10 Things I wish I knew before Climbing Rwenzori Mountains

10 Things I wish I knew before Climbing Rwenzori Mountains, The Mount Rwenzori Mountains are in western Uganda, in the East African Rift Valley. They touch the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Virunga National Park is a protected area. It is the third highest mountain in Africa, rising more than 16,700 feet above sea level. Its highest peaks are always covered in snow and rise above the clouds.

1. Level of difficulty in the Rwenzori Mountains

Some of the toughest walks in Africa can be found in the Rwenzori Valley. Before trying to climb, you should have done some climbing before and be in good health. It is important to know that both the Kilembe path and the Rwenzori central circuit route will take you above 4000m.

This is high up and hard for people who aren’t walkers; you need to be in good shape, and the thin air here can make some climbers sick with altitude sickness. Before you try to climb the Rwenzori Mountains or take the Kilembe path, which is less scenic than the central circuit route but will give you a chance to get used to the altitude, you should talk to your doctor.

2. Getting sick at high altitude

In short, being at high elevations can make you sick. This is called altitude sickness, which is also called acute mountain sickness (AMS). The amount of oxygen in the air at sea level is thought to be about 21%. Not only does the percentage stay the same as you climb the mountain, but as you get higher, the number of oxygen molecules in each breath drops.

Around 40% less oxygen is in the air at 3,600 m (12,000 ft) above sea level than at sea level. Because there is less oxygen in the body with each breath, it is hard for the body to adjust and keep working properly. Too little oxygen in the blood makes it so the body can’t adjust quickly enough, which leads to altitude sickness. Too often, climbers make the mistake of going up too fast and too high (rate of rise).

The Rwenzori Mountains are up to 5109 meters above sea level, which can make you sick if you don’t get used to the air. Monumental Expeditions and Safaris says that you should take your time and probably use the Kilembe to get used to the altitude. You should also talk to your doctor first.

3. The weather in the Rwenzori Mountains

The weather in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is very uncertain and can change at any time, even during the dry seasons of June through August and December through February. However, it can rain at any time. It is important to pack correctly and bring clothes that are appropriate for cold weather (it can get below zero at night), wet and dirty conditions, and snow. Suppose you don’t have the right gear for the hike. You can rent it from us.

4. The rules and laws in the Rwenzoris

Before going into the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, everyone has to pay the park fees and get the right hiking passes. It is against the law to go into the park without consent… Sections 30 and 70 of the UWA act say that people who break the law by entering wildlife protected areas can get more than 10 years in prison. To avoid being mistaken for a poacher, please do not enter wildlife protected areas illegally.

5. You need to be physically fit to hike in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Those who want to reach Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley must be physically fit and able to hike up to eight hours a day for up to seven days in a row in order to finish the trek. You should get in shape for this walk. Plenty of our guests who have walked both Mount Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori said the Rwenzori were tougher.

6. Places to stay in and near the Rwenzori Mountains

Along the trails in the Rwenzori Mountains, you will sleep in tents or wooden huts. Don’t forget to bring a warm sleeping bag. You will need a compression sack and a sleeping bag that is good for four seasons or -20 degrees Celsius. Sites and camps are set up along the trail, and it’s likely that the costs are already covered by the Rwenzori hiking plan.

There are also lodges outside the mountains where you can get a good night’s sleep before a hard walk or a warm shower after a night spent in the cold mountains. For those on a tight budget, the Ruboni community campsite is a great choice. For those looking for a more moderately luxury option, Equator Snow is also an option.

7. Animal life in the Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains are home to rare and unique animals, such as the Rwenzori leopard, different kinds of primates, and birds like the Rwenzori Turaco. In fact, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see birds. Check out the list of birds in Uganda.

There are many kinds of mammals that live in the savanna grasslands at the base of Mount Rwenzori. These animals include blue monkeys, bush buck, golden cats, giant forest hogs, red duiker, forest elephants, Rwenzori colobus, Rwenzori otter, Rwenzori climbing mouse, genet mongoose, leopards, Ugandan clawed frogs, L’hoest’s monkeys, rock hydrax, and many more.

8. Spending money on good hiking gear

Getting good climbing boots, warm clothes, and a good sleeping bag are all things you should buy to make sure you are comfortable and ready for the mountain. If you want to go camping in the Rwenzori Mountains, you must have high-quality gear. The weather there can be very harsh and wet, and the temperatures often drop below freezing. Wearing and carrying good insulation gear and clothes will help you stay warm and cozy during your climb.

If you want to reach the top of a mountain, buying good camping gear can make all the difference. Having the right gear can make your Rwenzori hike experience better by making you more comfortable, which could increase your chances of success. Getting good tools is therefore an important part of getting ready for a safe and successful climb to the top of Mount Stanley or Mount Speke.

9. It’s important to stay hydrated

While climbing Mount Rwenzoris, it’s important to drink plenty of water. Make sure you have enough water and electrolytes with you to stay fresh. When you’re hiking in the Rwenzori mountains, it’s important to stay hydrated because you’ll sweat a lot. This is especially true at higher elevations where the air gets thinner.

At about 3,134 meters, Kalalaama camp is where you will almost feel the difference. If you don’t drink enough water, you might get tired, headaches, and dizziness, which can be dangerous if you’re hiking on rough ground. We suggest that you drink between 2 and 3 liters of water every day while you’re in the Rwenzori Mountains.

10. Hire a Ugandan company you can trust.

It is very important to pick a respected Ugandan company that will send you qualified mountaineering guides and good support staff to make sure your climb goes well and safely. Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is a local business that has won awards for creating private, customized active vacations in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Enjoy the Rwenzoris: climbing the Rwenzoris is a once-in-a-lifetime event that is harder than Mount Kilimanjaro but more beautiful and less crowded with tourists. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the unique culture of the area for a while.