African Safaris » Climbing in Uganda

All expeditions begin from the small town of Kasese, which is located on the south-eastern side of the range. To reach Kasese, the easiest way is by train from Kampala and there is, at the time of writing, a daily service connecting them. One should always allow a few “buffer” days for any trip to these mountains for in Uganda there can always be delays. Driving between Kampala and Kasese is currently inadvisable. The road is long and badly in need of repair. Charter flights between Entebbe and Kasese can be arranged.

In Kasese there are two hotels, the Saad and the Margherita. The latter is government run and expensive. At the Saad, on the other hand, the management was friendly and able to provide transport to the roadhead at Ibanda. They will also assist with porters.

The porters are very friendly and eager for work, but they do expect blankets to be purchased for them in advance. Allow two days around Kasese and Ibanda for finalising porter arrangements.

It should be stressed that the Ruwenzoris are alpine in character and the warmest mountain clothing should be carried to the peaks. It is a very wet range and good rain proof equipment is essential. Knee-high gumboots are very useful on the approach to the peaks. There are currently no national park services of any kind and all visiting parties should be totally self-sufficient.

The majority of climbers will start from Ibanda, which is approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) from Kasese. The trek to the peaks can be done as a “horseshoe” so that the same ground is not covered twice.

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