How to Hike Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains
Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains, previously called the Ruwenzori Range (with the spelling changed around 1980 to align more closely with the local name Rwenjura), is a mountain range in eastern equatorial Africa. Located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), these mountains support glaciers and are one of the sources of the Nile River. The Rwenzori Mountains reach heights up to 5,109 meters (16,762 ft), with the highest peaks being permanently snow-capped. The range includes the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Virunga National Park.
Why Hike Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains?
The Rwenzori Mountains are Congo’s premier hiking destination and one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain areas. Home to 70 mammal species, 217 bird species, stunning waterfalls, unique plant life, and glaciers such as Mt Stanley, Mt Gessi, and Mt Baker, these mountains offer a rich and diverse experience.
Necessary Equipment
While the tour provides some climbing equipment like crampons, ropes, harnesses, and carabiners, you will need to bring good hiking boots, warm clothing, a warm sleeping bag, and rain gear. Sleeping bags are available for hire if needed. Climbing to Margherita Peak requires technical skills, including knowledge of ropes, crampons, ascenders, and the use of an ice axe. Our guides are trained in ice climbing and rescue and can assist climbers with limited experience. However, you must be prepared to learn on the way up, fit your own crampons, and tie basic knots.
Getting to Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains
From Uganda:
By Air: You can book a chartered flight from Entebbe Airport to Kasese Airfield and then travel by road to Kasindi Customs.
By Road: You can drive or take public transportation from Kampala via Fort Portal to the park, or from Kampala via Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kasindi Customs. Mutsora Station, located at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, is about half an hour from Kasindi Border Customs.
From Eastern Congo:
If you are visiting eastern Congo, you can travel to the Rwenzori Mountains. From Kinshasa, take a flight to Goma city, then another flight from Goma to Mavivi Airport.
From Mavivi, a representative will pick you up and bring you to Mutsora Station. You will be escorted by armed rangers, and it will take about an hour to reach the station.
Attractions in Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains
Equatorial Snow Peak:
The mountains feature snow fields and glaciers, including Mt Stanley, Mt Gessi, and Mt Baker.
Fauna:
The mountains are home to 70 mammal species and 217 bird species. As you climb, you might see Rwenzori Turaco, Guerrezzas monkey, red-tailed monkeys, sunbirds, and chimpanzees. Wildlife can be hard to spot due to the dense forests. Nineteen bird species are endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains, including the handsome francolin, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, barred long-tailed cuckoo, golden-winged sunbird, slender-billed starling, and blue-headed sunbirds.
Flora:
The mountains are covered with beautiful waterfalls, unique plant life, and diverse vegetation, including tropical rainforests, bamboo, afro-alpine vegetation, montane forests, forest heather, podocarp forests, and species like groundsel and lobelia.
Activities in Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains
Mountain Climbing:
The Rwenzori Mountains are a popular destination for mountain climbing. Climbing to the snow-capped peaks is an adventurous activity that requires physical fitness.
Bird Watching:
With 217 bird species, including 19 endemic species, the Rwenzori Mountains are a prime bird-watching area. Birding usually starts in the morning at Ruboni, continuing to the montane forest. Unique species to watch for include the blue-headed sunbird, long-eared owl, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, barred long-tailed cuckoo, crimson wings, montane sooty bou bou, purple-breasted sunbird, stripe-breasted tit, western green tinkerbird, golden-winged sunbird, handsome francolin, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, stranger weaver, and black and swift eagles.
Cultural Encounters:
Interact with local communities around the park in Mutwanga village and its surroundings. Mutwanga is home to the Nande people who live in the foothills of the mountain. You can learn about their daily activities like farming and animal rearing, taste traditional dishes, visit traditional healers, explore craft shops, and enjoy traditional dances, music, and dramas.
Where to Stay
Centre d’Accueil Touristique Mutsora:
The best option for accommodation during your hike. This guest house is located at the foothills of the mountains and is guarded 24/7 by park rangers. The tented camps have basic amenities, including hot water. The sound of a nearby river provides a soothing background as you sleep.
Guest House Hosted by Nuns:
This accommodation, run by nuns, uses proceeds to support a nearby orphanage. Although it lacks some amenities like hot water, it offers a unique and supportive environment.
Why Visit Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains?
The Rwenzori Mountains are an adventurous hiking destination where hikers can spend 7-8 days reaching the top. The journey offers breathtaking views of peaks, diverse vegetation, and sightings of animals and birds, providing a lifetime of memorable experiences on your safari in DR Congo.