Rwenzori Mountain Trekking Checklist

Rwenzori Mountain Trekking Checklist: Your Guide to a Successful Adventure

Embarking on the Rwenzori Mountain trek is a thrilling adventure that requires meticulous planning and the right equipment. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice, our comprehensive checklist ensures you have everything you need for a safe, comfortable, safe, enjoyable and memorable expedition.

At One More Adventure Safaris, we want to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for the trek of a lifetime:

General Notes:

• Climbing Equipment: Bring your own or hire locally after booking in advance.
• Equipment Hire Prices: (Ice Axe-$15, Climbing Rope-$20, Harness-$20, Climbing Boot-$20, Crampons-$20, Gloves-$5, Sleeping Mat-$5, Rubber Boot-$7)

Mountain Checklist:

Climbing Equipment:

• 1 Pair of Snow Glasses
• Sunscreen
• First Aid Kit
• Rubber Boots (for boggy areas)
• Ice Axe
• Gaiters
• Crampons
• Harnesses
• Climbing Rope
• Helmet

Body and Chest:

• 2 Thermal Vests and Thermal Leggings (Polypropylene or Capilene)
• 1 Fleece Pullover (Soft Polartec 100g or 200g, or similar)
• 1 Fleece Jacket or Similar
• 1 Rainproof or Windproof Jacket with Hood (such as Gore‐Tex)
• Quick-Dry T-shirts or Shirts (not cotton)
• 1 Buff or Similar
• Prescription for Albuterol Inhaler (for breathing difficulties)
• Prescription for Cipro Xin (Safe medication for travel diarrhea and general antibiotic)

Feet and Legs:

• 1 Pair of Comfortable Hiking Boots
• 3 Pairs of Outer Socks (Thick Wool or Polypropylene)
• 4 Pairs of Inner Socks (Thin Silk or Polypropylene)
• Sandals or Lightweight Trainers for Around Camp
• 1 Fleece Pants (Full-Length Zippers Recommended)
• Comfortable Trekking Pants

Hands:

• 1 Pair of Inner Thermal Gloves (Polypropylene or Capilene)
• 1 Pair of Insulated Outer Gloves

Sleeping Gear:

• Sleeping Bag for ‐15°C / 5°F (Down or Polar Guard)
• Sleeping Mats

Others:

• Headlamp with Extra Batteries and Bulb
• Lip Balm and Sunscreen (not less than 35 SPF)
• 2 Water Bottles (32 fl oz / 1 liter Nalgene recommended; Insulator needed)
• 1 Stainless Steel Thermos of One Liter or Half Liter (optional)
• Hand Warmers (for summit day)
• Hydrating System (like Camelback, for approach trek to base camp)
• Personal Care Elements (Small Towel and Soap; Wet Wipes Recommended)
• 1 Pair of Trekking Poles (Adjustable Preferred)

Upper Body Packs:

• Comfortable Day Pack (for approach to base camp)
• One XL Strong Duffel Bag (to be carried by the porters)

Optional Items:

• Book, iPod, Games, or Anything for Leisure Time
• Camera, Memory Cards, and Extra Batteries
• Silicone Earplugs (for windy nights)
• Pocket‐Knife
• Your Favorite Energy Bars (Avoid anything with caramel and toffee)

Head:

• Sun Cap or Hat
• Ski Hat (Wool or Fleece)
• Light Balaclava
• Good Pair of Sunglasses (with UV Filter, Wrap Around)

Packing List for Peak Summit:

Clothing (Essential):

• Summer Shirts and Shorts (for walking in the heat at the start of the trek)
• Warm Long-Sleeved Shirts (for when it gets cold)
• Warm Long Walking Trousers (not jeans!)
• Fleece Jacket (one or more, and/or a down jacket)
• Thermal Underwear
• Good Quality Waterproof and Windproof Outer Shell (Jacket & Trousers)
• Cheap Plastic Poncho or (Rain Jacket and Rain Pants)
• Hat (a warm hat and a sun hat with both a peak and shades for the neck)
• Wool Hat/Balaclava
• Gloves (2 pairs; one pair of thin liners and another of warmer and waterproof outer gloves are more practical than mittens)

Footwear:

• Mountain Boots (essential; good quality well-worn in)
• Walking Shoes (another pair of lighter weight walking shoes / trainers for the start of the climb)
• Several Pairs of Warm, Cushioned Socks (so you always have a dry pair to change into)
• Crampons for the summit day (Please carry a pair of your own crampons; a must-have for the summit of Margherita peak)

Equipment (Essential):

• Good Quality Sleeping Bag (minimum rating of 4 seasons)
• Soft Bag / Holdall or Rucksack (framed or unframed; large enough to hold your personal gear on the mountain; limit 23Kg; carried by a porter)
• Day sack (Big enough for you to carry your daily water (3 liters), lunch box, camera, wet weather clothing, and fleece jacket)
• External Protective Cover for Rucksack & Day sack (or pack all contents in plastic bags for waterproofing)
• Sunglasses (models with side-shields are preferable)
• Lip Salve
• Head Torch and a Set of Spare Batteries (special batteries are not always available locally)
• 2nd / Back-up Torch and Spare Batteries
• Water Bottle(s) (strong) to hold 3 liters (carried with you daily)
• Water Treatment Tablets / Iodine or Quality Filter (water gets boiled by our staff and served as tea or coffee)
• Spare Plastic Bags (to keep things as dry as possible)
• Wash Kit plus a Small Towel
• Basic First Aid Kit (for personal use, including paracetamol & dehydration sachets)
• A few of your favorite sweets/’chewies’/dried fruit, etc. (good motivators on the trek)

For all treks summiting Margherita peak, we will provide the following gear as part of the hiking package: Harnesses, carabinas, ice axes, helmets, rubber boots (a must-have), ropes, and ice screws. The rest of the equipment must be carried by all hikers, as we have limited items available for hire, specifically crampons.

Packing List for Low Altitude Trek:

Clothing (Essential):

• Summer Shirt/s and Shorts (for walking in the heat at the start of the trek)
• Warm Long-Sleeved Shirt (for when it gets cold)
• Warm Long Walking Trousers (not jeans!)
• Fleece Jacket (one or more, and/or a down jacket for additional warmth)
• Cheap Plastic Poncho or Rain Jacket
• Hat (a warm hat and a sun hat with both a peak and shades for the neck)
• Gloves (2 pairs; one pair of thin liners and another of warmer)

Footwear:

• Hiking Shoes (essential; good quality well-worn in; good trainers can also work perfectly for 3 days)
• Walking Shoes (another pair of lighter-weight walking shoes / trainers for the start of the climb; optional)
• Several Pairs of Warm, Cushioned Socks (so you always have a dry pair to change into)
• Rubber Boots (provided to adults free of charge; for children)

Equipment (Essential):

• Good Quality Sleeping Bag (minimum rating of 4 seasons)
• Soft Bag / Hold all or Rucksack (framed or unframed; large enough to hold your personal gear on the mountain; carried by a porter)
• Day Sack (minimum capacity 8kg; carried by you; big enough for daily water, lunch box, camera, wet weather clothing, and fleece jacket)
• External Protective Cover for Rucksack & Day Sack (or pack all contents in plastic bags for waterproofing)
• Lip Salve
• Head Torch or Normal Torch and a Set of Spare Batteries (special batteries are not always available locally)
• Water Bottle(s) (strong) to hold 3 liters (carried with you daily)
• Water Treatment Tablets / Iodine or Quality Filter (water gets boiled by our staff and served as tea or coffee)
• Spare Plastic Bags (to keep things as dry as possible)
• Wash Kit plus a Small Towel
• Basic First Aid Kit (for personal use, including paracetamol & dehydration sachets)
• A few of your favorite sweets/’chewies’/dried fruit

Note: Ensure you come with your climbing equipment, or you can hire some of them locally when you arrive, but it’s recommended to book them in advance. Prices for equipment hire are as follows: Ice Axe-$15, Climbing Rope-$20, Harness-$20, Climbing Boot-$20, Crampons-$20, Gloves-$5, Sleeping Mat-$5, Rubber Boot-$7.

Now that you have a comprehensive checklist, you’re ready to conquer the Rwenzori Mountains. Ensure you have all the necessary gear and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with One More Adventure Safaris!

Embarking on a Rwenzori Mountain trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With One More Adventure Safaris, ensure you have all the necessary gear for a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey.

Contact us to book your trek and experience the beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains like never before!