Packing List for a Hiking Safari on Mount Rwenzori
- August 3, 2024
- Posted by: chosen@202q
- Category: Prepare To Travel Tips
Packing List for a Hiking Safari on Mount Rwenzori
When compared to other recognized mountain ranges in Africa, Mount Rwenzori National Park has the highest mountain range; one of its glaciers is the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world. With a maximum elevation of 5,109 meters above sea level, Mount Rwenzori is Africa’s third-highest mountain, behind only Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters) and Mount Kenya (5,199 meters), whose highest peaks are always covered in snow and reach above the clouds.
The name “Mountain of the Moon” is another name for Rwenzori summit. It was first applied to the summit in early AD 150 by the geographer and photographer Alexandrine Pletomy. In 1899, the English explorer Henry Morton Stanley gave the mountain the name “Cloud Mountains.”
Rwenzori, which translates to “rainmaker” from Swahili, is a block mountain formed by the western Rift Valley’s base rather than a volcanic summit like Mount Elgon.
West Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountain National Park borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its well-known Virunga National Park, which is situated along the East African Rift Valley. It contains six summits that straddle the Equator, three of which—Mt. Stanley, Mount Baker, and Mount Speke—are always covered in snow.
Margherita Peak, the highest point of Mount Stanley, is the third-highest mountain in Africa overall and in East Africa. Among the highest peaks in Africa, Mount Speke comes in at number four, and Mount Baker comes in at number five. Don’t forget to put the following goods on your packing list for your Rwenzori safari:
hiking boots that are waterproof
This is a crucial factor to think about before hiking because, in order to climb Mount Rwenzori and reach the summit, hikers need appropriate shoe comfort; you might need to bring more than one pair of hiking shoes for your journey.
Hiking the Rwenzori mountain range involves crossing streams, climbing stairs, navigating wet open meadows, and a range of varied terrain. So buy waterproof hiking boots that will not let in water and will keep your feet dry for your own safety.
Long sleeves and non-cotton clothing
Your best bet is to carry clothes that wick away sweat and dry rapidly. To ensure that each hiking day has its own unique set of clothes, hikers are encouraged to pack as many outfits as possible. There are places along the route to thoroughly rinse your shirt (around John Matte cabin, there’s a river nearby), and you don’t need to wear a shirt every day.
In order to stay warm in the coldest sections of the mountain, you must pack long-sleeve shirts and pants. Putting on long sleeves is another great way to prevent sunburn. For your Rwenzori journey, two will do. Swap your heavy, musty cotton long sleeve with a lightweight, breathable polyester one that won’t absorb perspiration and won’t stink up your room or bag.
Pants
You can wear jeans or hiking pants, depending on your style. Only when they’re not too tight and it’s not pouring are jeans okay. I would take multiples of whatever you provide. At lower elevations, it is strongly recommended to hike in shorts because wearing pants will make you feel hot and sweaty because your body sweats a lot when you walk.
A raincoat and sandals
After a hard day of traveling, your feet won’t want to be in boots. It will be useful to have sandals in your pack during the evenings. They will also help you to use the restrooms, move around the hut, and take a shower in the amenities.
The fundamental function of keeping you dry in the event of rain is accomplished by a rain jacket with a hood. Wearing it with a long-sleeved shirt is possible.
pants that are waterproof
Since it frequently rains in Rwenzori, bring at least two pairs of these. Since it can rain at any time during the rainy season, hikers will need to pack accordingly.
Socks:
You’ll need socks with moisture-absorbing capacity for your feet. The number of pairs I would bring should match the number of days you will be on the mountain because there are several laundry areas. To keep your feet warm at night, you’ll also need socks.
Backpack purse
Totes like gadgets and personal hygiene products are only a couple of the things you’ll need to carry throughout the day, so you’ll need a decent backpack. To make the porters’ job easier, load the rest of your items inside a duffel bag. Every bag ought to be sealed tightly.
a comfortable sleeping bag
In the Rwenzori, standard outdoor sleeping bags are useless due to the extreme cold, with some areas seeing temperatures as low as three degrees. It’s time to spoil yourself with a high-quality sleeping bag. A 0-degree sleeping bag, shaped like a mummy, is what I suggest if you want to stay warm even at higher elevations.
torch or headlamp
You will need a headlamp or torch to help you travel through the night because there is no power in the huts. You will need to purchase a powerful headlight with a long-lasting battery because you will be going over exposed rocks and ice in the dark on the 2 a.m. route from the cabin to Margherita Peak.
A microfiber cloth
The temperature will drop as you ascend, and your nose will get runny. Although a cotton towel would be perfect, don’t bother with it because it takes so long to dry. Instead, go for a microfiber towel that is soft and dries quickly.
first aid package
A first-aid package is necessary since accidents might happen while traveling, particularly in rocky areas where it’s possible for you to slip and hurt yourself. The bag should have a bandage for any twists, high-altitude medicines, iodine wipes for any cuts, pain pills, and antidiarrheal medication (such as Imodium or another sort).
Extra memory cards and camera batteries
You should take lots of pictures when visiting Uganda’s highest mountain because it is quite picturesque (beautiful scenery, lush vegetation, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls). Bring extra batteries and memory cards since your camera’s battery and storage may run out.
Munchies
Hikers are given small meals by the Rwenzori hiking service providers, but you are free to bring your own. You are therefore free to consume what you brought if you don’t like what they provide. You can carry protein bars, multivitamins, or any other health-promoting items with you on your hike.
Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen
These should be obvious. Nobody desires to burn from the sun. Keep in mind to bring lip balm and moisturizer for the higher, drier elevations.
Water-filtering
There won’t be any bottled water provided for you when hiking the Rwenzori. From the highland rivers and streams, you will obtain pure water. The locals are fine after drinking it. It’s acceptable to add water filters if you don’t trust it in order to prevent problems.
Gloves for Hiking
In areas where the temperature is too low, gloves are helpful. Since it is very cold, you can use them during frigid evenings or when traveling near glaciers. When utilizing the ice pack, they also shield your palms.