There are several demanding challenges for alpinists in East Africa. Climbing the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya in Kenya or the Rwenzori Mountains, the Mgahinga Mountains and Mount Elgon in Uganda are top on the list. There are of course other ‘not so high’ but interesting mountainous areas in East Africa.

All of these offer great routes and many possibilities for hiking and mountain climbing. For example, all the volcanoes of the Virunga-chain with their breathtaking landscape can be reached from the Ugandan as well as Rwandan side.

A short description of the trails offered in each of the mountainous regions can be found here:

Rwenzori Mountains
Mount Elgon
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kenya
Mgahinga Mountains

A tour exploring one of the numerous mountains of East Africa is fun and a treat for any traveler. However, the trip needs to be well organized. The keywords in this case are “everything prepared”. It is not permit-able to be ill-equipped.

Equipment: (Mt. Kenya, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Rwenzori Mountains)
good waterproofed hiking shoes reaching up the ankles with good profile,
trekking-staves,
gumboots,
gaiters,
very warm clothes for temperatures until-15° C,
raincoatbr
gloves,
sun- or snow glasses,
cap protecting the ears,
sleeping bag for temperatures until -20° C,
camping mat,
torch and spare batteries,
2 thermos flasks,
camping-cooker and dishes,
backpack or big bag, will be carried by the local carriers (10 kg allowed),
for climbing Margherita and Alexandra in the Rwenzoris full mountain- and glacier-equipment is necessary.

Equipment: (Mt. Elgon, Mgahinga Mountains)
good waterproofed hiking shoes reaching up the ankles with good profile,
warm clothes,
raincoat
gloves,
sunglasses,
cap protecting the ears,
sleeping bag,
camping mat,
torch and spare batteries,
2 thermos flasks,
backpack or big bag, will be carried by the local carriers (10 kg allowed).

Apart from the clothes, all the equipment can be rented and the guide, cook and helpers will be hired on the spot. The food needs to be bought before the ascent and is not included in the price.

It is possible to combine two mountain-areas in one trip. For example Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon can be tackled in one tour or the Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori Mountains too combined.

Finally, we need to mention that any mountain climbing comes with the possibility of you falling sick due to the altitude (anoxia). In this context it would be advisable for all our clients to undergo a health check or consultation with a doctor before any trip.

For any further questions about this particular tour please feel free to fire away by writing to office@equatorialwildsafaris.com and we will respond to you. Get ready to experience the mountain-tour of your life!

Yours- EWS Team