Hitting the Trails – Hiking Trails in Rwenzori Mountains Foothills
Hitting the Trails – Best Foothill Hiking Trails in the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon
Hitting the Trails – The Best Experiential Hiking Trails in the Rwenzori Mountains Foothills. A collection of some of Hiking and Nature Walks in the Foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Not everyone is up to climbing the Peaks but want to get a close-up look of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Take the 3-Day Mahoma Trail that you get you up to 3,000 meters above Sea Level. The goal is the Mahoma Lake with great views of the Rwenzori peaks as you hike through different Afro-Montane Regions. The Rwenzori Mountains Mini-Hike is using the northern Pass through the Mountains or day-hikes, even an overnight hike out of the village of Ruboni.
Any of the Rwenzori Hiking Trails can be included in your Safari in the heart of Africa.
It is time to hit the Trail – to see Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains off of the beaten tourist track, discovering the undiscovered – we would love to give you more information about Hiking in and near the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon.
There are many Tourists and Visitors to Uganda that would like to have a closer look at Africa’s tallest Mountain Range, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. The Rwenzori Mountains – Foothill Hikes do just that. Hike in the foothills of the Mountains, get some beautiful photos, enjoy the birds, Forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, most of all the people of the Mountains.
Climbers from around the world wish to climb the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the tallest Mountain Range in Africa located on the Equator, surpassing the Alps in Europe. It takes about eight to nine days to climb Mount Margherita. It is an investment of time and money, one also has to be in pretty good shape, and that leaves out some of us
There is a great alternative, you can take half-day, full-day hikes, and then there is the 3 – Day Mahoma Trail, all of them will bring you closer to the Rwenzori Mountains.
Off-the-beaten tourist trail, there is the small village of Ruboni, home of the keepers of the Mountains of the Moon, the Bakonzo people. It can be a great place to be for a few days while exploring the Rwenzori Mountains. There are two places you can stay at while in Ruboni, The Ruboni Community Camp, which is a budget option with or without bath and the upmarket Equator Snow Lodge that is a fantastic place to stay, stone cottages with fireplace and merely a feeling of being in the mountains. There is also the great moderately priced Bella Vista Lodge.
Here are some of the Rwenzori Mountains – Foothill Hikes
Hitting the Trails – Rwenzori Mountains Foothill Hikes and Climbs:
Ruboni Village Walk:
Ruboni is a small village of about 2000 people belonging to the Bakonzo People. The village walk introduces you to them, their way of life, and their daily activities.
On this 3 hour walk, you will see how the basket is woven, and you can try your hand. Meet the blacksmith who makes tools in the traditional way over an open fire.
There is the Traditional Healer who treats with things gathered from the forest and how they are used in treating various ailments.
You will visit a home where the food is cooked over an open fire and meet one of the Village Elders who is also one of the story-tellers of the village.
You can also take a drumming and traditional dancing class here for an extra fee.
The Hill Hike:
You start in Ruboni, and your expert guide that knows both the path and wildlife and birds will take you on the trail going up through lush forests.
The word Ruboni in the Lukonzo language means clear water, and for a while, you will follow a mountain stream, and you meet villagers carrying their crops or wood for making cooking fires.
Hiking in the forest, you might see the colorful Rwenzori Turaco, small Sunbirds, and the cinnamon chested Bee-Eaters.
When you reach the top, the clouds have cleared you will get a splendid view of the Mountains of the Moon – merely fabulous – this can be an all-day hike climb and can even be a two-day climb- hike.
The Forest Hike:
The Forest Hikes are doable for most. You do not have climbing involved here but walk along trails in the forest where most likely you will spot three-horned Chameleon, see some Colobus Monkeys.
You might even come across some chimpanzees, most likely you will see the Rwenzori Turaco.
You are with a guide who knows the area, the wildlife found here such as the giant forest hogs, bush-buck.
Try learning how to fish with your hands, something you probably have not done in your life, you might be lucky.
Forest Trails in the Foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. You can even plant a tree after the Hike.
It is a relatively new trail that does not need to use a Mountaineering Service but can be handled by expert guides from Ruboni. You can also use porter services to lighten your load since many will find this a strenuous hike into the Rwenzori Mountains. This trail is within the park itself, and the entrance is close to Ruboni.
You stay in huts that are used by those that climb the peaks of the Rwenzoris. You will reach the Afro-Montane plant region where you will see giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsel. You might even see an Elephant while on the Trail or see some Chimpanzees.
The three days Mahoma Trail exposes you to the Rwenzori Mountains – you are right in them with all of its splendid scenery before you.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Northern Pass Mini-Hike:
This one trail is not a foothill hike but ascends to the 3000-meter level – It is in the Northern Areas of the Mountains of the Moon – the difficulty level is from moderate to challenging.
The actual hike is seven to eight hours in length. You are guided by mountaineering specialists working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Rwenzori Mountains – Semliki Valley Hiking Safari, you combine the tallest Mountain Range in Africa with one of the most scenic wonders of the Western Rift – the Semliki Valley.
The Rwenzori Mini-Hike is 7 to 8 hours over Bamba Pass with elevations up to 3000 meters, and the Semliki Valley is one of the lowest with its tropical Jungles spilling over from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hiking – Walking Safaris Advice and Tips for Uganda:
Walking – Hiking Safari Advice for taking Hikes in both Uganda and Rwanda. There is a big difference between hiking the Cascade Trail in the Northwest and hiking in Africa
Here are some practical tips and advice that you might find helpful. Suggestions as to what to wear, even that depends if you are hiking in or near the Virunga Volcanoes or if you are on a hike in a Savannah Park such as Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda.
Be prepared and read our Hiking Tips and Advice ahead of time, and you will enjoy your Hikes a Lot more.
Time to Hit the Trails in Uganda.
If you are interested in the Rwenzori Mountains – Foothill Hikes -contact us
