Uganda Wildlife Authority Suspends Hiking to Rwenzori Highest Peak

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has temporarily suspended hiking to Mount Rwenzori’s highest peak. Margherita Peak is the highest peak of Rwenzori Mountains National Park that draws hiking enthusiasts from across the world ready to conquer and experience the journey to the highest peak on Mount Rwenzori.

The suspension comes as a surprise to hikers but is much required for the safety of visitors to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in its press release announced that the reason for the temporary suspension is strictly a precautionary measure. This decision to suspend activities to Margherita Peak was arrived at after a detailed assessment that was carried out by the team in response to reports of a crevasse formation in the Margherita glacier.

Hiking to other peaks and in Rwenzori Mountains National Park is still open and very possible. Tourists are encouraged to explore other areas of Rwenzori Mountains National Park as the Uganda Wildlife Authority explores the option of installing a permanent ladder on the right side of the glacier in order to make hiking to Margherita possible. Other peaks of Rwenzori Mountains that can be explored include Mount Speke, Mount Baker and Cheptegei Peak.

Hiking is one of the top tourism activities in Uganda alongside gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and bird watching.

Below is the press release from Uganda Wildlife Authority with more details on the temporary suspension;