Embarking on a self-drive journey in Uganda can be an exciting and liberating way to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and incredible wildlife. Renting a car for your trip offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace and itinerary.

However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable self-drive experience, there are several important factors and items you need to consider before hitting the road. Below is a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process of renting and preparing for a self-drive car in Uganda.

Identification Documents

When renting a car in Uganda, identification is crucial to confirm your identity and maintain a record of who is driving the vehicle. You will be required to present a valid identification document, either a national ID or a passport, including both the original and a photocopy. These documents should be valid for at least six months beyond your rental period. Make sure you have your identification readily available when visiting the car rental offices, as this will streamline the process and help avoid any delays.

Valid Driving License

Your driving license is one of the most critical documents needed to rent a car in Uganda. This document confirms your eligibility and competency as a driver. The driving license should be printed in English; if not, you should acquire an international driving permit (IDP) from your home country. In Uganda, foreign driving licenses are valid for up to two months; after this period, you may be required to obtain a local license or IDP. Always ensure your license is up to date and meets the requirements before planning your self-drive trip.

Payment Methods: Cash or Card

When renting a vehicle, it’s essential to be prepared with the appropriate payment method. Most car rental companies in Uganda accept multiple forms of payment, including cash and electronic transfers. Commonly accepted currencies include Ugandan Shillings, US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds. If you plan to pay with a less common currency, inform the car rental company in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Additionally, ensure that your credit or debit card is internationally enabled if you opt for electronic payment, and confirm if there are any transaction fees associated with your card use in Uganda.

Confirm Rental Car Insurance

Before finalizing your car rental in Uganda, make sure the vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance. Insurance coverage is essential for protecting you against potential damages or liabilities that may arise during your trip. Verify what the insurance covers, including collision damage, theft, and third-party liabilities. It’s also important to understand the circumstances under which you might be liable for any damages and what procedures to follow if an accident occurs. Request clear details about the insurance terms to avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re adequately protected.

Conduct a Thorough Vehicle Inspection

Inspecting the car before you drive off is a crucial step that should never be overlooked. Check both the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any pre-existing damages, such as scratches, dents, or broken features. Document any issues you find by taking photos and videos, and report them to the car rental company immediately to avoid being held responsible for them later. Additionally, conduct a test drive with the delivery agent to ensure the car operates smoothly and that you are comfortable with its handling. This step helps you familiarize yourself with the vehicle and ensures it meets your expectations.

Seek Local Driving Tips

Driving in Uganda can be significantly different from driving in your home country, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local traffic laws and road conditions. To navigate safely, it’s advisable to seek driving tips specific to Uganda. Learn about the correct driving side (left-hand side), speed limits, and common road signs. Uganda’s road conditions vary widely, from well-paved highways to rugged dirt roads, especially in remote areas and national parks. Familiarize yourself with the behavior of local drivers, as well as any unique driving customs, such as yielding to livestock or stopping at unmanned railway crossings.

Check for Extra Facilities and Equipment

If you have requested additional equipment or facilities, ensure they are included in your rental package before starting your journey. Common supplementary items include GPS navigation systems, travel maps, guidebooks, camping gear, and baby seats if you’re traveling with children. Having these extras can greatly enhance your travel experience by providing convenience and safety, especially on longer journeys through unfamiliar terrain. Verify the condition and functionality of these items to ensure they are ready for use.

Verify the Fuel Tank Level

One of the most commonly overlooked checks is the fuel tank level. Before setting off, check the fuel gauge to understand how much fuel is in the tank. Most rental agreements require you to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had at the time of pickup. Taking note of the fuel level at the start of your journey helps avoid disputes with the rental company upon return. If the vehicle is not provided with a full tank, ask the rental company how much fuel you are expected to return it with to avoid any extra charges.

Familiarize Yourself with Emergency Contacts and Procedures

Before embarking on your Uganda safari, ensure you have the car rental company’s emergency contact information. This includes phone numbers for roadside assistance, emergency services, and the rental office. Knowing who to contact in case of a breakdown, accident, or other emergency can save you time and reduce stress. Additionally, inquire about the company’s procedures for dealing with unexpected issues, such as flat tires or mechanical failures, so you are prepared to act swiftly if needed.

Review the Rental Agreement Thoroughly

Before signing the rental agreement, read through all the terms and conditions carefully. Ensure you understand the rental period, mileage limitations, insurance coverage, deposit requirements, and any penalties for late returns or damage. Clarify any points that are unclear with the rental agent to avoid misunderstandings. A clear understanding of the rental contract will help you avoid potential disputes and ensure a hassle-free experience.

A self-drive in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to explore the country at your own pace, discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. However, preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable journey. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that you have all the necessary documents, equipment, and knowledge to make your self-drive adventure in Uganda safe, smooth, and memorable. Always plan ahead, double-check everything, and stay informed about local driving conditions to get the most out of your Ugandan road trip.

There are very few places on earth as breathtakingly beautiful and natural as the Serengeti ecosystem. To visit this land of open plains and golden grass is always high on every traveller’s bucket list.

But Tanzania has more to it than the Serengeti and the Great Migration and here at Wild Frontiers we explore why this beautiful country is fast becoming one of Africa’s main tourist hotspots.

Katavi

Located in the South West of Tanzania, Katavi Nationkal Park is a true hidden gem. With the seasonal Lake Katavi and Lake Chada within its borders and massive floodplains sprawling across the landscape, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the world’s highest concentration of buffalo thrive here. Flying into the park is suggested and there are charters and scheduled flights operating from Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

Mahale and Gombe

Looking for a spot of snorkelling? What about searching the forests for our closest living relatives? Why not do both on the spectacular Lake Tanganyika. Bordered by the Mahale Mountains on its eastern shore, Lake Tanganyika offers crystal clean water to dive for colourful fish as well as some of the best chimp trekking in Africa.

The world renowned conservationist Jane Goodall made the Gombe Stream National Park world famous, and a trip north up to Lake Tanganyika offers travellers the chance to see where she lived amongst the chimpanzees and studied their behaviour. The park is home to over 200 different species of birdlife, over 20 different primate species and many smaller forest dwelling animals.

Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia

White sand beaches and azure blue waters await you just off the coast of Tanzania. Simply hop on a short flight to Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia and escape to a tropical paradise. Enjoy fresh seafood, vibrant town centres and luxurious accommodation on land, or get on a boat and go snorkelling, scuba diving or swimming with dolphins in the warm Indian Ocean.

Ruaha

Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania, famed for its biodiversity and amazing game viewing. The 20 000 square kilometre park has many different ecosystems and 571 species of birds have been identified within it. But, most famously Ruaha is home to the second largest population of lions in the world (roughly 10% of the world’s lions live here) and the third largest population of wild dogs in Africa.

Selous

Named after the famous Frederick Courtney Selous, the Selous Game Reserve is one of the most biodiverse areas in Tanzania and home to huge numbers of savannah animals. The park is a short flight from Dar es Salaam, but can also be reached via a beautiful five hour train ride. Offering walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River means you can explore Selous in more ways than just on game drives. Selous has the world’s largest population of wild dogs – as well as the Big Five – and can offer game viewing that most countries cannot compete with.

Dar es Salaam

This city on the coast is sometimes used as a stop on the way to Arusha, or as a stop over point for trips to Zanzibar. But there’s so much to see and do in Dar es Salaam that many travellers never experience. World class beaches, exceptional restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a melting pot of different cultures await anyone willing to spend that extra night in one of Africa’s most underrated destinations.

Tarangire National Park

A landscape dotted with massive termite mounds awaits any traveller who is willing to travel southeast of Arusha for roughly two hours. Tarangire is well known for its massive baobab trees and large population of elephants. Look out for wild dogs, lesser kudu and the bizarre gerenuk as you explore the granite ridges and floodplains of this diverse ecosystem.

Kilimanjaro

What Tanzania list would be complete without a bit on Kilimanjaro? An extinct volcano, Kilimanjaro towers over Moshi and the northern region of Tanzania and is normally the starting point of most tourists’ African safaris. Stick around for a Kilimanjaro Lager while experiencing the Moshi nightlife, the area’s famous coffee plantations, the 2018 Kilimanjaro Marathon and visit Arusha National Park to see the most out of the Arusha region.

Wild Frontiers has a passion for Tanzanian travel. We offer scheduled trips to most of these destinations, but also specialise in designing the perfect privately tailored trip for you. So if you’ve seen anywhere on this list you simply have to visit, email us and let us design and book your trip. We also offer private guides (some of the best in Africa) to make sure you get the Wild Frontiers treatment every step of the way.

Choosing between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking depends on your travel style and preferences, as each destination offers exceptional mountain gorilla viewing. This handy safari guide comparison should help you weigh your options based on our first-hand gorilla trekking experience.

If affordability and a broader wildlife safari are key, Uganda might be ideal. Rwanda might be the better fit if your goals include a luxurious stay, an easier trek, and maximizing gorilla viewing.

Where gorillas live in Rwanda and Uganda?

In Rwanda, the mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, which is two hours’ drive from Kigali and the international airport. For a gorilla trek in Rwanda, you would need a minimum of two nights’ stay; three nights would be optimal. Rwanda has more than twice the number of habituated mountain gorilla groups than Uganda, so gorilla trekking permits are typically easier to obtain.

In Uganda, the mountain gorillas reside in both the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. It takes two days of driving to reach Bwindi from Entebbe, usually broken up with an overnight stay halfway. Once at Bwindi, visitors are advised to stay at least three nights while gorilla trekking, before continuing on a safari around Uganda.

Which gorilla trek is easier, Rwanda or Uganda?

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer great opportunities for a gorilla trekking adventure but which trek is easier? In Rwanda, most of the terrain encountered on a gorilla trek is more open and less surrounded by jungle vegetation. This can make it easier to get a good view of these magnificent creatures. The terrain is also less difficult for tracking when compared to Uganda, although altitudes can be higher which adds to the difficulty. In Rwanda, travel distances are also relatively shorter given that Rwanda is simply a smaller country.

Uganda’s infrastructure is less developed and gorilla trekking here can be more challenging. It rains often in Bwindi, even in the dry season, so conditions may be slippery. Each gorilla family in Bwindi also covers large territories, and tracking time can vary widely from day to day, from 30 minutes up to eight or nine hours.

The vegetation can also be extremely thick, hence the name Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Slopes are steep and there are no trails, so gorilla trekking in Uganda is not for the faint of heart.

Accessibility Uganda Gorilla Trekking Vs Rwanda Gorilla trekking

Accessibility to the Gorilla trekking destination from the nearest airport matters a lot especially if you prefer shorter drives. Therefore, note that Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park is the most accessible gorilla trekking destination, with the driving distance being only 2 hours from Kigali City Rwanda’s capital. To access Bwindi on the other hand requires a minimum of 4-5 hours if you are coming from Kigali, and a maximum of 9 hours if you are coming from Entebbe/ Kampala capital city.

There are more luxury lodges in Rwanda

If you’re able and willing to pay a premium for accommodation, then you have more high-end choices on the doorstep of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda than you do next to either of Uganda’s gorilla parks.

While there are multiple four- and five-star accommodations to choose from near Volcanoes, there are just a handful near Bwindi, and no truly high-end options near Mgahinga. Also, the quality of the four- and five-star accommodations in Rwanda tend to be higher than those with the same ratings in Uganda.

The reason for this discrepancy is that Rwanda decided a while back to target wealthier tourists. You can see this simply in the fact that its gorilla trekking permits are roughly double the price of those of Uganda. Also, you may have picked up that celebrities like Ellen De generes opt to go to Rwanda, not Uganda.

It’s easier to get a trek permit in Uganda

Visitors aren’t allowed to visit just any mountain gorilla troop on a trek. Only troops that have become habituated to the presence of humans (a process that takes park rangers about two years to complete) are visited on gorilla treks. Also, only one group of eight trekkers is allowed to visit each gorilla troop per day. This is done to minimize the disruption humans can have on the primates’ environment and daily habits. These rules apply in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Yet because Uganda has more gorillas and has subsequently undertaken to habituate more of its troops, the country’s authorities are able to issue more trekking permits per day.

In Uganda about 110 gorilla trekking permits are issued for any given day, compared with roughly 80 in Rwanda. This makes obtaining a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda a little easier, especially if you aren’t booking very far in advance.

If you’re trying to book gorilla trekking permits for a specific date, or fairly last minute, you might not have success in Rwanda, but you could still possibly obtain them for Uganda or for Bwindi, to be precise.

You can spend more time with the gorillas in Uganda

Something on offer only in Uganda is the gorilla habituation permit. This permit allows the visitor to spend four hours with a mountain gorilla troop in the south of Bwindi. A habituation permits costs 1,500USD, which is the same price as the one-hour gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.

With a gorilla habituation permit you can spend four hours with these beautiful creatures.

The habituation permit was introduced only recently in response to visitors’ desire to spend more time with the mountain gorillas. Only two gorilla troops have been set aside for these habituation experiences. And only about eight habituation permits are issued per day, so you have to book well in advance if you want one.

Just note that the mountain gorillas you visit on an habituation experience could be shyer than those of the habituated troop, especially if you visit them early in the habituation process. This might mean you don’t get as close to them as you would on a regular gorilla trek.

Which is safer for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an activity that brings tourists up close to the jungle since it involves walking and therefore security is important. Both Rwanda and Uganda are safe to visit and so is Gorilla trekking. Yes, it is safe to trek Gorillas both in Uganda and Rwanda.

To ensure Gorilla Safaris are safe, each Gorilla trekking group is accompanied by armed park rangers to ensure the safety of each trekker. These ranger guides are familiar with the jungle and will do the needful if need be. Before each trek, tourists are advised on how to keep safe while trekking Gorillas in Uganda, you just have to follow what your guide tells you. Gorillas are gentle animals and very peaceful. Their social life is so accommodative and can interact with humans as long as you keep a distance and treat them as wild animals.

Always follow the rules and be cautious while in the forest, the gorillas will always mind their business and you will share this amazing habitat for a while.

The over roll safari

Most people will incorporate a gorilla trek into a longer safari. For this, Uganda has more options than Rwanda. Uganda’s Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are two top-notch savannah reserves. You’ll see most iconic safari animals here, including elephants, lions, buffalo and giraffes. All the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are present except for rhinos, which can only be seen in Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Uganda is also a top destination for chimpanzee trekking, while Lake Bunyonyi is a great place to chill out for a couple of days at the end of an action-packed safari.

Rwanda is less established as a stand-alone safari destination, but it has a few very good off-the-beaten-track gems worth tagging onto your gorilla trek. Most notable are Akagera National Park, a scenic Big Five savannah park, and Nyungwe National Park, a highland rainforest, which is home to 13 primate species, including habituated chimpanzees that can be tracked by tourists.

In conclusion

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a unique experience in gorilla tracking depending on your travel needs. You can also choose to visit all the 2 countries or trek in the three national parks depending on your budget and time allocated for this trip.

What clothes should I wear? Having the right clothing on your packing list for a Uganda safari or any African tour is a good thing.  Not only does it guarantee you ultimate comfort but also shows how respectful you are to the people’s cultures and traditions in the destination.

If you feel confused on what to pack as part of clothes to wear on your Uganda safari, then talk to your local expert to guide you before you set off or do any packing. What is essential is to pack right. Always consider the right attire from clothes to footwear. Here are some of the essential clothes to wear on your safari in Uganda.

Recommended clothing for men & women

In general, a normal trip itinerary in Uganda takes 5-10 days and this requires you to pack right for your vacation. Below is a suggested list of useful clothes to consider packing for your Uganda safari.

• Safari shirts

At all costs, it is important to consider packing the right and comfortable safari shirts for your Uganda holiday. We advise that you consider having at least 5 T-shirts and 3 long-sleeved shirts. Having long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts is a good thing, especially if you plan to go for gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking. They help protect you from stretches or insect bites.

When choosing the safari shirts, consider having environmentally friendly attire. They can make you feel comfortable. Such attire also limits any chances of gorillas or chimps getting irritated.

• Trousers

Long trousers are essential for any trip. Most importantly, you need it when it comes to gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking adventures in Uganda. On the actual day of trekking gorillas or chimpanzees, everyone will be required to have long trousers to help protect them from the crawling insects or scratches from the vegetation as they walk. All visitors are required to tuck their trousers into the socks.

• Shorts

A pair of comfortable shorts are also essential for your road trip in Uganda. Ensure you get one with pockets such that you have where to store some items.

• A pair of socks

A good pair of socks is required for you to put on during the trip. This is especially for visitors on the Uganda gorilla tour or chimpanzee tracking tour. Before you are allowed to go on an actual search for a family of mountain gorillas/chimpanzee community, the park official will remind you about tucking your trousers into the socks.

When you tuck in your trousers into socks, you get protected from any crawling insects. Such insects can be harmful, and besides, socks help keep your legs warm. The weather conditions are slightly different in gorilla trekking destinations (Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National Park) or chimpanzee tracking (Kibale National Park).

• Safari hat

A wide-brimmed safari hat is useful when it comes to safaris in Uganda. It is one of the must have items for you to wear to get protected from the hot sun heat. The sun heat in Uganda or most of the East African destinations is slightly different from that of Europe.

• A sweater

A sweater is a must to be worn, especially on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. This can protect you from the cold as gorilla tour destinations are known for their tropical kind of climatic conditions.

• Lightweight cargo pants

Good and lightweight cargo pants are among the essential clothing packing lists in Uganda and other destinations. To be on the safer side, you require at least 3 pairs of lightweight cargo pants, especially for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.

• Rain jacket

Rain jackets are of great value for any tour or safari in Uganda/Rwanda. It should be noted that the kind of climatic or weather conditions in Uganda or Rwanda are completely different. It can easily rain at any time, especially in places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted.

• Swimsuits

Depending on the destination you plan to have your holiday, swimsuits are essential more so for the enthusiastic swimmers. This is for visitors with plans to Africa for beach holidays or if your accommodation has a swimming pool and you plan to go swimming.

• Undergarments

Both men and women need undergarments. At least get for yourself 6 pairs of undergarments and an addition of sports bras shouldn’t be left out. When choosing the right undergarments, consider the fast-drying type to save you time, especially if you happen to travel around the wet or rainy months of the year.

Aside from clothes, there are other essential items one should have on their Uganda safari. They include;

Insect repellents

The insect repellents are important for any trip in Africa. They help protect you from the biting insects. Where you plan to have wildlife tours or gorilla trips in Uganda or Rwanda involves navigating through the jungles. The jungles accommodates everything including insects.

A camera

Getting on a road trip without a camera is as if you a waste of time. There is plenty to capture on a road trip from the beautiful landscapes to abundant wildlife and then the stunning water bodies. If you are visiting Uganda or Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking or chimp tracking then consider having a flash-free camera.

Extra camera batteries

Additional batteries are essential during your photography tour in Uganda/Rwanda. On a tour, you have a lot to capture and higher chances are that the original camera can easily run out of power. An extra battery or batteries should be available to enable you to continue with your photography moment.

First aid kit/medical kit

A medical/first-aid kit is useful on any packing list for an African safari. The kit can contain several essential items catering to all emergencies. These can be plasters, ligaments and other items.

In summary, choose the right clothes that you will wear on the actual African safari in Uganda or any destination in East Africa. With the list above, we believe you have a good start to planning an unforgettable African trip.

Wondering which car is the best for women travelers looking to explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa? A Toyota car is undoubtedly the best Uganda car rental option. The beauty about Toyota cars is that they have no gender biases because both women and men can drive them. Often, women and men search for small rental cars, the most fuel efficient, powerful and nice looking cars.

Toyota cars come in different categories and depending on the purpose and lifestyle, you have an option to choose the best. The fielder is a compact station wagon and is designed to take both passengers and cargo. Considering its design, comfort and safety is guaranteed when using the fielder.

A 4WD Fielder or Rumion car is best to hire by women who desire the practical type of car or corporate life. This is also ideal for family road trips or other special occasions, especially such as catering or if you plan to travel upcountry.

Fielder rental cars come with longer loading space, excellent ground clearance, light off road ability and many other features.

Toyota RAV4

A 4×4 Toyota RAV4, a midsize crossover is an ideal rental car option suitable for women on road trip in Uganda. RAV4 rental cars are compact in size and are a reputable choice for women. They are designed uniquely serving different travel needs.

The specifications/features that make RAV4 rental cars the best choice include USB port, Bluetooth, luxurious space for visitors and cargo.

Other features include automatic and manual transmission, 4-5 seats, air conditioning, 2 bags, fuel type –diesel or gasoline, engine 2.0L14 diesel, fuel economy –gas or diesel 32mpg/48mpg.

Dimensions

Toyota RAV4 is a top choice of rental cars when it comes to Uganda road trips. Comfort is guaranteed for all guests thanks to the luxurious interior that Toyota RAV4 car rentals are designed with. Up to 5 adults can sit comfortably in a Toyota RAV4 making it an ideal option for small and family group travels in Uganda.

The amount of legroom and headroom available in the RAV4 is impressive favoring even the tallest visitors.

Luggage capacity

4×4 Toyota RAV4 still stands out among the best rental car. It is a class part when it comes to luggage space. Visitors can pack up to 5 large suitcase and the space that remains can still be used to fit loose items and small bags.

Extra space can still be created by folding down the back row seats to increase the amount of space thus creating nearly double the original volcano. Women travelers on solo/self-drive tours to Uganda can have a 4×4 Toyota RAV4 for their road trips.

Talk to our experts to book your Toyota RAV4 with us. You can send us an email or directly call our team using the active contacts available on the website.

Benefits of hiring Toyota RAV4 are many but here are a few;

Features; Toyota RAV4 is fitted with multiple features including speaker sound system, USB port to plug in an iPod, backup camera for you to have clear view when reversing and also makes parallel parking simpler. RAV4 cars also come with Bluetooth technology which allows use of phone or similar devices.

Performance; A road trip in a RAV4 allows you experience the best of Uganda. RAV4 rentals are known for their high fuel efficiency. Regardless of its compact size, Toyota RAV4 cars can even accommodate even larger passengers thanks to their luxurious interior space.

Safety; RAV4 rental cars are fitted with safety features including anti-lock brakes, traction control, airbags, brake assist, stability control and also come with insurance cover.

Other rental cars to hire in Uganda

4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser hard top: If you are searching for the best safari vehicle, then you have every reason to hire our comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser cars. We have the best 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers with hard top and extended version suitable for guided safaris in Uganda. They have fuel consumption rate of 16.0L per 100km.

Toyota Land Cruiser TX: This is a full time 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser rental and a comfortable SUV series. It is best for off-road trips and has a fuel consumption of 12.3L per 100 km.

Toyota Super Custom: A pocket-friendly van rental car suitable for guided safaris or self-drive tours. Super custom rental cars have fuel consumption of 13.0L per 100km and capacity of 7 pax.

In summary, when it comes to rental cars for any road trips in Uganda, women are never left out. There is a rental car option even for women travelers on Uganda safaris. Book our comfortable 4×4 Toyota RAV4 for a self-drive, city tours, business trips and more.

Hiking to mountain Rwenzori is an activity that one has to prepare for adequately and in advance. Hiking to Rwenzori is quite vulnerable especially to times when snow is at the peak.

Unlike other hiking areas, Rwenzori hiking is quite vulnerable to rain and snow conditions. Unless you are after the snow trails, then you are in the right place for snow adventures otherwise you don’t want to be driving right at the trail head only to find out that the snow has already covered the trail up to the summit.

Now, if you don’t want to be facing this unwanted scenario then you should check out when is the best season to hike the Rwenzoris for a regular hike.

Also take into consideration the altitude of your hike. The higher the altitude of the trail, the longer the snow lingers. The lower the altitude, the easier for the snow to melt.

Now you should plan to hike the lower altitude during the first months of the year and the end months. During dry season months, plan to take the higher altitudes. This would also help condition your body to better adapt to the temperature and the pressure of altitudes.

Determine the items you need in your backpack- Of course, hiking require backpacking especially during longer tours. In your bag you should find several must-haves such food packages, clothing that are well-adapted to the terrain, first-aid kit, head lamp and other items that would help you get through a hassle-free Rwenzori hike.

You must also have with you a good pair of hiking boots depending on the terrain’s level of difficulty, a hiking staff, several pairs of hiking socks,gum boots for the boggy part,rain jackets as the weather changes from time to time and other hiking gears.

Budget your time and work- Your best bets are decent estimates of the Rwenzori hiking trails. If you intended to hike for several days straight, it would be better to cover as much distance as possible with the least possible discontentment and the greatest possible enjoyment of the Rwenzori Hike. You could only gauge the tentative days and hours you would be consuming in a specific trail so you can have a better vision of how to approach your tour.

Certain factors affect your budgeting of time such as your supplies, the distance you want to cover, rest periods, your own physical condition, the difficulty of terrain, the elevation and your pace of movement.

Hiking to the summit- If you have plans to hike to Magherita which is the highest peak on this mountain, then you should plan your hiking adventure more. During summers especially around the mid-afternoons, Rwenzori hiking may be a bit unpleasant due to too much sun shine that do dehydrate you. Even if you are not hiking to the summit, you still must plan your Rwenzori hiking in a way that you would not get caught with these unpleasant weather conditions.

However, even with good planning sometimes things still go wrong. In case you find yourself in the middle of a flat terrain and the thunderstorms roll in, you still could save yourself from potential thunderstruck by sitting or crouching underneath rock crops.

There are a few guidelines for your Rwenzori hiking yet the impacts they have on your trip are immeasurably advantageous. In the end, Rwenzori hiking and other hikes you will have are determined by careful preparation.

There are 195 countries in the world that are located astride Equator. All these countries are divided into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. This is thanks to the Equator which passes through it them. Of these 11 countries, six are found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Of these six, Uganda is one of the three most peaceful and welcoming. This makes it the perfect place to explore life at the equator anytime of the year.

There are four different vantage points in this regard. These include;

The Rwenzori Mountains

Africa’s third highest Mountain, the Rwenzoris (below), an option you cannot miss if you love mountaineering.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Then there is Queen Elizabeth National Park (below), an option which favors nature photographers and travellers with a strong attachment to the Big 5.

Lake Victoria

The third vantage point is found on an isolated but easily accessible Island on Africa’s biggest freshwater lake, Victoria (below).

The Equator Line

The last is found at Masaka District, a district of that is home to the Baganda, one of Uganda’s most friendly tribes. Its roughly four hours drive from Kampala, the country’s capital. It comes across as the most visited of the four sites, attracting over 500,000 tourists each year. Here, you can catch up with a simplified experiment that explains why current in the Northern hemisphere spins in a clockwise direction and, Northern spins in an anti-clockwise direction.

Have any queries or want to visit the Equator, I have your back whenever you are ready.