The Best Volcano Hikes and Climbs in Uganda – Virunga Volcanoes – & the Volcano Chain Eastern Uganda
Hiking and climbing the Virunga Mountains that Cook and Volcanoes in Eastern Uganda
Best Volcano Hikes and Climbs in Uganda. Uganda’s borders in the East and the Southwest are made of Volcanoes. Wherever you go on the border with Kenya or in the Southwest, there is the presence of Volcanoes. They are extinct in the east, including Mount Elgon, once the highest Mountain in Africa, until it blew its top. In the Southwest of Uganda, the Virunga Volcanoes are dormant or extinct.
All the Volcanoes are off the beaten path, places unknown to Visitors to Uganda, yet they are some of the Best Mountains to Climb in East Africa.
The Volcanoes’ distinct, rugged beauty provides an almost mystical, adventurous backdrop for climbing and hiking enthusiasts.
In recent years, those searching for authentic, beaten paths hiking enthusiasts have discovered them, and the word has gotten out.
Uganda is home to Gorillas, Chimpanzees, abundant wildlife, the tallest Mountain Range in Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, and the rugged Volcanoes that present a whole other picture of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
The Best Volcano Hikes and Climbs in Uganda
The Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park – Southwest Uganda:
For many, the Virunga Volcanoes in Southwest are easily accessed while on a Safari in Southwest Uganda. They are also a mere 3 hours from Kigali.
3 Volcanoes can be climbed, including the most popular one, Mount Sabinyo (Sabyinyo0, which is a 9-hour round trip Hike-Climb. There are also Mount Muhavura (Muhabura) and Mount Gahinga, which can be climbed without the crowds. Some of the Trails require that you climb up on ladders.
Some visitors to Uganda choose to climb all three Volcanoes in Mgahinga Park. The added plus of the park is that you can climb volcanoes and trek gorillas and golden monkeys, have the cultural experience of the Batwa Trail, and do some of the hikes like the Gorge or Border Trail. Read more here about Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Mount Elgon – Eastern Uganda:
Mount Elgon Volcano was once Africa’s tallest Mountain until one-third of its top blew off a few million years ago.
Today Mount Elgon is part of the Eastern Uganda Adventure Region. You can climb Mount Elgon in four to six days, and however, you can also do day hikes on Mount Elgon and blaze down the Hiking Trails on a Mountain Bike.
Mount Elgon straddles the border of Kenya and Uganda – however, the tallest peak is in Uganda, and so is the large caldera.
We can arrange any climbing and hiking activity for you on Mount Elgon – Contact us below. A typical Climb is four days, and day hikes are an alternative many choose. Read more here about Mount Elgon.
Mount Morungole:
Climb one of the highest extinct Volcanoes in northeastern Uganda and simultaneously visit one of the most remote groups in East Africa – the Ik People, the first people in the area who lived on top of the Volcano. The only way to reach the Ik People is on goat trails.
This is an eight-hour climb-hike with the added plus of a cultural encounter. The Volcano is located near Kidepo Valley Park and is undoubtedly in Uganda’s category of off-the-beaten-path places.
Another added plus is that you can visit one of the most remote parks in East Africa, Kidepo Valley Park, rated as one of the parks in all of Africa by CNN and the best Destination by the Wanderlust Movement.
Mount Moroto:
Mount Moroto is located in the remote Karamoja region in Eastern Uganda. It is best accessed from the Mount Elgon – Sipi Falls area as one journey on Safari with us to Kidepo Valley Park.
The town of Moroto is the capital of Karamoja. It is a hub above Mount Moroto towers that can be climbed on a day or overnight hike.
Once again, the rugged beauty of this extinct Volcano is breathtaking, as is the view from it.
Mount Moroto is an off-the-beaten Tourist Track like other places in this remote region.
The Climbing and hike combine the natural surroundings and local culture, making it extra special.
This can be a day hike in part or overnight on the Mountain.
Uganda is one of the best countries for hiking in Africa. Jungles, Rainforests, savanna plains, mountains, and volcanoes can all be included in walking safaris in the Pearl of Africa.
Hiking is an activity that has picked up the interest of visitors to Uganda. More and more want to get out of the Safari vehicle and hit the trails found in Uganda.
We will help you create that perfect hiking safari itinerary in Uganda that will spice up your time in Uganda with adventure and allow you to see things on foot and up close.
Let us know what you want to do and see, and we will create it. Please Note: For security reasons, we do not offer camping safaris. Read more about Hiking Safaris here.
Best Volcano Hikes and Climbs in Uganda Adventurous Hikers-Climbers
Practical Volcano Hiking and Climbing Advice:
If you’re planning a hiking or climbing trip to a Ugandan volcano, it’s important to consider some essential factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Firstly, it’s recommended to physically prepare yourself for the hike ahead. These hikes can be quite challenging, so training beforehand and acquiring the necessary gear and clothing to tackle the varying terrain and climates you may encounter is advisable. Read moe about Fitness.
It’s also crucial to take into account the weather conditions and seasonality of the region. Some volcanoes may be more accessible and safer to climb during specific times of the year. For instance, the dry season from December to February and June to August is ideal for hiking and climbing. However, during the rainy season, from March to May and September to November, the trails can become slippery, increasing the risk of landslides.
Hiring a local porter who can provide valuable insights, navigate the terrain, and ensure your safety throughout the journey is highly recommended. Local guides know the region, weather, and geography and can provide crucial information to help you make informed decisions during your hike. With adequate preparation, guidance, and a spirit of adventure, you can embark on a memorable exploration of Uganda’s awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Hiking Climbing Safaris – Tips and Advice:
When you come to Uganda to hike and trek to climb, you need different equipment than when reaching for a typical wildlife safari.
Here you will find tips and advice for a reasonable hiking time in Uganda. If there is something not covered, please get in touch with us.
You will know what to wear, the need for a daypack, the best insect repellent for you, and more.
We have put together the Hiking Safari Tips and Advice to take out the guesswork and have you ready for your hikes in the Pearl of Africa, Uganda.
One of the best hiking and climbing countries in East Africa, primarily because of the country’s diversity.
Know all you can before going on Safari. If you want to add the Best Volcano Hikes and Climbs in Uganda to your Safari, please let us know, and we will add them to your Itinerary. Read more about Hiking-Climbing Tips and Advice.