Hitting the Trails in the Rwenzori Mountains Foothills

Hitting the Trails – Hiking Trails in Rwenzori Mountains Foothills

Climbers worldwide 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 must be in pretty good shape, leaving out some of us.

There is a great alternative: take half-day, full-day hikes, and then there is the 3 – Day Mahoma Trail, all of which will bring you closer to the Rwenzori Mountains.

The off-the-beaten tourist trail 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 while in Ruboni. The Ruboni Community Camp, a budget option with or without a bath, and the upmarket Equator Snow Lodge, a fantastic places to stay, with stone cottages with a fireplace and merely a feeling of being in the mountains. Read more about Ruboni Village here.

 

 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.

The Ruboni Village Walk is an Authentic Cultural Experience unlike many village walks offered in East Africa. An interactive experience that will remain with you. One of our clients became involved with the village and her support group in the US has made many things possible.

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 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 village’s storytellers.

You can also take a drumming and traditional dancing class here for an extra fee.

 

The Hill Hike from Ruboni Village:

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 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 even a two-day climb- Hike.

The Hill Hike can be an overnight experience if planned with the Ruboni Community by us.

 

The Forest Hike from Ruboni Village:

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 a three-horned Chameleon and 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 and the wildlife found here, such as the giant forest hogs and bush-buck antelopes.

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.

 

3 – Day Mahoma Trail:

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, 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 some Chimpanzees.

The three days of Mahoma Trail expose you to the Rwenzori Mountains – you are right in them with all their splendid scenery. Read more about the Mahoma Trail here.

 

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 long, and 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. The Semliki Valley is one of the lowest, with its tropical Jungles spilling over from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more here.

 

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 on what to wear, even if you are hiking in or near the Virunga Volcanoes or 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.

Contact us if you are interested in the Rwenzori Mountains – Foothill Hikes.

Hiking Information – Tips and Advice