Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa

East Africa Hiking Adventures will give you an opportunity to explore and hike the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, we have many mountains in East Africa that you will be able to choose from to hike this will depend on your interest, fitness, and planned travel itinerary. East Africa is made up of 6 countries that is Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan among these countries our hiking and mountain Adventure trips will focus on major and prominent Mountains including Mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mountain Kenya in Kenya, Mountain Rwenzori and Elgon in Uganda, Bisoke in Rwanda among others. At Eco Adventure Safaris offering a lifetime Adventure to travelers visiting Africa with us is one of our prime focuses. East Africa has a lot to offer when it comes to hiking, mountain climbing and trekking adventures which you shouldn’t miss out in your travel itinerary to Africa. We have various packages for you to choose from for hiking the mentioned mountains below ranging from 2 days to 12 days and more this can as well be plan and added to your itinerary for other activities including wildlife viewing and primate trekking among others.

Rwenzori Mountain Climbing

Rwenzori Mountain is one of the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, this is located along the Uganda-Congo boarder in western Uganda it rises to a height of 5109 meters above sea level with Mount Stanley as the highest point and the roof of the Rwenzoris. Rwenzori Mountain has become established as one of Africa’s great mountaineering adventures, offering the chance to ascend snow peaks and walk on equatorial glaciers that represent the highest and most intriguing source of the Nile. The Rwenzori Mountains consist of 6 distinct mountains, Stanley, Speke, Baker, Emin, Gessi and Savioa. Mount Stanley stands on Margherita Peak which is the highest at 5109m, it is the third highest point in Africa. Rwenzori has two sections one in DR Congo and the other in Uganda mostly accessed through Kasese town after Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Uganda section of Rwenzori Mountain was gazetted as Rwenzori Mountains National Park in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994. During your hike at Rwenzori Mountains you will as well have a chance to see various mammal and bird species.

Mountain Elgon Climbing

Mountain Elgon is one of Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, an extinct volcano one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago. Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have since reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent. A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40 km² caldera.

Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name. At 4,000km² Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form 80km in diameter rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40 km² caldera.

Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing

Mountain Kilimanjaro is one of the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, a dormant Volcano located in Tanzania, it rises to a height of 5895 meters above sea level making it the highest mountain in Africa and highest single free-standing mountain in the world. It has three volcanic peaks that is Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira peaks. Kilimanjaro Mountain has many various trekking roués both for ascending and decending and these include Rongai, which is the easiest route to take and only one that approaches from the north, the Mweka, Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, Shira and Lemosho. Machame is the hardest but most popular route because it’s complete trek takes almost a week due to its step nature. Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing offers a real adventure like no other in the world giving a chance for outdoor camping all the way to the mountain very scenic with beautiful views of spectacular landscapes. We do have various packages for all the routes that will give you an opportunity to climb the mountain Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kenya Climbing

Mountain Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro making it another one of the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa. Mountain Kenya is made up of 3 major peaks with the highest and very technical being the Batian peak at 5119 meters above sea level, the Nelion peak at 5188 meters and the Lenana peak at 4985 meters above sea level all these routes take you to the top of mountain Kenya giving you a reward of the glacier view. The Batian peak summit is very technical and hard to reach, with this the easily reach peak is Lenana at 4985 meters which can be reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days through beautiful landscapes and fascinating montane forests, wildlife upto the rarest sights of the equatorial snow and glaciers.

Mountain Meru Climbing

Mountain Meru is a dormant strato volcano located in the west of Mount Kilimanjaro, it rises at a height of 4562 meters above sea level making it the fifth highest mountain in Africa. It is less visited by travlers making it good for those who donot like crowds. The hiking of Mount Meru takes approximately 3-4 days and the best time to hike is during the dry season from June to September and December to February throughout the year.

Hiking in Virunga Volcano ranges

The Virunga Mountains are other Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, these are a chain of Volcanoes in East Africa along the northern border of Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda, they are 8 in number that is Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira and Mikeno Volcanoes in DR Congo, Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke in Rwanda, Mount Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabyinyo Volcanoes in Uganda. Mount Karisimbi is the highest point in the Virunga mountains with an elevation of 4507 meters above sea level. These mountains are great for hiking giving you one of the best test of adrenalines as well great for landscape sightseeing.

Hiking Mountain Karisimbi

Mountain Karisimbi is one of the Virunga Mountains located on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo. It has an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level. The hike up Mount Karisimbi to its highest point takes approximately 6 hours best to start the hike in the morning. You will need to be fit for this hike given the fact the hike is worth it giving you an opportunity as well to see various monkeys, and depending on luck that day mountain Gorillas and other wild animals.

Hiking Sabyinyo Mountain

Mountain Sabyinyo is located along the Rwanda, Uganda and Congo boarder with the best side to do the hiking in Uganda. It has an elevation of 3,645 meter above sea level, it is the oldest volcano. The hike up Mount Sabyinyo to its highest point takes approximately 4 hours best to start the hike in the morning. You will need to be fit for this hike given the fact the hike is worth it giving you an opportunity as well to see various monkeys Golden monkeys, and depending on luck that day mountain Gorillas and other wild animals.

Hiking Mountain Muhavura

Mountain Muhabura has an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level. It is located along the border of Uganda and Rwanda. Mountain Muhavura is one of the 3 volcanoes that make Mgahinga Gorilla National Park another national park you can trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. Hiking Muhavura Mountain is another great adventure rewarding you with a Crater Lake sighting on top of its summit.

Hiking Mountain Gahinga

Mountain Gahinga is the smallest of the Virunga Volcanoes with an elevation of 3,474 meters above sea level. A hike up through its Bamboo covered slopes to the lush swamp-filled crater is such an adventure for one not to miss. A hike takes approximately 4 hours best to start the hike in the morning. You will need to be fit for this hike given the fact the hike is worth it giving you an opportunity as well to see various monkeys Golden monkeys, and depending on luck that day mountain Gorillas and other wild animals.

Hiking Bisoke Volcano

Mountain Bisoke is located in Volcanoes National Park on the border of Rwanda and DR Congo, it rises at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level. The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours best to start the hike in the morning. You will need to be fit for this hike given the fact the hike is worth it giving you an opportunity as well to see various monkeys Golden monkeys, and depending on luck that day mountain Gorillas and other wild animals.   

Mountain Climbing on Mount Lesatima

Mountain Lesatima is the third highest mountain in Kenya and one of the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, it is located in the Northern part of Aberdare in the Great Rift Valley. The mountain has seen many people hiking up to its peak and it is an experience that you don’t want to miss and the peak provides one with a great view.

Mountain Climbing on Mountain Longonot

Mountain Longonot is located in Kenya in the Rift valley region and it is a dormant volcano that last erupted in the 18s. There is a clear path that one can take when going for mountain climbing and it takes like four to five hours to trek this particular mountain. As you trek up the mountain, you will get a good view of the Lake Naivasha and the animals and birds that are found in the area. The hike is not that strenuous and you can easily get a potter to help you carry your luggage at a small fee as you enjoy the view the view.

Mountain Climbing on Kinangop Mountain

Mountain Kinangop is another mountain in Kenya great for hiking adventures. Mountain Kinangop has an elevation of 3,909 meters above sea level.

Best Time for Hiking in East Africa.

Given the fact East Africa is crossed by the Equator countries here generally have equatorial climate weather. Hiking and mountain climbing in East Africa is best done during the dry season because during this time the trails are a bit dry making the hikes easy and accessible, then as well the roads leading to these mountains are okay drying this time of June to September and December to February throughout the year. However, given the fact these are mountains and standing high above sea level when you get to the top areas you will still experience drizzles and slippery grounds with this we do advise you have a good hiking wears to make your hike a success. On top of your hiking on a given mountain there are many other activities that can be added to your itinerary either before or after the hike in a given country, activities include wildlife viewing, Gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee tracking, Golden Monkey tracking among others.

Types of equipment and packing list for hiking

Clothes

Recommended to carry silk clothes and those that dry very fast and wicks away moisture, long sleeved shirts. This protects you from the sun burns and the amount of clothes to carry depending on the number of days you have. In most cases you would need to carry clothes that cover half the days you will be on the tour. Trousers you need tracksuits and those that are light and flexible while tracking. Also carrying less and light weight makes it easy for you to carry. They should also be water proof from rain.

Hiking Boots

These are a must for any hiking trip, specifically made to maneuver up hill, climbing stairs and navigating soggy grounds can be challenging if you have the wrong type of boots. They should be water proof from rain and soggy grounds, also hiking boots are much comfortable in hot temperatures, so protect your feet and be able to complete you hike with easy.

Sandals

With all the hiking and moving that is done all day, do your feet some justice and put on fresh sandals to feel free and allow your feet to breath. These are used after taking a bath and relaxing around a camp fire before sleeping.

Rain jacket

An essential and a must carry during a hiking trip, in Uganda it rains a lot and chances of rain finding you on the hike are high and make sure to carry a rain jacket to protect your bags and camera equipment. If you don’t have any packed, you can buy one in Uganda in any town you’re in.

Pairs of stocks

You need these as you can’t put on shoes without stockings; it absorbs the moisture that your feet produce. You need to carry a couple of these. Pack as much as you want for this trip and also during the need it gets very cold and you need to wear a very pair on your feet.

Backpack

A backpack is important for your trip, to carry all your things together for the trip and since most hikes are for days you have a lot to carry. They are easy to carry and can be filled in with lots of these.

Sleeping bag and tents

Most of the hikes are out-door with few places offering accommodation and temperatures can be extreme some time like in the Rwenzori, so most of the time tents are encouraged and a sleeping bag for the night.

Snacks

With meals only provided at specific times you need to carry your snacks before you start the hike and carry enough that will take you the duration of your stay on the hike. These are very good at boosting your engery levels and keep you going when the food is not ready yet.

Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses

These are basic important from sunburns and heat. With many people having skin problems when they get exposed to the sun

Water filter

With a limited amount of water that you can carry with you on the hike, you are more likely to drink water from the streams coming from the mountain, so you need to carry with water purifier and water filter before you drink it.

Gloves

To regulate your temperature and also protect you from cuts and bruises during the hike, this is a basic importance for any hiking trip and in case you don’t have any you can buy from within Uganda before the trip.

Headlamp

With no electricity in these places you need a headlamp or flashlight for the night time as you move from your tent. On some hikes you need to start much early in the night and this is where it becomes helpful because you have to make up the ground to the next destination.

Face towel.

As you hike you sweat a lot, this is when you need this or during the cold times you tend to get a running nose hence need to blow. Also it’s important to always carry one no matter where you are going.

First aid kit

Accidents are very common during hiking trips and anything can happen at any time especially cuts and dislocations of joints. Your First Aid Kit should have all the essentials that you need like bandages, pills, moleskin, pain killers and medications for complications that arise because of the high altitude.

Extra camera battery and extra memory cards

There is no charge on which camera you carry for your trip and its only with memories that you can truly say the trip was good one. You are allowed to carry with you your camera equipment and being that there are a lot of beautiful scenaries along the way opportunities for good photos are available hence an extra memory card and with limited charging on the mountain extra batteries will save your trip.

Why book your hike with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator based in Uganda, we take pride in customizing tailor-made hiking trips throughout Africa. Including Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali Rwanda. We have a very diligent and trustworthy team. Your queries are answered within 20minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. Contact us here about the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa