Each mountain is a different experience, for Rwenzori Mountain one has to wallow through forests and different vegetation to reach the Margherita Peak. So, climbers require necessary mountain hiking equipment to scale to the snow-covered top of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. However, it is still challenging to climb to the top of Rwenzori Mountain.
If you are arranging for a visit to Rwenzori Mountain, here are some few things you have to put in consideration before setting off. In addition, you need to be in the best shape and fitness before Rwenzori mountain hike.
Necessary Mountain Hiking Equipment
Climbing boots/ gumboots: For you to have a wonderful experience, you must not forget to pack strong hiking boots because these are essential in the early stage of hiking and also in the trek across the glaciers. As well, gumboots are also very essential equipment in the mud-covered sections of the mountain trail.
Backpack: This is also very essential for a successful mountain hiking. A waterproof bag is very important because it will help you pack your accessories like cameras, jackets, plates and cups and any other essential items. Since Rwenzori can be wet at anytime, it will help to maintain your essential stuff.
Cooking gear: You can pack them and come with them or you can hire them at the park headquarters if you intend to do your own cooking. You can pack your own food, a light stove, some plates, knife and forks. However, though it’s very possible to hire a cook for your trip, you can still plan to have at least the minimum essentials like plates, cups, forks, knives and others.
Warm stuff: The more you climb the colder it becomes, but it gets much colder below 10oC and certainly below freezing temperatures at some camps. So, you are recommended to park good warm shirts, pant and a decent sleeping bag. Gloves, more so waterproof gloves are also needed for whoever is hiking up to the peaks.
Emergency kits: This is also very vital for any one climbing the Rwenzori Mountain, because for the last part of the voyage, you will be at least a day away from the basic emergency services. So, the first aid kit is very essential.
Food: Some of the climbers hire cookers from the park headquarters, however, if you decide to carry your own food, it is recommended to carry energy giving food, such as glucose packs, sweetened juice mixers, chocolate and dry porridge. There is no need to carry water since the mountain provides lots of natural, sparkling and safe drinking water.
Other Mountain Hiking Equipment
There are huts which can offer accommodation facilities while on your memorable experience, however, you may prefer to come with your own tent in order to pitch it anywhere and have your private overnight sleep. Besides, you are required to bring good common camping gears like the lighter, torch, toiletries and GPS to mention but a few.
The porter will help you carry your accessories, however, you are reminded to minimize the weight. There is a hard limit of 22kg as the maximum each porter can carry. Besides, a porter is only needed if you have a lot of kit to carry.
There are limited equipment at the park headquarters such as tents, rucksacks and boots for hire, so you are advised to speak to them before-hand, to assess availability. The park offices also provide crampons, ice axes and ropes for hire, for those planning to try any of the peaks, but if you can you may bring your own.
Warm objects like the ones mentioned above can usually be bought in Kampala. Food and medicines can be bought from any decent supermarket in Kampala or Kasese.
Summarized Parking List Include
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Dark Sunglasses
- Sunscreen 45 to 60 spf
- 2x hats for sun/ rain
- 1 warm hat for high altitude climbing
- Mountain jacket
- Rain Gear-fleece jacket
- Fleece vest/ sweater
- Long sleeved trekking shirts/ T-shirts
- 2x hiking pants
- Down jacket
- 1x shorts for walking at low altitudes
- Sun glasses
- 1x light pair of gloves-camping
- 1x Mountain gloves/ mittens for climbing rope
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Carabiners
- Slings
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats
- Light weight long underwear
- Waterproof sacks (large canoe bags, e.g. Ortlieb – for packing all gear)
Some of this gear may also be necessary if one opts for a chimpanzee trekking tour inside the nearby Kibale National Park or the amazing gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.