Certainly! Here are the top 21 essentials for hiking Mount Rwenzori in Uganda
The Rwenzori Mountains also known as the mountains of the moon are located in south western Uganda on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). The mountain is a beautifully intimidating sight. It is the highest peak in Uganda and it’s with the most beautiful contrasting vegetation types and other physical features that are awe-inspiring. The mountain snows all year around despite being at the equator, now tell what best describes breaking protocol?
In this carefully crafted piece we dissect in to some of the most important essentials one needs to have for a hike close to comfortable, please come with us as we unload your burden.
- Sleeping Bag:
Invest in a high-quality sleeping bag rated for at least -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) due to the cold nights in Rwenzori. The investment will be worth it. The best shape and design to use is the mummy shape that fits the contours of the human body- and therefore provides the best insulation - Large Duffle Bag: Use a waterproof duffle bag to carry your gear, clothes and other items that you may have, keeping it light (not exceeding 20 Kgs) for porters to transport and water proof to protect your items in case of the rain.
- Day Bag (Backpack): A day backpack with a rain cover, mesh for a water bottle, and compression straps for carrying personal items and essentials during the hike. This day bag should be light weight otherwise it may get unbearable as one advances in the hike. You don’t need anything to hold you back.
- T-Shirts: Pack moisture-wicking, polyester t-shirts suitable for the cold mountain climate. And as you ascend and get to higher altitudes, tighter t-shirts are your best pick because they are good insulation they keep warmth in to help on the colder nights on the mountain
- Ski Jacket: If climbing Mount Baker or Stanley, bring a water-resistant and breathable ski jacket for the snow and ice.it should be breathable enough since we sweat a lot while on the hike.
- Body Belt: Use a body belt to securely carry important documents like travel papers and identification. The body belt is also to hold your pants firm and in position during the hike.
- Trekking Pants: opt for trekking trousers or zip-off pants for comfort and avoid wearing jeans due to their slow drying time. Choose polyester over cotton for material because centrally to the popular notion, they are breathable and let your sweat evaporate easily and that’s how they keep you cool as well.
- Trekking Poles:
Lightweight, adjustable trekking poles to reduce strain on joints during long hikes. The poles help you to keep stable and if the trails entail stream crossing the poles come in handy. Having two poles to your way across a series of slippery rocks is an invaluable advantage. - Several Pairs of Socks: Pack warm, breathable socks for daily changes and for colder nights at higher altitudes while on your hike. The higher you go, the cooler it becomes. Believe it if you never believed all this time
- Poncho: Carry a lightweight, waterproof poncho for rain protection for yourself and your day bag. Regard it as part of the layers meant to keep you warm through the hike.
- Walking Boots: Invest in comfortable, sturdy climbing shoes/boots for the challenging terrain. The climb is done on foot so it’s extremely important that you get the most suitable pair of climbing shoes because those are closest to your ticket of getting to the top. Any doubts to the quality of your boots will spoil your whole journey, especially if the shoes are too tight.
- Ankle Gaiters: Keep mud and water away from your shoes with a good pair of ankle gaiters. Ankle gaiters strap over your hiking boots and around a person’s legs to provide protection from branches and thorns and to prevent mud, snow, etc. from entering the top of the boot. They can also be protection against snake bites.
- Wide-Brimmed Hat: Protect your face, ears, eyes and neck from sunburn with a breathable wide-brimmed hat. The sun’s ultra violet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer so sun protection is recommended whenever the UV levels reaches 3 and above. in uganda the UV levels will go up to 7 or 8.
- Sunglasses and sun screen: Shield your eyes and skin from high-altitude UV rays and reflections with sunglasses suitable for mountain conditions.
- Gloves: Bring both insulated and thermal inner gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
- Cleaning Essentials:
Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes, medium sized towel, toilet tissue, lip balm, deodorant and other toiletries unique to you for personal hygiene. You cannot afford to miss out on a very much needed cleaning essential because once yo have advanced in the hike, it may be too difficult to source it and we know how not having the right essential could ruin one’s whole experience - Insect Repellent: Carry high-DEET insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other insects that may lead to diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue.
- Malaria Tablets: Consult with a doctor and carry antimalarial drugs as a precaution against malaria. Because the wild is infested so you may need fast precaution so as not to have serious infections
- Regular Medication: Don’t forget your regular medications, as they might be hard to find during the hike. Make sure to visit your doctor or hospital to know what medication you need and have it as it will ensure a worry free and emergency free expedition. Do not for anything forget to care about your health even if you are far in to the hike. Actually that’s when you should care more because your body is serving you diligently on these hikes
- Extra Medication: Bring medication for altitude-related issues, nausea, vomiting, and pain relief.
These essentials will help ensure a safe and comfortable trek up Mount Rwenzori. With this medication remember to carry some blister plasters and bandage to care for the blisters and strains while on the hike.
- Water bottles and high energy snacks:
As you hike the Rwenzori you will become dehydrated fast because of the intensity of hiking. You will need to rejuvenate your body and prevent altitude sickness with adequate amount of water. The high energy giving snacks are for a fast extra energy boost because your body is pushing hard and it starts to tire out. Hiking for hours every day is not an easy task.
To conclude, this is not a final list, you can contact us using the contact information provided to you on our website. We can adjust the list according to what is most essential to you and what you need most as our esteemed client, otherwise book your trip and let’s go and see the beautiful glaciers at the equator. check out detailed pieces just for you about the Rwenzori mountains, a mystical challenge
