Rwenzori Mountain National Park

RWENZORI MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK-The mystical challenge

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is in western Uganda and is a transboundary feature near the Uganda-Congo border with the highest snow peak which is the third highest point in Africa. The lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo, and moist montane forest. The mountains on the Uganda side are under the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unfortunately due to global warming, the snow has shrunk.

The high Rwenzori’s comprises several mountains with permanent snow and glaciers despite being a few miles north of the Equator. The highest is the Margherita peak on Mounts Stanley (5,109m). Others are Speke (4,890m) and Baker (4,843m). The snow peaks can be reached by hiking the Central Circuit and Kilembe Trails. 

The park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range and is home to 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.

The mountain range measuring about 120 by 50km is world-class hiking and mountaineering destination that takes nine- to twelve-day treks to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak. Shorter and non-technical treks are possible to scale other surrounding peaks.

Activities

Mountain climbing

Mountaineering here is really for the experienced climbers to trek to Uganda’s highest peak. The 120km long range is less frequently climbed. The mountain gives all experiences from the muddy, rock, and tiring paths that require skills and experience plus endurance.

Treks to the summit can take up to 11 days however you can do short days that don’t submit the peak depending on your level of fitness and the time you want. The two routes, the central circuit and the Kilembe trail operated by two Companies, Rwenzori Mountaineering Services and Rwenzori Trekking services which later join together to give the trekkers their reward of exceptional scenery.   

Bird watching

The montane forests of Rwenzori host 217 species of birds and these species include some of the rarities that we have in Uganda and include several barbets, sunbirds, robins, and bee-eaters. Get through your lens, the colors of the Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared owl, Montane sooty boubou, Lagden’s bush shrike, and Golden-winged sunbird among others.  

Culture tours

Enjoy and engage with local Bakonzo who stay on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Just like the other different tribes of Uganda, they also have unique cultural practices and a walk through the communities and a moment with the organized groups at Ruboni community camp gets you through the cultural performances, meeting with the blacksmith, traditional healers, and storytellers.     

Nature walks

There are various paths of different lengths that are designated for walks in and around Rwenzori. These are operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority and some by communities like Ruboni. The most scenic trail is on the central circuit that goes above 3000m to Lake Mahoma. While on these walks visitors should keep keen eyes and scan the environment for primates like the Vervet monkeys, the famous Rwenzori three-horned chameleon, squirrels among the small details in the park that are not usually highlighted.     

Access to the park

The park is 450km from Kampala and can be accessed by driving southwards from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, and Queen Elizabeth or from the North the route from Kampala to Fort portal then connecting to Kasese. The starting point at Nyakalengija is 25km from Kasese town.

By air, Aero link operates from Entebbe to Kasese daily so you can fly to Kasese and connect to the park.