The Rwenzori Mountains: hiking the Mountains of the Moon

On Uganda's western border rise the Rwenzori, the legendary Mountains of the Moon. Their highest point, Margherita Peak, reaches 5,109 metres, the third-highest summit in Africa, and glaciers survive here almost on the equator.

What to do in the Rwenzori

• Multi-day treks through bamboo forest, bogs and alpine valleys towards the peaks.

• The Margherita Peak climb for experienced, well-prepared hikers.

• Day hikes for non-climbers, with views of the foothills and forests.

• See giant lobelias and groundsels, strange plants that grow only at high altitude in East Africa.

When to go

June to August and December to February are the drier months, when trails are less muddy.

Getting there

The trailheads near Kasese are about 370 km from Kampala, around 6 hours by road. The mountains combine well with Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale.

Local tip

Even a day hike is wet and steep: bring waterproof boots and gaiters, and start early.

See what to pack for trekking or read more on Explore Uganda.