The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, marking the end of a temporary suspension that was implemented due to safety concerns.
The peak, standing at an impressive 5,109 meters above sea level, is one of Africa’s most iconic summits, attracting adventurers from around the world.
The suspension, which began earlier this year, was prompted by the formation of a dangerous crevasse in the Margherita glacier.
UWA, a state agency responsible for wildlife conservation in Uganda, made the decision to halt all hiking activities to Margherita Peak to ensure the safety of visitors. This decision followed a comprehensive assessment by UWA’s team in response to reports of the crevasse, a deep crack that posed significant risks to climbers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UWA revealed that significant safety enhancements have now been implemented, allowing for the safe resumption of hiking activities. The most critical of these improvements is the construction of a bridge across the crevasse in the Margherita glacier.
This bridge, combined with the installation of additional climbing ropes in collaboration with the park’s partners, will enable safe passage through the challenging sections of the trail.
“We are confident that these enhancements will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors seeking to summit one of Africa’s most iconic peaks,” Stated UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi.
The agency also emphasized its commitment to ongoing safety, noting that it will maintain close monitoring of the hiking routes and provide updates as needed.
The suspension and subsequent safety improvements highlight the challenges faced by the Rwenzori Mountains, which are shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The glaciers, including those on Margherita Peak, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Environmentalists have warned that the melting of these glaciers could lead to further instability and the formation of additional crevasses, posing ongoing risks to hikers.
Despite these challenges, UWA is encouraging tourists to explore not only Margherita Peak but also the other stunning peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, including Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range.
Each of these routes offers a unique adventure, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Hiking is one of Uganda’s most popular tourism activities, alongside park visits, chimpanzee and gorilla tracking, bird viewing, and kayaking. According to statistics from the Uganda Tourism Board, the number of tourists visiting Rwenzori Mountain increased from 2,724 in 2014 to 6,043 in 2019, demonstrating the growing appeal of this natural wonder.
As Uganda looks to rebuild its tourism sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak is a positive development.
UWA has expressed its eagerness to welcome adventurers back to the heights of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, confident that the new safety measures will ensure a secure and memorable experience for all visitors.
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