safaris.However from most tour operators in Uganda recommend adding mountaineering &primate watching tours for unique way to explore Uganda. Revered as the Pearl of Africa by one of the first explorers – Sir Winston Churchill, Uganda encompasses several beautiful attractions starting from its hospitable people, conducive climatic conditions, national parks, lakes and rivers, streams and cities. Apart from the mentioned attractions, Uganda is a home to other amazing features including mountains that are visited wit an aim of taking part in mystical challenges. Below is a bucket-list of mountains that are found in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda;
Lying between the international border of Uganda and Congo, Mount Rwenzori is the most visited mountain in Uganda. With an elevation of 5,109 meters, the mountain stands as the third highest African mountain after Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania and Mount Kenya and the highest in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain features six snowcapped massifs at different heights and these are; Mount Stanley which is the highest at a height of 5,109 meters. This is followed by Mount Speke at 4,890 meters, Mount Baker at 4,843 meters, Mount Emin at 4,798 meters, Mount Gessi at 4,715 meters and then Mount Luigi di Savoiaat 4,627 meters. All these peaks are open for climbing while on Rwenzori Trekking tour with reliable operator.
Since the mountain is located between two countries, it is protected by two national parks that are Mount Rwenzori national park of Uganda and Virunga national park of Congo. These parks protect other attractions besides the mountain and among these include over 70 mammal species, lakes and rivers, about 217 bird species and the luxuriant vegetation zone which comprises of bamboo forests, heather zone and others. Among the top visited mountains is Rwenzori and 7 Days Rwenzori Trekking Is the popular trip offered via the two hiking trails in Rwenzori Mountains- Rwenzori Central Circuit and Kilembe Trail. An adventure to climb Rwenzori & Gorillas is recommended by Rwenzori expeditions the local operate that is leading Uganda Hiking tours.
Along the Kenya – Uganda border, Mount Elgon is the oldest extinct volcanic mountain in East Africa and the second highest mountain in the Republic of Uganda after Rwenzori. The mountain has got several summits and among these Wagagai which is the highest peak with a height of 4,321 meters. Other peaks aside the highest peak – Wagagai, are; Sudek (4,302 meters), Koitobos (4,222 meters), Mubiyi (4,211 meters) and Masaba (4,161 meters). Protected by Mount Elgon national park, the destination not only offering hiking trips but also offers a sight of other amazing attractions like; the caldera, warm springs by Suam river, beautiful vegetation, bird species and several wildlife species like elephants and others.
Stretching at a height of approximately 4,127 meters, Mount Muhabura is another mountain in the Pearl of Africa. The mountain is an extinct volcano and its elevation makes it the third highest of the 8 Virunga mountains. The main activity at the mountain is hiking and it can easily be viewed from Lake Mutanda. While at the summit, expect to have clear and beautiful views of Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable national park and the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori mountains.
Situated between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga is also a mountain in the Republic of Uganda and Rwanda. The name of the mountain was derived from Kinyarwanda word meaning a “small pile of stones”. Gahinga is known for encompassing different unique vegetation including the iconic bamboo forests that host several wildlife species like the endangered mountain gorillas, bird species and many others. Also, the mountain houses a swampy caldera on its peak which is around 180 meters wide.
Locally known as the “Old Man’s Teeth”, Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest volcano in the Virunga mountains. The mountains stand at a height of approximately 3,669 meters and it is mainly known for offering hiking trips. The mountains comprise of different trails such as Sabyinyo Gorge trail that take you up to the three peaks. As you hike through this trail, expect to pass through the dense vegetation as you spot different species like birds, insects and others.
Since the mountains has got three peaks, there’s a lot to explore during hike to every peak for example during the trek up to the second peak, you will be able to stand between the countries of Uganda and Rwanda and while at the third peak, you will be able to stand in the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Besides the mountains, Uganda is a home to other attractions like large freshwater bodies, rivers, cities, historical sites, wildlife and many others.