What is the Best Time to Visit Mount Rwenzori?
The best time to visit Mount Rwenzori depends on what you hope to do there. For mountaineering/hiking, you should go in the dry season (June to September or December to February). A bird-watching tour can be taken in the wet season (March to May or October to November). The wet season shouldn’t be off the table for mountaineering, either. If you are ready for cold temperatures, you will be treated to crystal-clear mountain views.
Well, this may come as a surprise, but the three main trails to the Rwenzori Mountains peak (Margherita at 5109 meters above sea level) have been conquered successfully in almost all seasons. However, some of the best Rwenzori hiking adventures have been done in the high season. Therefore, June to September or December to February are the best times to visit Mount Rwenzori.
Despite the dry season, hiking to Uganda’s highest point and Africa’s third-highest peak during other seasons has several perks. This article will take you through a seasonal guide to visiting the extraordinary Mount Rwenzori in western Uganda, in different seasons. Read on!
Dry Season (June to September and December to February)
The most popular months for visiting Mount Rwenzori are January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. These months are when hiking/climbing conditions are at their best. These dry months offer little to no rain, more favorable temperatures, clear skies, and less chance of problematic snowfall. For this reason, these months are also when the Mount Rwenzori hiking trails are busiest, but if you yearn for more favorable weather conditions, that’s a trade-off you may be prepared to make. Also, in the dry season, the weather is favorable and perfect for high-altitude climbing.
In addition to the favorable weather conditions, alluring views with clear skies, colorful coral-pink ground orchids, and the impatiens runsorrensis along the trail are plus points. However, the best time to visit Mount Rwenzori with the impatiens runyonii along the trail is a plus point. However, the best time to visit Mount Rwenzori with perfect weather comes at a price. Since it is also considered the high season, the trails on Mount Rwenzori get reasonably crowded.
Wet Season (March to May, October to November)
The wet or rainy season (March to May and October to November) is not necessarily a “bad” time to visit Mount Rwenzori. But it is undoubtedly the off-season. Generally, the temperatures can get extremely cold (as low as 10 degrees Celsius during the day and as low as 2 degrees Celsius at night). So, hikers need to be well-prepared for extremely freezing conditions. However, the skies are obvious during wet months, rewarding hikers with phenomenal mountain views. And, you won’t be jostling for space with other hikers en route.
Visiting Mount Rwenzori during the rainy season is challenging. In the wet months, the hiking trails get muddy and even slippery. Therefore, you’ll need to take care of yourself for a successful and stress-free hiking experience.
Nonetheless, it is surprising that there tends to be less rain at higher altitudes. Therefore, if you are well-prepared and the rainy weather does not pester you, Mount Rwenzori hiking is not exactly few and far between. But you have to be a little extra careful.
Exploring Mount Rwenzori may seem daunting at this time of the year, but it is not precisely impossible. Surprisingly, many enthusiastic mountaineers have conquered the hiking trail even during the rainy season. You only need proper planning and the right gear (footwear, clothing, and equipment).
Could you make the proper Preparations?
As long as you are well prepared for the cold weather, the wet season is a perfectly wonderful time for a true hiking adventure. Hikers get to treat themselves to breathtaking mountain views and clear skies, in addition to opportunities for photography. All hikers need to do is gear up properly. This stress on the importance of proper gear makes the adventure more enjoyable and less daunting.
Also, in the bargain, the wet season is generally considered off-season, allowing you to hike more peacefully with fewer disturbances. Further, the wet season mornings treat you with the most spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the surrounding Democratic Republic of Congo.
How Difficult Is Mount Rwenzori Hiking?
Mount Rwenzori hiking, particularly climbing to the third-highest peak on the African continent, may sound intimidating to first-timers. However, the difficulty level is moderate. The hike involves conquering steep slopes to the snow-capped peaks of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. While it’s not the easiest hike, it’s manageable with the proper preparation and determination.
After all is said and done, it is no brainer that the hike is also not the easiest since the hiking trails to the third-highest Peak in Africa. Go through the glaciers, cliffs, slippery moss-covered rocks, and rocky hill paths for multiple days. Aside from the challenges of crossing difficult paths, altitude is another huge hurdle. The multiple-day hike ends at Margherita Peak (for those interested in going to the highest peak), 5109 meters above sea level. But the sense of accomplishment in conquering these challenges is unparalleled, making the journey worth every step.
How to Prepare for a Mount Rwenzori Hiking Adventure?
Mount Rwenzori Hiking may seem challenging, especially to first-timers, but it is not back-breaking (if you are well-prepared). In simple terms, the climbing Trails are more like long hikes at a high altitude.
Since the majority of the Mount Rwenzori Hikes end at Margherita Peak (towering at 5109 meters above sea level on Mount Stanley), it does not require specific mountaineering skills or technical expertise. However, participants must be physically fit and determined to reach the highest peak. This emphasis on physical fitness underscores the commitment and preparation required for this adventure.
To prepare for Mount Rwenzori Hiking tours, you can begin with basic physical activities a few weeks earlier. Several recommended options include short hikes around community hills, hitting the gym, running on the tracks, or climbing many steps.
The recommended Mount Rwenzori Hiking Packing List
Pack long-sleeved shirts/blouses and long, breathable safari pants for your Mount Rwenzori Hiking safari. A waterproof backpack (for carrying items you will need during the Mount Rwenzori Hike). A lightweight rain jacket, a reusable water bottle, and a sleeping bag. Toiletries (such as biodegradable wet wipes, lubricant eye drops, lip balm, biodegradable soap, hand and body lotion, nail clip, toilet tissue, deodorant, and toothbrush and toothpaste), A first aid kit (with antiseptic cream, plasters, blister plasters, altitude meds, and anti-bacterial meds). Hiking boots, hiking socks, Gaiters, waterproof gloves and mittens, and high-energy snacks. A camera for taking photos during your Mount Rwenzori hike.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Mount Rwenzori depends on what you’re planning to do. The dry season is when hiking conditions are at their best. With little to no rain, more favorable temperatures, and less chance of problematic snowfall. However, the wet season is the ideal time to avoid hustling for space with other mountaineers. Since it is considered off-season, the Mount Rwenzori hikes get fewer visitors during the wet season. Considering the pros and cons of visiting Mount Rwenzori during each season, the choice of when to visit entirely lies in your hands. Talk to a safari expert and begin planning for your long-awaited Mount Rwenzori visit.
