Packing List for Rwenzori Mountain National Park
What are the best packing essentials for a safari in Rwenzori Mountain National Park? Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies in the Southwestern corner of Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo next to the great Virunga National Park. The park covers an area of 386 square miles and its boundaries pass through the districts of Kabarole, Bundibugyo and Kasese. Because of its natural beauty, rare plants, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers and mountains, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. The Rwenzori Mountain Rangers are also known as “mountains of the moon”, a name given to them by the Greek geographer Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. The snow-capped of the Rwenzori mountains are a stunning sight, particularly when seen against the backdrop of the African savannah.
The Rwenzori Mountain National Park is home to some of the most diverse plant life in the world. The park boasts over 1,000 species of plants, including giant lobelias, heather trees and senecios, many of which are endemic to the area. the park’s equatorial location means that it is home to a mix of tropical and alpine flora, making it a truly unique ecosystem.
Before visiting the Rwenzori Mountains National Park for any activity, it is important to note that the temperatures around the park are extremely cold even during the dry seasons. Avoid hiking during the rainy months between March – June and September – October. The Rwenzori area receives rain throughout the year but the amount intensifies during the wet season. The area can get very cold and the trails are slippery and full of mud, making navigation difficult.
Packing list for visiting the Rwenzori Mountain National Park
Appreciate clothing’s
Mountain Rwenzori ranges can receive rainfall at any time of the year so hikers need to come with clothes that dry so fast. Non-cotton clothes dry faster even after rain meaning that hikers don’t have chance clothes in case it rains. Long-sleeved clothes are the best for hiking because they make a hiker comfortable even in areas where it’s very cold. Hikers are recommended to bring many clothes because each can be used for only a single day. Jeans are the best for hiking and they are good if not too tight. The shorts are only used at low altitudes because there is still warmth and the body sweats a lot but as you climb to the summit the coldness needs long pants.
A rain jacket
While trekking Mountain Rwenzori you need a rain jacket with a hood. This will help to keep you dry in times of rainfall while you hike mountain Rwenzori. weather conditions in the mountain Rwenzori are unpredictable even in the dry season. Hikers can travel with more than one rain jacket because hiking is done for 9 to 12 days and one jacket might not be enough.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes are a must while climbing to the summit of Mount Rwenzori. This is because hikers pass through different jungles some of which have stones and rocks. The shoes need to be waterproof; this is because the rainfall patterns in Mount Rwenzori are unpredictable meaning hikers should expect some rainfall at any time of the day. With good waterproof hiking shoes, hikers are able to navigate even in hard and terrain trails
Socks
Hiking Rwenzori mountains you will need socks that can absorb a lot of moisture and will help keep your feet dry and comfortable by drawing sweat away from your skin. Socks also help the hikers to prevent the blister, and support the ankle and foot Odor during the hiking.
Backpack
While planning to hike on mountain Rwenzori, you need a backpack to help you carry a high-capacity backpack (60L+) with rain cover to carry a few items which are needed during the day. These items can include a phone, batteries, and toiletries among others. Other items can be carried in a bag which is carried by porters.
Torch
The accommodation facilities on the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori have no power and a hiker bringing a torch will be of help. The torch can be used to light during the night hours in your cabin or around the areas while having a simple night walk.
Health and Safety
This is important for emergency response to minor and major injuries you or your friends may get while on your hiking tours in Rwenzori Mountain National Park. you need a first aid kit includes bandages, antiseptics, blister plaster. It’s also important you include medications such as Imodium for diarrhea, throat lozenges, aspirin, and cold medicine. Include sunscreen and antihistamine for reactions to insect bites. It also recommended you include insect repellent and sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to guard against intense UV rays.
A camera and extra batteries
While hiking Mountain Rwenzori, one needs a camera to capture images of the different attractions found there. There are different peaks on Mount Rwenzori, unique vegetation cover, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes. A hiker needs a good camera and extra batteries in case the power runs out.
Food and water
As you start hiking, it is recommended to carry your water purification tablets or filters, streams are abundant, but purification is crucial to avoid waterborne diseases, also you should pack high-energy snacks such as nuts, chocolate and energy bars to maintain energy levels during hikes as well as a portable stove and fuel is always given out you can also bring along your own stove for preparing your own hot meals.
A pair of binoculars
While hiking Mountain Rwenzori you need a pair of binoculars which are used to see objects clearly. The binoculars also help to see distant objects clearly which naked eyes cannot see. Among the things you can see using binoculars on Mountain Rwenzori include wildlife, rocks, peaks, vegetation, and areas around the mountains.
Camping gears
While planning the visit Rwenzori mountains you should always remember to pack a quality tent because the mountain ranges are characterized with high winds and heavy rainfall, a durable tent is a must, with a good sleeping bag or camping mats to insulate your body from the clod ground.
How to Reach Rwenzori Mountains, National Park
There are two ways of reaching the park from Uganda’s capital Kampala. The first is by using public or private transport. Driving from Kampala to Kasese takes between five to six hours. Given the mountainous nature of the area, it is important to use a good 4-wheel drive car. Most visitors to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park use the services of a tour operator for transportation from the capital Kampala such as Achieve Global Safaris. Some tourists may consider the journey by road to be too long and go for the second option which is by using a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese. The journey by plane takes only one hour and a half. Your tour company can arrange to pick you up from the airstrip to your hotel or the park.
