Overview
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park has Africa’s tallest mountain ranges. Its highest point is 5109m above sea level on Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak, which is Africa’s third tallest. It is located astride the equator and has six summits, three of which are constantly covered with snow, namely Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, and Mt Speke. The park has a total size of 996 km2. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and World Geographic named it one of the top walks in the world. It is located in western Uganda, roughly 6 hours from Kampala.
Rwenzori is known as the “moon mountains,” a moniker given to it by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. Ruwenzori, the local name, translates as “rainmaker” or “cloud-king.” The Rwenzori, unlike the other main mountains in East Africa, is a piece of granite fractured through the bottom of the western Rift valley. The trail will take you through montane forest, bamboo forest, tree heath, hagenia-rapanea scrub, and afro-alpine moorland, among other plant types.
Wildlife in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Animals
Elephants, Giant forest hogs, Rwenzori Otters, duikers, bushbucks, and leopards are among the 70 animal species found in the park, but they are rarely observed. Blue monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and Chimpanzees are examples of primates.
Birds of Rwenzori
Over 177 bird species live in the park, including 19 Albertine Rift endemics. Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Archers’ Robin-chat, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed and Golden-winged Sunbird, White-starred Robin, Slender-billed Starling, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, among others, are found in the woodland zone.
Activities to do in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mountain Hiking
Hikers should think about hypothermia and other kinds of altitude sickness, as well as how to cure them. Altitude sickness can affect anybody over 2500 m, regardless of age, fitness, or previous mountain trekking experience. Descent to a lower altitude is the most effective therapy. For your hike, include the A trek into the Rwenzoris is a thrilling and gratifying experience, but proper planning is required.
Being prepared is the key to having a pleasant visit! Even experienced hikers will find the conditions on the peak difficult. The primary hiking circuit lasts six nights or seven days and climbs 4,267 meters above sea level. During the trip, you will spend overnight at well-maintained huts and will be accompanied by porters who will assist you with your gear. following essentials: a sleeping bag and warm clothing.
Distinct routes have different beginning sites; the Nyakalengija central circuit and the Kilembe trail are near Kasese town, while the Kazingo (nature walk trailhead) is near Fort Portal town. Those who do not wish to complete the full trek might spend three days in the lower foothills of the Rockies, passing through spectacular scenery and birding areas.
Bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes, a raincoat, a waterproof overcoat, plastic bags for damp clothing, and lots of food.
Bird watching
The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the top birding places in Uganda, as they are home to several Albertine Rift endemics. It features a diverse flora that attracts a variety of bird species; the montane forest is ideal for bird viewing. The Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Bearded vultures, and swifts should not be overlooked.
Nature walks and Hiking
The settlements around the park provide guided treks along the slopes of Mount Rwenzori. Views of Baker and Portal peaks, as well as views of the highest peak, Margherita, may be obtained by following River Mubuku. Look for squirrels, Vervet monkeys, chameleons, and a variety of birds.
Cultural encounters
Engage with the Bakonjo who live in the Rwenzori foothills. Take a path and see them as they exhibit everyday chores such as gardening and animal husbandry, as well as making daily meals – from farm to supper. Visit the blacksmith, the traditional healer, the basket weavers, and the dance and storytelling performances. Alternatively, you may take a journey through the sacred valley to Bakonzo cultural sites; this trip takes around 7 hours in total.
Getting there
The park is accessible from Kampala through Fortportal or Mbarara via Rwenzori Mts National Park. You may also fly from Entebbe to Kasese Airfield on a scheduled or chartered trip.
