Hike the Rwenzoris of Uganda and Conquer Africa’s Tallest Peaks

Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains are home to six of Africa’s tallest peaks. Yet this adventurous wonderland sees just 1,000 visitors each year. The untapped potential makes it the perfect destination for any adventure traveler.

Rwenzori Moutains National Park is a World Heritage site boasting peaks higher than the Alps. Nearby Kilimanjaro rakes in all of the tourists, leaving the Rwenzoris teeming with untouched wildlife to discover. Much of the landscape is filled with crops of bananas and potatoes dangling from vertical slopes. With the lack of tourists, local farmers and nature itself have taken advantage.

Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman father of geography, deemed the Rwenzori range the Mountains of the Moon thanks largely to the glistening glaciers that can be seen glowing in the night sky from far away. The largest peak in the range is Mount Stanley at 5,109 meters. Seldom attempted, the hike to the top rivals Mount Kenya in terms of difficulty. For those with less lofty goals, Mount Baker and Mount Speke provide excellent challenges of their own.

The Rwenzori Mountains are not for the inexperienced. The range is comprised of dense tropical rainforests made of virtually impassable foliage. Alongside this, you’ll find foggy bogs, one-of-a-kind wildlife and breathtaking alpine peaks. The top of the range seems almost barren and untouched, making it equal parts beautiful and eerie.

Getting to the top of any of Rwenzori’s peaks is difficult without a local guide, as they haven’t been attempted enough to establish a permanent trail. Be sure to do your research before embarking on the journey.