I have realized it would be better presented by one who’s summited more mountains than I’ll ever be able to. A of couple of weeks back I asked this friend of mine, so passionate about mountain climbing to pen down a guide for my friends who might be interested in joining the mountaineering fraternity or those around the world planning on taking a mountaineering safari to Uganda. Her unquenchable thirst for adventure is revealed in this guide and you can surely find many more stories of her travels here. I trust you’ll love and find this article helpful.
Mountain climbing is an attractive activity that has unfortunately not been fully explored by Ugandans and yet Uganda is blessed to have a series of spectacular mountains like Moroto, Kadam, Morungole, Zulia, Lower Imatong and Langia which are located in the Karamoja, Moroto, Kaabong and Nakapiripirit regions of the North Eastern part of Uganda and can be hiked within a day or two. Local guides and porters can be hired at a small fee to lead hikers through the trails and assist in carrying heavy luggage. This acts as a positive gesture of giving back to the community.
Mount Moroto has a beginning elevation of 1,724m and a summit point of 3,082m at Sokodek Peak. Hikers can also decide to hike and stop at the third highest peak on this mountain known as the Imagit Peak that stands at a height of 2,930m. The total ascent and descent of the mountain is about 1,950m a distance of approximately 26 kilometers. Mount Moroto can be hiked in a day for roughly 10 hours, 8.5 hours spent hiking and 1.5 hours resting. The number of hours spent climbing is usually determined by the pace set up by the hikers. It is greatly advisable to camp for a night below the Imagit Peak which is quite pleasant as there is a possibility of fetching water from surrounding sources at most times of the year. It’s also a good stop that provides ample rest to hikers enabling them to preserve their energy for their descent the next day.
Mount Napak has a starting elevation of 1,268m from Pilas Primary School and a summit elevation of 2,530m. One section of the trail at Mount Napak is extremely steep with a scramble section that can be climbed with the aid of a 15 meter rope. This steep section demands rock climbing moves and it would be a great advantage for the hikers if they possessed some of these skills. Mount Napak trek is a distance of about 18.9km and it would require about 10 hours to ascend and descend this mountain with about 8 hours spent hiking and 2 hours taking breaks in between the hike; depending on the pace of the hikers. This mountain can be hiked within a day or two, again depending on the preference and capability of the hikers.
Mount Kadam stands at a height of 3063 meters tall with a summit peak known as Libo. Kadam was previously named Debasien and Tabasiat during the colonial period and is the second highest mountain in the Karamoja region. Kadam has a number of trails that can be used by hikers, with hiking for 2 days and camping on the mountain for 1 night highly recommended.
Mount Morongule is also known as Ikland because the smallest, yet one of the most unique tribes in Uganda known as the Ik, reside at the base of this mountain. Mount Morongole also pronounced Moroungole or Morungole is 2,749 meters high, has a smooth terrain but is quite a long hike. Depending on one’s pace it would take anything between 8-13 hours of climbing and resting to ascend and descend the mountain.
Mount Zulia which is 2,149m can be hiked in a day as well as the Lower Imatong Mountains. Mount Langia which stands at a height of 3,029m can be hiked in a day or two. The months running from September up to February are considered to be the most favorable months to venture into hiking within this region. It is however not recommendable for beginners, as both rock & mountain climbing experiences are required.
The following is essential for the hike:
- Quality hiking boots
- A Quality back pack
- A hand watch
- Sun-glasses
- A long pair of thick socks
- Long sleeved pants and shirts (to act as protection from thorn pricks from the bushes along the hiking trails).
- Sunscreen for skin protection (the heat in this region tends to be extreme especially between December-February).
- A hat or cap to offer protection from the hot sun.
- Plenty of drinking water at least 2 liters (one can also fetch water along some streams on the way, however they need to be purified with purification tablets).
- Oranges for vitamin c, chocolate bars and salty snacks are also handy to replace the nutrients lost during the hike.
- Altitude sickness tablets like Diamox and Acetazolamide come in handy for hikers who suffer from Altitude sickness. Medication is best when taken a day before the hike or at the start of the hike.
- A sleeping bag, a tent, and all the necessary beddings required. (if hiker’s choose to spend a night at the mountain)
- A head torch comes in handy especially in the night.
- A camera/phone camera to capture the breath taking views encountered during the hike.
- A fully charged power bank to re-charge one’s phone comes in very handy.
- Toilet paper/wet wipes/hand sanitizer/face towel/Tooth paste & brush- Hikers should not expect to have a bath/shower at the mountain.
- A small cooking stove, utensils and easy to prepare meals for dinner and breakfast- This is for the hikers who prefer to spend a night at the mountain.
- A trash bag that will be used to collect litter. It’s important for hikers to conserve the environment and leave it clean.
- Hikers can carry small quantities of salt, soap and biscuits to give to the communities residing at the bases of the mountains. This is usually a kind gesture towards the locals that is always highly appreciated. However, this is not compulsory!
Armed UWA guides always lead the hikers along the trails and also chase away elephants, buffaloes and any other wild animals that may be encountered during the hike, it’s important to remember it’s a National park hence should not be littered.
There is a need for more publicity and increased efforts in selling these destinations to Ugandans to curb the negative perception the public has on mountain climbing in the region. One move that can be implemented to make it more attractive is making the activity fees more affordable especially at Mount Elgon & Mount Rwenzori, to encourage more Ugandans to develop an interest in hiking.