Successful Rwenzori Hike

Successful Rwenzori Hike: How to Prepare for A successful Rwenzori hike?

Successful Rwenzori Hike: Ho To Prepare for A successful Rwenzori Trek?Although the success rate of summiting the Rwenzori mountains is almost 99% to reach any peak, including the renown Margherita peak (also know as  Africa’s 3rd highest), Rwenzori Mountains National Park, requires a fool proof plan for a successful climb.

Any mountaineer who wants to attempt the Rwenzori Mountains, must prepare early physically, emotionally and mentally  for a successful summit achievement. Below are the important things you need to successfully Rwenzori hike;

Choose the best time to climb Rwenzori Mountains

Although Rwenzori Mountain trekking is an all year round activity,  the trails becomes muddy, wet and slippery during the rainy season of March, Aprill, May, November and early December. However, Rwenzori is best climbed during the dry months of January, February, June and October, which altogether form thebest time to climb or go trekking the Rwenzori Mountains.

Choose the right route for climbing the Rwenzori Mountains

Since there are only two major Rwenzori routes/trails ( the central circuit trail and the Kilembe trail), famous all over the globe for climbing the Rwenzori mountains to access Africa’s 3rd highest peak-Margherita   and other snow peaks of Mount baker, Mount Speke and Weismann peak.

Successful Rwenzori Hike

It is important to note that, although the Rwenzori mountains can be climbed in 5 days by a few experts, we recommend  that you can have a a minimum of 7 days/6 nights on the mountain. We have also found out that the best route to climb up the Rwenzori mountains  is using the Central circuit route over the 7 days trek. It is the only route  whose success rate to reach the peak is 99.5 % safe, successful and have the best experience possible at the Rwenzori  Hiking Trails, as well as good for acclimatization.

Proper Training

Although thousands of mountaineers have made it to Margherita Peak of the Rwenzori Mountains, without training,, that does not mean you don’t need any training.

Although the Rwenzori Mountains, is 1 out of the 7 peaks that can easily be accessible  even without training,  for the betterment of your body, you have to physically train yourself to fully enjoy your Rwenzori Mountains hike. This training  must be done for at least 3 months, prior to the start date.

On the other hand, since you will be carrying your own backpack, then you should build up by learning how to carry about7-10 kgs  in a back pack on your back, while in order to conquer the summitting day, you must take along day training going way up and down the hill, with the same amount of weight on your back.

Pack the right gear

Packing the right gear for your Rwenzori mountains trek is the most important part of your trek for a successful climb.

These essentials include a pair of waterproof boots and socks that will keep you warmer during your Rwenzori mountain hike. While gloves, neck scarfs and many more will help keep tour fingers and necks warmer. Therefore make sure you bring extra warm gear to keep yourself from getting cold, not forgetting carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats for sun protection.

Trek at your own pace

Depending on how many days it will take you to climb the Rwenzori mountains and the choice of the route, you shouldn’t rush, but instead climb at your own pace, where you can easily sustain a conversation with the rest of the group, as well as taking frequent breaks/rest, so that the body can get familiar with lack of oxygen.

trek at your own pace

When hiking the Rwenzori mountains, the success rate gradually increases depending on the number of days you will be hiking along the trails, say those with more days from 7 have the highest success rate to climb.

Hydrate frequently

Drink more water in the altitude, more than you do at home, because our bodies dehydrate faster while trekking. Taking on a daily routine of drinking at least 5 litres of water each day, will combat high altitude sickness, thus making you feel good until the end of the trip .

However, you should also drink at least 1 litre, before your trek begins every morning to replenish your body fluid level, so as to achieve success in your body.

Reward yourself with a descent food, climb and sleep

As you change your environment, you will find yourself following a daily eating schedule and the diet.  Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains requires enough energy and frequent hydration and a good night sleep. This all leads to more consumption of energy giving foods, and fruits, eating early in the morning, mid morning at every break point, Lunch and dinner.

eat well

While getting a good night rest  is highly recommended while on the mountains, but it is much easier said than done. Withing the cold Rwenzori mountains National park,  the body starts adjusting to the climate at high altitude, and most often you will lack sleep, but sleep gradually improves with time, as your body adjusts.

on the mountain, but easier said than done. As your body is adjusting to the climate at high altitude, you may find yourself waking up often throughout the night. You may also face a lack of sleep.

On the first few nights, you will find these types of situations. It will be a good sign that your sleep quality improves as time passes.

Have a positive attitude

Climbing the Rwenzori mountains with a positive attitude and believing in yourself, will push you further even when fatigue and doubts arise. Like it is said “A thousand miles begins with a single step” therefore taking a one step a time, knowing that you will take the next one, gives you the courage to finish this whole Rwenzori trekking safari.

However, in the end, only a single mindset can change your whole life story of either achieving your dream, otherwise, you let it slip out of your hands.

Choose a good tour operator

Many companies offer Rwenzori mountains trekking safaris along the major trails of; the old traditional central circuit which is managed by the Rwenzori mountaineering services and the alternative Kilembe trail that is managed by the Rwenzori Trekking Services, but the question remains: ”with whom are we safe?”. Yes! It is very important to carefully choose your Rwenzori mountains trekking/climbing trust worthy operator for a safe and comfortable hike

Therefore Rwenzori Mountaineering service under the Active African Vacations LTD understands how to intensify your chances of successfully and safely reaching the Margherita peak.

Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, is not technical, but simply a trek that can be done, although quite challenging. Keeping the above tips in your mind, will help you achieve your dream of reaching the Margherita peak.

For more information or trekking safaris of Rwenzori Mountains, reach us b y mail info@rwenzorimountainsnationalpark.com.

Rwenzori Mountains Safety Precautions

Safety precautions for Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

Whether you have all the necessary gear for hiking the Rwenzori Mountains, you still need a few safety precautions for hiking the Rwenzori Mountains for a safe hike in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Trusted tour operators will provide all the recommended equipment at hand  for a successful Rwenzori hike. They can also make regular follow ups just to enure you are safe within the park.

Take Your Time

Summiting Rwenzori mountains is not a race but a marathon. Don’t rush, as this can leave you weary, sore, and oxygen-deficient. Pace yourself by keeping it slow & steady along the trail can help you keep, off fatigue. Work closely with your guides so that you don’t exceed your capabilities.

Take frequent breaks:

Nyabitaba hut

Get Appropriate Acclimatization

It is advised your take short brakes more often so as to relax and keep you away from burning out. This becomes most important as you draw closer to the Margherita peak, where the air becomes thinner and there are chances for altitude sickness.

Acclimatize:

If you can acclimatize to higher altitudes before setting off for your trek, you will feel more comfortable and ready to face whatever comes your way as you as you summit.  The best way to acclimatize is to reach your destination a few days earlier and condition yourself with some day hikes.

Drink Plenty of Water

Make sure to drink plenty of water while trekking along the trail and always move handy with enough extra water.  Rwenzori mountains has many rivers, from which porters can help draw water. It is always advisable you carry your bottles you trek through the trails. For those who prefer it treated, you can come handy with the purifying tablets so that you can easily treat your water, whenever it is collected into your bottles.

Eat Enough Food To gain enough Energy

Three meals are provided each day, alongside half day breakfast. You can always  come with lots of energy giving snacks on the mountain, so that after along day trek, you’ll definitely crave for some of your favorite snacks. Bringing your own snacks will ensure you have the snack you crave—and at a reasonable cost.

Bring a Travel Thermos & Tea

If you like hot beverages in cold weather, you may opt to bring a thermos. This will help keep your drinks as hot as possible even in the cold. You may also consider bringing your own teabags. While hot water is provided, the tea can get pricey in the tea houses!

Get a Good Night’s Rest

You will be surprised by how comfortable the huts in Rwenzori Mountains National Park are. So if you are a light sleeper, we recommend, you bring some foam earplugs for a good night’s sleep. Whereas during trekking, it might be warm, it is  definitely cold at night so make sure you have warm sleeping bag and thermals..

Prepare for Cold and Rain

The weather is always cold  all year round, which calls for warm hat and thermals while sleeping and take a Nalgene bottle filled with hot water to keep it in your sleeping bag to stay warm. Even if it looks like a sunny day, enshure  that to carry a poncho in your day pack. The weather on the mountain can change quickly.

Bring Handi-Wipes

While bucket showers are available at the tea houses, it’s often not worth braving the cold to use them. Most guests opt to use handi-wipes for a quick freshen-up at the end of the day.

 Remember Sun Protection

Since your skin and eyes need enough protection, you can carry along sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin. So ensure that you apply sunscreen, or wear glasses and sun protected lip balm so that you can often so as to protect yourself from the sun burn. While sunglasses are a must have, sunburns happen so fast at high elevations, so ensure you apply sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm a few times a day as well as a hat.

Don’t Carry too Much

Don’t overload your daypack., keep it light & filled with only essentials that will be easier & more enjoyable to carry. When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with porters who will carry for you your luggage on the mountain. All you need is to carry a day pack with the things you need during the day trek as you won’t have access to your luggage until you reach the camps in the evening where you will have dinner & spend an overnight.

Make sure to carry your valuables, prescriptions, extra layers, rain gear, water, camera, snacks, and sunblock in your daypack as well as moleskin or duct tape in case of blisters.

Don’t overpack your daypack. Keeping your daypack light and filled only with essentials will help your trekking be easier and more enjoyable.

Read the Terms of Service

You can find a lot about how an Everest Base Camp trekking company handles emergency situations by their terms of service. A well-established company will have Terms of Service that cover in-detail what can go wrong in Nepal and how the company manages those situations. This is good to know in advance.

One thing you can be assured of with Himalayan Wonders is that no matter what happens, we will do our best to make sure you have a great trek and that you can be assured the full support of our team. We have been running treks for almost a decade now and experience is definitely something that counts!

Wear Layers

Wearing layers regulates body temperature and helps stay comfortable while trekking. It’s much better if your layers have zippers so that you have have more control of your body temperature.

Conclusion

If you are interested in Rwenzori Trekking in Uganda, you will be more glad to hear that the experience is open to everyone. You just have to be prepared and by following the Rwenzori Mountains Safety Precautions offered above, you’ll be ready to cross climbing Mount Rwenzori off your bucket list in no time!

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