MOUNTAINEERING TIPS FOR HIKERS
Health and safety on the trail Hikers should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia and the various forms of altitude sickness (see Osmaston’s Guide to the Rwenzori). Above 2500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone, irrespective of age, fitness or previous mountain experience. The most effective treatment is descent to a lower altitude.
Good behaviour at the huts and on the trail is appreciated · The park operates a ‘Leave no trace’ policy. Collect all waste and make sure you or your porters take it out of the park.
· Please use the latrines provided at huts.
· Respect others in the huts by sharing space at the stoves and talking quietly.
· Observe the prohibition on wood fires which degrade the park’s vegetation. Gas cookers are provided by Rwenzori Mountineering Services.
· During periods of bad weather, it may be necessary to wait more than one night at huts to ease congestion ahead.
· Minimise damage to the trails by following your guide closely and avoid making new paths.
Practice adequately to conquer the Rwenzori Mountains
If you planning to conquer the Rwenzori ranges, expect to encounter challenging trek which all requires you to acclimatize to strenuous hiking trails characterized by steep slopes, bogs, rivers, lakes, bamboos etc. The best way to conquer the Rwenzori Mountains is by having adequate exercises before the actual date of trekking to the summits of Mt. Rwenzori and preferably, practice on the hilly areas. Trekking to Margherita peak is without doubt breathtaking as you have to trek up to height of 5109m.
What else to expect on Rwenzori Mountains trek
Mount Rwenzori is unique, rising up to 5109m from the Western rift valley floor. While it lies along the rift valley floor, it doesn’t make it a volcanic mountain like it is a case with other mountains that are found along the rift valley region in Africa. Mt. Rwenzori is approximately 120kms long and trekkers navigate through the different altitude zones, each featuring distinct floral & faunal species.
While on Rwenzori Mountains, trekkers should expect more than the magical glaciers and spectacular peak views. Expect to also identify a range of birds en-route or while descending from the summits and they include endemic birds such as cinnamon chested bee-eater, Archer’s ground robin, handsome francolins, long eared owl, Lammergeier, fly catchers, white starred forest robin, scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, black eagle, Rwenzori turaco and so on.
The Rwenzori Mountains are noted for their exceptional views of over 9 splendid lakes in Uganda that straddle along the rift valley. The surrounding flora and fauna, distinct vegetation zones on varied altitude on each trekking stage you get. Mt. Rwenzori offers treks less of crowds compared to other mountaineering destinations.