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Uganda has excellent hiking beyond gorilla treks: the glaciated Rwenzori Mountains, whose highest point, Margherita Peak, reaches 5,109 m; Mount Elgon’s huge caldera and Sipi Falls in the east; the Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga; and gentler walks around crater lakes, Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi’s community trails. Most hikes need a guide, and several need a park permit.
Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzoris are Africa’s third-highest range, with glaciers, giant lobelias and groundsels, and often wet, boggy trails. Reaching Margherita Peak takes around seven to nine days with technical sections on ice; shorter treks of two to four days reach scenic valleys and lakes without summiting. See our guide to the Rwenzori Mountains.
Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls
Mount Elgon, on the Kenya border, is an extinct volcano with one of the largest calderas in the world and a summit, Wagagai, at 4,321 m. Treks take four to six days and are less technical than the Rwenzoris. On its lower slopes, Sipi Falls offers day hikes past waterfalls and coffee farms, with views over the plains.
Mgahinga volcanoes
From Mgahinga, guided day hikes climb Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 m), whose summit touches Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, Mount Gahinga (3,474 m) with a crater swamp at the top, and Mount Muhabura (4,127 m), the highest, with a crater lake. They are steep and long but need no technical skills. See our guide to Mgahinga and the Virunga volcanoes.
Easier walks
Crater lakes near Fort Portal and Kibale, Lake Bunyonyi’s hills, and Bwindi’s waterfall and community trails make relaxed half-day or day walks. In Lake Mburo, guided walking safaris pass zebras and impalas. Kidepo also offers guided walks in remote country. See our guide to Uganda’s crater lakes.
Practical tips
Hikes in national parks require a ranger or guide and a park fee; the high mountains need porters and good waterproof gear, as weather changes fast. The dry seasons, June to August and December to February, are best. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guide to combining Bwindi with the Rwenzoris.
Frequently asked questions
Margherita Peak in the Rwenzoris, at 5,109 m.
Yes, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura in Mgahinga, and Mount Elgon in the east.
Yes, hikes in national parks are guided.
The dry seasons, June to August and December to February.
