Hiking Destinations

Mountain Climbing and Hiking Tours in East Africa.

Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the only free standing and tallest dormant volcanic mountain in Africa rising at an altitude of 5,895 meters above sea level. It has unique features including five vegetation zones equivalent to a trip from the equator to the Arctic Circle. Right from the base camps the landscapes starts with bush lands, tropical forests, moorlands, heathers to alpine desert and permanent snow caps.

Getting to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro is very challenging but with experienced local guides and porter services including all the necessary climbing equipment. Rest assured to safely climb up to the highest peak Uhuru at 5,895 meters above sea level. There are 7 specialist routes that make it easier for hikers to access the stunning peaks of Kibo, Mawezi and Shira within a round trip of 9 days.

Among the 7 routes, four are quite easier and shorter for amateur climbers. They include machame, Marangu, Rongai and Umbwe will get climbers on the summit within 7 days. The other 4 routes are quite longer best for experienced hikers; they include the northern circuit, lemoshi, Shira, Mweka which take 8-9 days to reach the summit.

Climbers find it easier with the tents, hut accommodation set along the routes up the mountain for night camping and a full support team of guides, porters and cooks who guarantee you safety and enjoyment during trekking. Note that cooks usually arrive at the camps earlier than hikers to prepare food and drinks where as porters carry luggage of not more than 5 kg for each hiker.
Most of the climbs are made during day except for the summit climb which begins at midnight so that climbers will reach the summit when the sun is rising. At night climbers also enjoy full moon when it’s the right season.

Mt. Kilimanjaro is portrayed as a dormant volcano and not extinct and the climb is exhilarating due to changing vegetation zones with beautiful plants such as lobelias, heathers in deep valleys, lava tubes, streams, waterfalls, ridges, active steam jets, caldera lakes such as the one on peak Kibo. The scenery is amazing from the rain forests where a diversity of wildlife can be encountered such as forest buffalos, duikers, primates and bird species.
Note, that from the starting points at the mentioned routes, hikers are subject to change hiking gears with the changing altitude. Extensive permanent ice caps exist on the Uhuru and Kibo peaks. All necessary equipments will be provided such as crampons, ropes, ice axes.

Best time to trek Mt. Kilimanjaro
Most climbers prefer the dry season between January to March and June to October. It’s also possible to climb during the wet season depending on your interests. The months of April, May, and November are typically wet and this is when snow becomes too much.

Because of high altitude, there is a risk of high altitude sickness and thus, hikers are recommended to get medication before attempting to climb.

Mt. Rwenzori Climbing in Uganda

Mt. Rwenzori is protected under the 998 sq. km Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and is a UNESCO world heritage site protecting five distinctive vegetation zones that make a home to several rare and endemic species of mammals, plants, amphibians and birds that are hard to find in other parts of Africa. These include 70 mammals, 217 species of birds including 19 Albertine rift endemics and reptiles such as the rare three-horned chameleon.

Covering about 6,000 sq. km, Mt. Rwenzori is located in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley between lake Edward in the south and the Albertine graben in the north on the border areas of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo only 20 miles from the equator line, yet snowcapped; a reason why it’s a must climb mountain.

Mt. Rwenzori includes six independent ridges separated by huge valleys hundreds of meters deep to make it Africa’s 3rd tallest block mountain, of which the highest Magherita peak rises at an altitude of 5,109 meters above sea level. It has been believed to be the source of the world’s longest River Nile,; hence offers world class hiking opportunities for adventure seekers.

Trekking starts both at Trekkers hostel or Rwankingi the headquarters of the park from which all climbers get their climbing equipment, route maps and also hire porters and cooks.

You may spend 8 to 12 nights on the mountain depending on the peaks one intends to climb. Climbing is determined by the degree of altitude and the changing climatic of vegetation zones.

There are two popular trekking trails which include the central circuit trail and the Kilembe trail, which all take climbers through several peaks that lead to the tallest three peaks of Magherita peak at 5,109, Mt. speak at 4,890 and baker at 4,843 meters above sea level.

There are accommodations mainly huts and camps along the central cirucuit and kilembe routes. They include among others; Sine camp at 2,580 meters above sea level, Mutinda camp at 3,688 meters, Butawu camp at 3,974 meters, Boguta camp at 4,062 meters above sea level and Magherita camp at 4,485 meters above sea level.

The trails take climbers through magnificent sceneries featuring rare plants like lobelias, groundsels and heathers, bogged valleys covered by a blanket of colorful flowers, mosses and lichens make it a botanical haven. The two trails will also take climbers through an ascent of 20 glacial lakes, which are all accessible on foot.

Climbers should be aware of the high rainfall amounts in the Mt. Rwenzori region; hence you are advised to visit the park during the right season to have a safe climbing experience. Climbing is best done during the dry months of January and February and July to August.

For tourists intending to make short hiking excursions on the lower slopes will enjoy a range of accommodations at the base where trekking starts. In Ruboni area include Ruboni community camp, Geo lodges equator snow and Ruboni Turaco View Camp. Along the Nyakalengija route is the Rwenzori mountains safari lodge and kilembe trekkers’ hostel.

Mt. Elgon hiking in Uganda
Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano located on the eastern border of Uganda and Kenya. It’s popular for having the world’s largest caldera covering about 30 km, offering less tiring hiking opportunities for hikers all year round. The best months for hiking are during June to August and December to February.

Mt. Elgon National Park covers an area of about 1,112 sq km and is protected under the trans-boundary collaboration management of Uganda and Kenya. Hikers will be rewarded with beautiful sunrises and wildlife encounters such as buffalos, elephants, antelope species, primates, warthogs and birds which make it their home and also get a chance to enjoy cross border tourism from Uganda to Kenya.

The flat topped Mt. Elgon rises at an altitude of 4,322 with the highest peak Wagagai. Climbing it will not require special equipments like crampons since it does not have ice on top. Hikers can hike for 3-4 days but it’s recommended to spend more than 5 days if you were to reach the summit and the caldera.
The climb to the summit is amazing with beautiful features such as sparkling waterfalls, hot springs, ancient caves and the 4 vegetation zones that provide home to various species of animals and birds. Right from woodlands, tropical forests with deep gorges to the moorlands and afro alpine featuring rare plant species such as giant lobelias and groundsels present one of the beautiful and magnificent sceneries for adventure lovers.

Another stunning feature of Mt. Elgon is the Sipi waterfalls, a combination of three sparkling water falls on the foothills of Mt. Elgon. Most hikers start from Budadiri where hiking permits can be got to tour the surrounding local communities including cultural encounters of the Bamasaba and Sabiny who call Mt. Elgon Masaba because they believe their founding father originated from the mountain.

At Sipi falls, hikers can also opt for rock climbing. There are local guides who provide rock climbing equipments who will also take you for the 35 meters high rock climbing. On top of the rocks you get good views of the falls and the surrounding areas.

Hikers will gather at the forest exploration centre at kapkwai centre. This centre features accommodations for tourist groups and an educational centre. From here tourists are able to arrange short hikes to the caves, waterfalls, rocks along with wildlife encounters.

There are four hiking trails that make the summit caldera accessible by hikers. These include the shortest Sasa trail which takes about four days passing through bamboo forests, the Sipi trail takes about 6 days of round trip and it’s quite long starting at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level. The Piswa trail takes about 7 days to reach the highest peak Wagagai passing through the northern side of Mt. Elgon giving views of western Kenya and northern karamoja region of Uganda.

These trails lead hikers to the major five peaks of Mt. Elgon both on the Ugandan and Kenyan side which include Wagagai peak at 4,231 meters above sea level, Sudek peak on Uganda- Kenya border at 4,302 meters above sea level, Mubiyi and Masaba peaks on Uganda side at 4,211 and 4,162 meters above sea level respectively.
You will need essential hiking gears since the mountain is wet and muddy sometimes. Bring water proof tents, sleeping bags, rain jackets, solid boots, warm clothing and cameras. Near Budadiri camp are cheap accommodations where you can stay.

Mt. Sabinyo hiking in Uganda.
Mount Sabinyo also called “Old Man’s Teeth” because of its eroded top, which relates to how an old man might lose teeth due to old age. Mt.Sabinyo is part of the Virunga mountain ranges and is the oldest volcano of all the eight, standing at 3,669m, which takes about eight hours to cover the 14km round trip, following a steep ridge up to the peak. The volcano has three most challenging peaks, but views are rewarding once you manage the challenge. You need have some physical fitness to manage the hike of Mt.Sabinyo which will be exposing you to three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo once you reach the summit. There are some ladder climbing as you venture up and you will pass through various vegetation zones.

Mt. Muhabura Hike in Uganda.
Mt. Muhavura is the highest peak of the Virunga mountain ranges in Uganda at 4,127m, and is the third highest of all the eight Volcanoes that form park of Virunga Mountains, with the highest being Mt.Karisimbi and the second being Mt.Mikeno. Hiking Mt.Muhavura takes 12km round trip and takes around eight hours. The top of the volcano will reward hikers with views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the peaks of the Rwenzori mountain ranges.

Mt.Gahinga Hiking in Uganda.
Mt. Gahinga is one of the shortest volcano out of the 8 volcanoes after Mt.Nyiragongo and Mt.Nyamuragira. Standing at 3474m, It takes around six hours to ascend and descend making it the easiest to hike. Its swamp-filled crater and giant lobelia at the top is amazing as it is rare to find a swamp on top of the mountain. Climbers may spot golden monkeys on their way through the bamboo forest which is in itself a reward as the golden monkeys are rare and endemic to the montane areas.

Mt. Karisimbi hiking in Rwanda.
Mt. Karisimbi is the highest peak amount the eight volcanoes that form up Virunga Mountain ranges standing at 4705m. The summit of Mt Karisimbi is also the highest point in Rwanda and one of the highest summits in Africa. Climbing Mt Karisimbi takes two days and does not require any hiking skill, but this amazing hike can only be managed by fit hikers.

Hiking Mt. Karisimbi start with briefing from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, and the hike start from the edge of Volcanoes National Park to the ridge of the huge caldera extending at the base of the actual cone of Mt Karisimbi passing through the bamboo forests and the Hagenia – Hypericum forests. The hike then continues through the caldera, across a bush of giant Lobelia and Senecio . An alternative route starts at the foot of Mt Visoke, and takes climbers across the saddle and up Mt Karisimbi.

The hikers will have their first night at the basic camp where they will have a night rest and then in the morning, they begin the hike up to the summit where they enjoy the beautiful morning light and astonishing scenery with the view of the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira active volcanoes in the distance, before descending down the volcano.

The climbing of the volcano is suitable during dry season of June to August as the weather tends to get the temperatures to freezing point during the wet season especially on the last part of the summit which is more demanding and challenging.

Mt. Bisoke Hike in Rwanda.
Mt Bisoke is one of the shortest volcanoes in Rwanda standing at 3700m. Mt Bisoke’s hike takes 5-7 hours round trip with a crater lake at the top which is scenic to see while at the top. Mt. Bisoke does not offer a very challenging hike, but it still requires some fitness level to hike up the top. Ascending typically takes 3-4 hours depending on the strength and skills of the hiker.
Hiking will take you across a series of different vegetation habitats starting with bamboo forests, then moving into Hagenia – Hypericum forest and finally moving through Senecio – Lobelia bush near the summit.

The hike can be booked on hiking day and will start from Kinigo park headquarters with briefing before proceeding the starting point of the trek.
Mt. Sabinyo hiking in Rwanda.

Mt. Sabinyo can also be hiked from Rwanda sideas it is shared between the three countries; Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. On Rwanda side, hiking starts from kingi in Volcanoes National park. Hikers find it challenging but impressive due to deep gorges, ridges and valleys that appear beautiful. With guides, it takes 8 hours to reach the summit where you will stand in all the three countries from one stand viewpoint.

Mt. Nyiragongo Hiking in DR Congo.
Mt. Nyiragongo is one of the active volcanoes that form part of the Virunga mountain ranges and is located in DR Congo. The volcano is the 2nd shortest volcano out of the eight volcanoes after Mt Nyamuragira, which is also an active volcano standing in DR Congo.

Mt. Nyiragongo stands at 3470m and can be hiked with in a day, but always, the preference is having an overnight at the top shelters where the lava lake can best be viewed at night emitting light that lights the sky.
Hiking of Nyiragongo starts from Kibatsi Village, which is one hour, drive from Goma town and will go through settlements before ascending the volcano. Climbing does not require special hiking skills though it requires some fitness to be able to manage the hike.