The Rwenzori Mountains is a spectacular mountain range located on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.). These mountains support glaciers and are one source of the river Nile. These incredible mountains reach heights up to 5,109 meters (16,762 feet). The highest peak is permanently covered in snow-caps.
THE RWENZORIS CONSISTS OF SIX MASSIFS SEPARATED BY DEEP GORGES
Mt. Stanley "Margerita Peak" ~ 5,109 metres (16,762 ft)
Mt. Speck ~ 4,890 metres (16,762 ft)
Mt. Baker ~ 4,843 metres (15,889 ft)
Mt. Emin ~ 4,798 metres (15,741 ft)
Mt. Gessi ~ 4,715 metres (15,469 ft)
Mt. Luigi Di Savioa ~ 4,627 metres (15,180 ft)
WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKING THE RWENZORIS
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
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Good quality sleeping bag (minimum rating of 4 seasons) (Extra sleeping bags available upon request at $15 each for the whole trek)
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Soft Bag / Hold all or Rucksack (framed or unframed). Large enough to hold your personal gear (limit 25Kg) on the mountain; this will be carried by a porter.
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Day sac - minimum capacity 20kg - that you will carry. Big enough for you to carry your daily water (3litres), lunch box, camera, wet weather clothing and fleece jacket.
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External protective cover for rucksack & day sac (or pack all contents in plastic bags for waterproofing)
PROTECTION FROM SUN & GLARE OF THE SNOW
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Polarized snow glasses or goggles
At the very least good quality sunglasses (models with side-shields are preferable).
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High factor sun block
(minimum factor + 15)
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Lip salveHead torch and a set of spare batteries
(Special batteries are not always available locally)
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2nd back up torch and spare batteries
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Water bottle(s) (strong) to hold 3 litres which you will carry with you -daily
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Water treatment tablets / iodine or quality filter
(although water gets boiled for you by our staff and served as tea or coffee)
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Spare plastic bags (to keep things as dry as possible)
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Wash kit plus a small towel
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Basic First Aid kit (for personal use)
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Including paracetamol & dehydration sachets
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A few of your favorite sweets/chewies/dried fruit
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
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Harnesses, crampons, ropes, carabiners, helmets and ice axes
(for Margherita peak, Baker, Speke) for clients going up to the peaks.
CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
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Summer shirt/s and shorts -for walking in the heat at the start of the trek
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Warm long-sleeved shirt – for when it gets cold
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Warm long walking trousers (not jeans)
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Fleece jacket (one or more, and/or a down jacket)
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For additional warmth;
or a warm anorak/jacket which should not be too heavy -
Thermal underwear
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Good quality waterproof and windproof outer shell
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Jacket & trousers
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Cheap plastic poncho
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HAT – a warm hat and a sun hat that has both a peak and shades the back of your neck
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Wool Hat/Balaclava
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GLOVES - 2 pairs; thin and warmer liners
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Waterproof outer gloves are more practical than mittens
FOOTWEAR
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Mountain boots
Essential they are of good quality & well-worn in
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Walking Shoes
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Another pair of lighter weight walking shoes / Trainers for the start of the climb
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Several pairs of warm, cushioned socks
This is so you always have a dry pair to change into
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Gaiters
Although they have a limited but useful role in preventing scree, snow and mud (at the start of the climb) from getting into your boots. Rubber boots can be more useful.