UWA suspends hiking activities on Rwenzori’s Margherita Peak over safety reasons
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced a temporary suspension of hiking activities at Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park following an assessment report that showed ice formations on the peak that could cause harm to hikers.
According to a statement released by UWA on May 14, 2024, the decision is a precautionary measure after a comprehensive assessment conducted by experts in response to reports of a crevasse formation in the Margherita glacier.
A crevasse is a deep, wedge-shaped opening in a moving mass of ice called a glacier. Crevasses usually form in the top 50 meters of a glacier, where the ice is brittle.
Crevasses, which are usually deep, steep, and thin, are a serious danger for hikers since sometimes a thin layer of snow may form over a crevasse, creating a snow bridge that blends in with the surrounding landscape, hiding the crevasse. Thin snow bridges usually cannot hold a person's weight, which can result in life-threatening accidents.
To make hiking safer at Mt. Rwenzori, UWA is exploring the option of installing a permanent ladder at a strategic location on the right side of the Margherita glacier, which will provide a safer passage for hikers to Margherita Peak.
Meanwhile, UWA has provided alternative routes that hikers can embark on and still enjoy the experience of hiking the Rwenzori.
“In the interim, we encourage visitors to explore other picturesque peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, which include Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range,” the statement reads in part, adding that the routes offer breathtaking views and unique experiences amidst the stunning landscape of the park.
The Authority continues to monitor the situation closely and pledges to provide updates on the status of hiking activities at Margherita Peak as developments unfold.
