BEST TIME TO VISIT MT RWENZORI. The dream hiking expedition
Mount Rwenzori popularly termed to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon” and is one of Africa’s largest stunning and unique mountain ranges. The Rwenzori mountains are situated on the between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. What is the best time to visit /climb the Rwenzori mountains national park? Below is a complete guide on the best time to visit/ climb the Rwenzori mountains national park.
The Rwenzori mountains climate
The climate of MT Rwenzori is mainly influenced by its high altitude with several ecological zones ranging from the tropical rainforests, glaciers, alpine meadows and many more. The weather at the mountain is very unpredictable (implying that it can rain or shine in a few hours).
Factors to consider when visiting MT Rwenzori
Rainfall patterns and variations
The Rwenzori mountains receive rainfall through out the year; however, the intensity and frequency of rain vary. The wet season occurs in two periods (March to May, October to November). During the rain season, the trails can be muddy and slippery thus making hiking very difficult.
Dry season
This is the most appropriate and ideal time for visiting the Rwenzori mountains. The dry season is divided into 2 periods (December to February, June to September). The dry season is the best time for hiking the Rwenzori mountains because the trails are less slippery thus easy movements while hiking.
Temperature Variations
Temperature within the Rwenzori mountains vary significantly basing on altitude. Temperature at lower altitudes usually varies from 200C to 300C (680F to 860F) however during the higher elevations, temperature can drop off such as freezing especially in the night. This means that you need to pack the necessary gears while you are preparing to hike the Rwenzori mountains.
DRY SEASON (JUNE TO AUGUST, DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY)
The most ideal and recommendable time to visit the Rwenzori mountains is generally the dry season (June to August, December to February)
During mid-June to August, dry months the Rwenzori mountains are highly visited
March to May
The months of March to May and November form the rainy season and still trekking is open during this time. With the season having a few tourists, the mountain is much emptier and therefore one has the chance to enjoy a remote mountain with lots of great scenery to enjoy.
At times, travelers who usually hate over crowding the low season is the best time for visiting the Rwenzori mountains.
HOW TO GET TO THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS?
The Rwenzori mountains can easily be accessed by either road or air transport.
Air Transport.
You can decide to book domestic flight from Entebbe international airport to Kasese one of the nearest towns to the Rwenzori mountains. Booking can be done with Aero link or Bar Aviation airlines.
Road transport.
For most travelers, travelling by road is the most common and affordable means of transport while transporting to the Rwenzori mountains. The journey from Kampala to the park is around 6 to 7 hours.
AT Entebbe airport shuttle we can offer you a transfer from Entebbe international airport to the mountain of the moon and back with one of our comfortable 4×4 Landcruiser car.