Common Mistakes To Avoid When Planning a Hiking Trip To the Rwenzori Mountains

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains is a challenge very few get to accomplish. If you plan to climb one of Africa’s natural wonders, you have to avoid all kinds of dangerous mistakes carefully. Thankfully, we have you covered in this post.

The Rwenzoris are a range of mountains in equatorial East Africa, located on the western Ugandan border with DR Congo. The mountains are protected within Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DRC, with the highest peak reaching 5,109 meters. The peaks are permanently glaciated and snow-capped.

What makes the Rwenzori a favorite among many hikers is that anyone newbie without climbing experience can summit the peaks, as long as they’re physically fit. 

So if you’re all hyped up for visiting Uganda for the challenge, here are the common mistakes to avoid when planning a hiking trip to the Rwenzori Mountains.

Not Ensuring Your Physical Fitness

Anyone above ten years can climb the Rwenzori mountains, but don’t make the mistake of going without preparing your physical fitness and climbing before you acclimatize. 

You’ll conquer the Rwenzoris without physical defeat if you acclimatize to higher altitudes around the mountains before starting your hiking quest. Most travelers plan to stay a couple of days around the Rwenzori doing day hikes. You can visit Kibale Forest to track the wild chimpanzees or Queen Elizabeth National Park or stay around Kasese in the foothills of the Rwenzoris.

If you’re new to climbing mountains, hiking Rwenzori Mountains is an excellent choice for most beginners. You don’t necessarily have to be trained in mountain climbing since climbing up to the summit is a multi-day hike. 

However, you must at the least be physically prepared for the challenge in high altitudes. Visit your town gym, do some regular runs to charge your muscles, and train your lungs for less oxygen breathing.

Do not climb alone

To avoid most mistakes first-time trekkers make, a trekking guide comes along to help you along the unknown trails. According to the authorities, a guide, porters, and cook have to come along on all treks on the Rwenzoris.

Fortunately, when you hike the Rwenzoris during the dry seasons of December to Mark and June to August, the trail conditions are favorable for most committed hikers to make it to the peak. Your guide will be valuable to inform you of how far you’ve gone and bring you to your next night’s hut. The porters will carry your food, equipment, and luggage, and of course, the cook will make sure you are well fed.

Don’t move fast and without drinking water.

When climbing mountains, some of the most common mistakes are not carrying enough water to hydrate your body and moving fast like it’s a race. You must keep a pace and rhythm and bring enough drinking water. Climbing twenty thousand feet a day can drain your body of all liquids and leave you for death. 

When hiking, the primary causes of altitude sickness are over-exertion and dehydration; one leads to the other. Drink more than enough, preferably before you start feeling thirsty, and take it easy. If possible, avoid getting out of breath or working up a sweat; take smaller steps.

It’s hard at first; first-time climbers are not used to mountaineering at a steady pace when rambling in the fells at low altitudes. Once you find a comfortable rhythm, the hiking pace becomes second nature. Fortunately, you’ll have a guide; please adhere to their advice like a blind man to a walking stick.

Don’t pack the wrong gear and clothing.

Climbing the Rwenzoris with the wrong gear will make you hate the entire expedition. You’ll be hiking in the remotest, harshest environment; ask your tour company to guide you with a packing list.

Appropriately done, packing for a mountaineering tour becomes an artful routine. Whether you’re just starting or a savvy climber, packing is a crucial stage that needs thoughtful planning. 

Packing gear will include an extended list of underwear, goggles, a hat, outer pants, climbing boots and gloves, a flashlight, etc. Get the right backpack to carry the gear. You’ll also need one for snacks, meals, and camp gear. Since your porter carries the packs, you will need a backpack for day trips to carry your hydration liquids and snacks at a minimum.

Don’t forget to tip, although it is optional.

Tipping is not just about giving crumpled change to your guide at the end of the trip. Your crew will avoid dangerous mistakes when they know you appreciate their work. Talk to them, encourage them, and a thank you can bring remarkable experiences. 

Tipping on climbing trips is a good gesture but not necessarily, a common practice with hikers. When hiking Rwenzori, the crew of two lead guides, porters, and the cook plays a huge role in the success of your summit. They ensure your safety, health, and comfort by taking proper precautions in what you eat, sleep, and how much climbing you will do each day. 

Tip your crew handsomely with your conversations, companionship, and money. Besides, you will directly support their families and the communities with whatever money you gift them.

Not hiring an expert guide.

The reality of climbing Rwenzori mountains is that many things will prevent you from submitting, like Illness, tiredness, and weather. An expert guide cushions you from these dangers with accurate decisions during the trip. 

During planning, do your diligence and research about taking the right expert or email us at info@gorilla-tracking-uganda.com to help you plan your trip.

Not clipping your toenails and watching your foot.

Walking down a steep slope with long toenails tucked inside a waterproof hiking shoe is the easiest way to create pain and discomfort for days. You’ll be hobbling for days or weeks, and there is a good chance your nails will fall off. 

For goodness sakes, clip your toenails before your start hiking. Similarly, tight boots without some space for toe movement will squash and bruise your toenails.

Then, there’s that hot signal from your heels, but you carry on regardless. That humble blister can bring the whole trip crashing to a painful halt. The mistake is to ignore your body signals. Stop immediately when your body calls.

Hiking Trips To the Rwenzori Mountains 

A hiking trip to the Rwenzori Mountains is one of the most private mountaineering trips. The Rwenzoris have six of Africa’s top ten peaks, yet it still has the fewest climbers.

You can join one of our hiking trips to summit the mountains of the moon. Our safari consultants will guide you through planning with the best advice to avoid common mistakes. Send us an email at info@gorilla-tracking-uganda.com when you are ready.