Types of Mountains in Uganda
Uganda is home to several mountains that are among the destinations travelers encounter on their safaris. Mountains are raised pieces of land with a highest peak point. While on a safari in Uganda, there are several categories of mountains that travelers may encounter. Some of these include:
Mountains formed by faulting
Mountains formed by faulting, also known as fold block mountains, are created by tensional and compressional forces. These forces cause cracks in the land, which raises the terrain, thus forming elevated pieces of land. On a safari in Uganda, mountains formed by faulting include Mount Rwenzori, which is the only mountain of this kind situated in the western region of Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This mountain features the highest peak, called Margherita Peak. Hiking this mountain takes about 7 to 9 days. Travelers may encounter various wildlife during their hike, including chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffaloes, forest leopards, and many others. Several hiking trails exist, including the Kilembe Circuit, a private track, and the Nyakalengija Trail, which is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Mountains formed by volcanicity
Volcanicity refers to the process of molten rocks, ash, and gas erupting from within the Earth’s surface. This activity leads to the formation of various landforms, including mountains. In Uganda, several mountains are formed by volcanicity, such as:
Mount Elgon
Located in eastern Uganda at the border with Kenya in Mbale district, this major volcano was once the highest mountain in Africa. However, due to volcanicity and erosional factors, it lost that title. While on a safari, Mount Elgon boasts one of the largest calderas in the world. The mountain is forested throughout, and hiking it takes about 4 to 6 days. It is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Notable hiking trails include the Sipi, Suam, Piswa, and Sasa trails. The highest point of Mount Elgon is Wagagai Peak. To visit this mountain, travelers should engage licensed or reliable tour operators.
Mount Moroto
Located in northeastern Uganda at the border with Kenya in the Karamoja region, Mount Moroto is a dominant volcano that has never erupted in recorded history. Initially known as “Moru To,” the name reflects the native communities that migrated from Ethiopia. The highest point of this mountain is Sokodek. While on safari, travelers can encounter over 220 bird species, monkeys, wildcats, and other wildlife. Various hiking trails exist, and travelers are encouraged to book in advance to determine the best trail to take. This mountain is part of a volcanic chain along the border with Kenya.
Mount Kadam
Nestled in northeastern Uganda within the Karamoja region, Mount Kadam is another volcanic mountain located on the border with Kenya, north of Mount Elgon. The mountain was named after Sailesh Kadam, from which it derived its current name. During Uganda’s colonization, Mount Kadam was referred to as Debasian.
Mount Murongole
This dormant volcano is located within Kidepo Valley National Park in the Karamoja region, on the border with South Sudan. Murongole is inhabited by the IK people, one of the dominant communities around the mountain.
Mount Sabyinyo
Sabyinyo, formed by volcanicity, is a dominant volcano situated in southwestern Uganda at the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is part of the Virunga ranges within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Hiking this mountain presents challenges, as it is a day hike to reach the peak shared by three countries. During the hike, travelers may encounter wildlife such as golden monkeys, gorillas, forest elephants, and velvet monkeys.
Mount Muhavura
This inactive volcano is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda at the border with Rwanda. It ranks as the third highest mountain in the Virunga region’s chain of volcanoes. Hiking Mount Muhavura offers stunning views of the surrounding area, with wildlife sightings including gorillas, forest elephants, various bird species, and more.
Mount Gahinga
This dormant volcano lies between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhavura within the Virunga region. It is the smallest of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gahinga is derived from a local term meaning “a pile of stones.”
