Best Mountain To Climb In East Africa
Find the best mountain you should climb on your East Africa Adventure. East Africa is a region at the edge of the African continent famous for its geographical, historical, and landscape that is hills, rift valleys, and volcanic mountains offering hiking experiences in all the East African countries. Mountaineering addicts will enjoy a thrilling physical and lush experience that forever remains specific and treasured.
Mountain Kilimanjaro
This is a dormant volcano mountain in Tanzania and is the highest in Africa at 5895 meters. It is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world and hiking this mountain takes 6-8 days. It has three peaks that are Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. There are various hiking routes both for ascending and descending including Rongai, Mweka, Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, Shira, and Lemosho. The Machame route is the hardest but most popularized route because its complete hike takes almost a week due to its step nature.
Mountain Meru
This is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing at 4566 meters and a dormant volcano west of Kilimanjaro in the southeast Arusha region. Used as a training run for Mount Kilimanjaro which lies nearby. The path twists through fig trees growing in ancient, rainforests before arriving at savannas and heather. Along the way, hundreds of birds and animals are sighted including giraffes, buffaloes, and baboons. August to October are the best months to hike since they are dry months so no mud to ruin the hiking.
Mountain Kenya
This is the second-highest mountain in Africa and the highest mountain in Kenya at 5299.9 meters. The highest peak is Batain and hiking takes 2-4 days. Different routes up the mountain reward hikers with the sparkling summit. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a snowcapped mountain that features magnificent landscapes of dense woodlands, waterfalls, moorland, and rocks with permanent ice and glacier lakes viewed as you ascend its magnificent peaks. Other peaks for Mount Kenya are Nelion at 5188 meters, and Lenana at 4985 meters.
Mountain Rwenzori
Also known as the mountains of the moon stands at 5109 meters above sea level, Mountain Rwenzori is found in western Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwenzori in the local language means ‘mountain of the rain’. Mountain Rwenzori is the third highest mountain peak in Africa with glaciers that are one of the sources of the River Nile. There are several summits available for hikers and they include Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Margherita Peak which is the highest point on Mountain Rwenzori. Mountain Rwenzori is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mountain Rwenzori is a mist-shrouded mountain with valleys full of rocky cliffs, emerald-green lakes, high glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.
The plant life on the mountain includes dense tropical rainforests, bamboo forests, and alpine species. Trekking to the peak of the mountain takes 7-9 days depending on the fitness of the trekkers. Trekking requires physical fitness endurance. The final ascent to Margherita Peak is a technical climb that requires a grade two climbing experience. Margherita is the highest peak on Mount Rwenzori at 5,109 meters. However, it has other peaks before getting to the highest. These peaks are Mount Speke at 4890 meters Mount Baker at 4842 meters, Mutinda Peak at 4032 meters, Alexander Peak at 5090 meters, Portal Peak at 4637 meters, Mount Gessi at 4715 meters, and Mount Emin at 4798 meters.
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon has the longest volcanic base in the world and the second largest caldera and it’s on the border of Uganda and Kenya. This mountain features amazing views into neighboring Kenya on its summit Haggai. Mount Elgon is home to two tribes, Bagisu and Sabinyu. The Bagisu are considered to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and it is referred to as Masaba. Mountain Elgon is home to over 300 species of birds and animals. They include; black and white colobus monkeys, elephants, and buffaloes. Mount Elgon has three hiking trails which include the following.
The Sasa trail is a 4-day hike and the trail is the main route to Wagagai. The first day involves a tough ascent then proceed to the forest on the Mudangi cliffs where ladders are used to hike.2nd day it’s a gentle walk all through, 3rd day you reach Wagagai the highest peak.
The Piswa trail is the less strenuous trail where you trek a 49-kilometer distance for 7 days and trekking begins at the village of Kapkwata at an altitude of 2190 meters. Along the trail, several breathtaking sights of Karamoja plains, Nandi hills, and Kapeguria are viewed.
The Sipi trail is the longest trail. It takes 3-5 days to complete beginning at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre a few kilometers from Sipi Falls. The forest has opened 3 shorter trails. These are good for less experienced hikers and mountaineers who want to taste the beauty of the Elgon landscape and wildlife in the shortest period.
Mount Sabyinyo
This mountain is on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with the best hiking side being in Uganda. Mount Sabyinyo stands at a height of 3645 meters above sea level and is the oldest volcano mountain. Climbing Mount Sabyinyo takes about 4 hours and the best time to start hiking is morning hours. The hike is a rewarding one with the chance to see different animals such as golden monkeys, gorillas, and birds to mention but a few.
Mountain Karisimbi
This is the highest mountain in Rwanda and is part of the Virunga mountain ranges on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and exotic plants. Karisimbi is a Kinyarwanda word meaning ‘white shell’.
What gear is needed for a hiking adventure?
Light clothes and those that dry fast, long-sleeved shirts to protect you from sunburns. Carry clothes depending on the days you will spend. Trousers will be light and flexible for a comfortable hike.
Sleeping bags are essential for a successful hike because mountains tend to be extremely cold as you ascend to the top, and some are even snow-capped. Thus sleeping bags help give you a good and warm rest.
Brimmed hats as also important as they protect you from sunburns for those with sensitive skin.
Backpack to carry all your things together for the trip like the cameras, pair of stocks, and rain jacket among others.
Gloves to keep you warm during hiking, especially as you move to higher altitudes, and protect your hands from cuts.
Waterproof hiking boots are a must-have for hikes that involve maneuvering uphill and navigating soggy grounds. They are also comfortable and protect your feet at any temperature.
Rain jackets are also needed as the weather can be unpredictable and rainy at times.
Plastic bags to cover and protect your luggage from being soaked by the rain. Mountains given their altitudes can have unpredictable rains even in highly unlikely seasons like the dry season.
