5 Mountains in Uganda for the Best Hiking Experience

Did you know that Uganda is one of the few places in the world where you can combine wildlife safaris, Gorilla trekking through some of the oldest tropical rain forests and also experience adventurous mountain climbing? 

That’s right! If you want to trek through ice-age jungles to snow-capped peaks, make that dream come true in Uganda. And if that’s not enough, hop onto the next ferry to Ssese Islands for your beach extension.

Our guide promises the best and the most unique mountain climbing experience you’ll ever experience on the African continent.

1. Mt. Elgon National Park

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Did you know that Mountain Elgon National Park is an extinct volcano with the largest base of 80 kilometres in diameter in the whole world? 

It gets better – Did you know that Mount Elgon National Park is also the second-largest mountain in Uganda and takes the eighth position in the world? 

Here’s a fun fact – Mt. Elgon’s highest point, “Wagagai”, is in Uganda, and the primary reasons why visitors love this park are;

• To reach its highest peak of Wagagai which is 4,321 above sea level.
• To get to its summit 
• Excellent hiking trails. 

It takes about 4 to 5 days for an avid hiker to climb up and down this mountain. For beginners, Mt. Elgon is a great option because its elevation is lower. 

Road: From Kampala to Kapchorwa takes about 5–6 hours. Or if you drive from Jinja to Mbale, it takes about 4–5 hours. 

Flight: From Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Soroti Airstrip, then drive about an hour to the park. Or you can fly to Kisumu Airport, then drive about 50 minutes to the park. Entrance fees to  Mountain Elgon National Park are $25 per adult.

Attractions and Activities

• Trekking to the summit is not an experience you want to miss.
• Then we have Mount Elgon National Park, which boasts stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. 
• Here’s the fun part – Mount Elgon is also relatively accessible while trekking to the summit, at least not as challenging as most.
• You could also explore the Sasa and Sipi trail route that takes you through bamboo zones, enchanting moorlands and montane forests.
• Along that same route, you get to marvel at the one and only “Jackson’s Pool, ” a breathtaking crater lake on the caldera’s edge. 

2. Mt. Rwenzori National Park

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Did you know that the Rwenzori Mountains are a range of mountains in Africa, with the highest peak, Mount Margherita which is 16,762 ft? At 5,109 metres, Margherita Peak is the highest point on Mount Stanley and the third-highest peak in Africa. 

By the way, did you also know that the upper regions of Mount Margherita are permanently snow-capped and glaciated and are on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in Danger?

The Rwenzori mountains are famous for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, and climbing excursions with or without summiting the Margherita. A 9 – 12-day trek is enough for skilled climbers to reach the summit of Margherita.

By road, there are two routes from Kampala:

• Via Mubende to Fort Portal: 300 km, approx 4 hours
• Via Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi to Kasese: 350 km, approx 6 hours.
• Entrance fees to Mountain Rwenzori are $35 per adult

Travelers can also fly to Kasese, which takes about an hour and a half.

Activities and Attractions

I know we came hiking, but there’s much more to expect from the Rwenzori Mountains. 

Here’s an in-depth peek into them: 

• Unforgettable cultural encounters – This is a no-brainer, you can’t be that selfish. Get to know the Bakonzo people, engage in their cultures, and experience how life-changing it truly is to be in Africa. These people live in the foothills of these mountains. Learn about their architecture, dances, and their music. 
• Breath-taking waterfalls – The likes of Nyamwamba and Mubuku Falls. These two falls provide a relaxation spot the perfect spot for photography, and so much more.

3. Mt Sabinyo

Mountain Sabinyo is located in the southwestern region of Kisoro district and it borders Virunga National Park in Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Did you know that hiking Mount Sabinyo is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the Virunga Ranges because it’s only currently possible from Uganda? Your hike will involve climbing steep ridgelines, some with wooden ladders. 

You’ll also go through bamboo forests, Hagenia Hypericum forest, and trees covered in Old Man’s Beard moss. Oh, yeah! And it also takes between 7 and 10 hours to summit the volcano. 

To get to Mount Sabinyo, first, you must get to Kisoro town, in the southwestern part of Uganda by car which by the way, is an 8-hour drive. Then drive another 14 kilometres to Mt. Mgahinga, and that’s it. 

Attractions and Activities

• For starters, Mt. Sabinyo is part of the Virunga mountains, so you get to make your choice of which one to see first. For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, Mt. Sabinyo offers a range of attractions and activities. Imagine the adrenaline rush coursing through your veins as you hike up one of the most challenging, yet rewarding summits in Africa. Yeah, that’s just the iceberg.
• As you ascend, you’ll cross international borders, literally. You’ll notice markers indicating the points where Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet. Pretty cool, I know. 

4. Mt Moroto

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Mountain Moroto is yet another hiking option you must consider. Why? Because it’s adjacent to Moroto town, which is in Karamoja, Northern Uganda. Mount Moroto is one of a chain of volcanoes along Uganda’s border with Kenya.

This chain begins with Mount Elgon in the south, then Mount Kadam and finally Mount Morungole. The mountains of Karamoja are an exciting alternative as compared to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa. 

Why? Because they have a milder climate, lower elevation, the same attractions, and most importantly require no special equipment or technical experience.

Note: The region around Mount Moroto is a forest reserve that protects a range of habitats from arid thorn savanna to dry montane forest.

By road, it is approximately 3 kilometres east of Moroto’s central business district. That’s the most common way from Kampala town to Mt. Moroto and that takes about 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Attractions and Activities

• Mt. Moroto is another great destination your hiking plans can come through. Picture this – the distinctive rocky formations and the scenic views of the plains around you. Cool part? Treks range from short-day hikes to multi-day expeditions. This allows you to immerse yourselves in the beautiful landscapes, and also encounter local wildlife in the park. 
• Or you can visit traditional Karamoja and learn about their traditions,  cultures, and unique customs. 

5. Mt Kadam

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Mount Kadam is another great hiking destination you should add to your hiking list because it offers tons of exciting experiences, attractions and activities. Mt. Kadam is located in the northeast part of Uganda, close to the Kenyan border. It is also 3,063 meters above sea level and is part of the Kadam Mountain Range. 

Mt. Kadam is a must-visit destination if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience away from tourist crowds that flock to other parts of Uganda. 

Here’s more – the mountain has lots of edible plant species (vegetables and fruits) and medicinal herbs.

By road, you must travel to Moroto from Kampala. This takes approximately six hours. Or you could fly over there, which takes about two hours. This is not only faster but more convenient, but more expensive.

Note: The journey to the base of the mountain Kadam is bumpy, so prepare for a rough hike.

The trek to the summit takes 3 days and takes you through dense forests, bamboo groves, and rocky terrain. Oh, and you can also camp at designated campsites along the way, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness and enjoy the sounds of the night.

Attractions and Activities

• The ascent to Mt. Kadam is challenging. But, it is also very rewarding because you’ll see some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding plains. 
• Furthermore, the raw beauty of this region is one like no other and makes it the ultimate destination for hiking, and photography.

Bottom Line

Uganda’s mountains offer a variety of challenges and breathtaking scenery for hikers of all experience levels. There’s a mountain adventure waiting for you in the Pearl of Africa. So lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and start planning your Ugandan hiking adventure today!

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