When you think of a safari in Uganda, expect to enjoy not only its big game or mountain gorillas but also challenge yourself in any of this country’s most magical mountains. Uganda features many mountains both block and volcano mountains making it an ideal area for mountaineering adventures. For those of you who are planning to visit this landlocked country this season for gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest & Mgahinga national park, it is important that you also include mountain climbing onto your travel plan and indeed you will have a complete travel experience. Among many mountains you shouldn’t miss to explore while on mountaineering adventure in Uganda include;

Mount Rwenzori

This is also popular as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and features the highest peak in Uganda and the 3^rd in Africa. This magnificent mountain lies in western Uganda just at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This mountain range expands for hundreds of kilometers and features massifs like Speke, Baker, Emin, Luigi di Savoia, Gessi and Stanley. A hike to the Rwenzori Mountain summit requires adequate time and physical wellness in you. For a complete hike, you need at least 8 days or more to get to Margherita peak which is the highest peak. It stands at altitude of about 5109 meters and while on its summit, you will be amazed by the dramatic views of its surrounding areas and the snowcapped part of this magnificent mountain. There are many trails that take hikers to the summit and each trail rewards you with amazing views but require different physical fitness levels. Before your actual hike, make sure you do adequate exercise so that you complete your hike.

Mount Elgon

This mountain suitably lies in the eastern side of Uganda just at the border with Kenya. It is one of a kind mountains you need not to miss to hike through.

Mount Elgon stands at elevation of about 4321 meters and features as the 8^th highest peak in Africa and 4^th tallest in East Africa. Way back, it featured as Uganda’s highest peak but due to continued erosion, its height drastically reduced. The highest peak of this mountain is Wagagai and features the largest caldera in the world. As a national park, it inhabits variety of wildlife species including forest monkeys, birds, buffaloes, small antelope families, elephants a mention but a few. As you go downslopes, you will find caves of various sizes, waterfalls and many water polls.

Mount Muhavura

This is also usually spelt as Muhabura also locally popular to the Bakiga and Bafumbira as the highest volcano on the side of Uganda and second tallest in the 8 Virunga Mountain ranges. It stands at altitude of about 4127 meters and hiking through this volcano is ideal while you are on the Rwanda side and also Uganda. While at the summit, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding areas especially Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.

Mount Gahinga

To hike through this volcano, you need about 6 hours for ascent and descent. It stands at elevation of about 3474 meters and features beautiful Crater and giant lobelia. For those of you who may be lucky enough, you can chance to see golden monkeys as they jump around the bamboo forest in this area.

Mount Sabyinyo

This volcano lies at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is best hiked on the Uganda side and due to its rugged terrain as well as many Crater Lakes on the Rwanda and the DR Congo side, it is more challenging for one to hike through this magnificent Virunga Volcano on these two countries. Given the shape of this mountain, it is however known as the old man’s teeth in Kinyarwanda. It derived its name from Kinyarwanda word Iryinyo denoting a tooth and it is notably an extinct volcano in eastern Africa. Around its slopes, there are a number of wildlife including the rare mountain gorillas. You can hike through these three volcanoes while you are on Uganda gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National park-one of the 4 only national parks in the world where you can find mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.

In conclusion, Uganda is a true adventure paradise not only does it reward you with breathtaking wildlife encounters, primate adventures but also take you through challenging and thrilling mountaineering experiences. If you are adventure enthusiast, the above mountains should be a must for you to hike through and you won’t regret in life.