Uganda Hiking
Hiking
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Mt Elgon © Uganda Tourist Board |
Forming the western border of Uganda lie the majestic Rwenzori
Mountains, the legendary snow-covered 'Mountains of the Moon' as
described by Ptolemy in 150 AD. Reaching an altitude of 16,762ft
(5,109m), they form Africa's highest mountain range, lower only
than the freestanding Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, and include
Africa's third highest peak, Point Margherita on Mt Stanley.
Protected within a national park, the six peaks and their slopes
form a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination.
Experienced alpinists will find challenging climbing opportunities
on three glacial peaks over 16,000ft (5,000m), while serious hikers
will enjoy the demanding six-day Bujuku Circuit that offers superb
scenery and is regarded as the most challenging of all African
mountain walks. However the Rwenzoris are not the only hiking
destination in Uganda. Mt Elgon National Park in eastern Uganda on
the border with Kenya offers an exciting alternative to hikers with
no technical mountain experience, but who still enjoy being able to
reach the highest point. The extinct, 14,177-foot (4,321m) volcano
has a four-mile (6km) wide caldera encompassing impressive caves
and hot springs. Its highest peak, Wagagai, does not project
noticeably above the crater. It is possible to reach the summit of
Mt Elgon in three days and no special equipment is necessary. In
south west Uganda, three extinct volcanoes in Mgahinga National
Park also offer exciting hiking without the necessity of special
mountaineering equipment. Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Muhabura (the highest at
13,540ft/4,127m) and Mt Gahinga are part of the Virunga mountain
range belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mt Mahinga
is also famous for its mountain gorillas. For more information
visit
www.uwa.or.ug
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