Mount Rwenzori National Park

 Mount Rwenzori National Park : The Rwenzori Mountains also known as The Mountains of The Moon are the most exciting and challenging Mountain ranges to trek in the world, these ranges are also the highest Mountain ranges in Africa with their highest point lieing at 5,109 meters above the sea level on Mt. Stanley’s Magherita Peak which is the third highest in Africa.

Rwenzori Mountains lie astride the equator with six peaks and three of these are Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker and Mt. Speke that are permanently covered with snow. The Rwenzori range has 6 major peaks which include, Mt Stanley (5,109m), Mt Speke (4,890m) Mt Baker (4,843m), Mt Emin (4,798m), Mt Gessi (4,715m) and Mt Luigi di Savoia (4,627m).

On the Rwenzori Mountains, there are five different vegetation Zones and these are

• Grassland (1000-2000m)
• Montane forest (2000-3000m)
• Bamboo/ mimulopsis zone (2500-3500m)
• Heather/ Rapanea zone (3000-4000m)
• The afro-alpine moorland zone (4000-4500m).

Mount Rwenzori National Park stretches on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains covering an area of 998 square kilometers and was named after this famous mountain referred to as the legendary “Mountains of the Moon”. The park is located in the Western part of Uganda on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mount Rwenzori National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and was listed by world geographic among the best hikes in the world. The park lies western Uganda about 6 hours’ drive from Kampala.

The Rwenzori Mountains were named “Mountains of the Moon” a name given to it by Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150, the mountain range is locally known as Ruwenzori translated as “rain maker” or cloud – king. Rwenzori is not a volcanic mountain like other major mountains in Africa but it is a block of rock faulted through the floor of the western Rift Valley. The hike will take you through varied vegetation covers including montane forest, bamboo forest, tree heath, hagenia-rapanea scrub and afro-alpine moorland.

Wildlife in Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park hosts 70 mammal species inhabiting the lower slopes and these include elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, duikers, forest hogs, hyrax and leopards among others.

Birdlife in Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the most important bird areas in Uganda, the park has a recorded 195 species which include 19 Albertine Rift endemics, threatened and endemic species. These birds include the Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Montane Masked and Collared Apalises, Stripe-breast Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Purple-breasted, Malachite, Blue-headed, Rwenzori Double-collared, Tiny and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbirds, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Long-eared Owl, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive Woodpecker, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Rwenzori Hill Babbler Grey-winged Robin, Cinnamon Bracken Evergreen Forest and Bamboo Warblers, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Mountain Sooty Boubou, White-collared Olive-back, Red-faced, Dusky, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing and many more.

Lakes

Rwenzori Mountain ranges boast a chain of 20 lakes including Lake Mahoma which is the most accessible, Lake Bujuju that lies in the valley of Mount Stanley, Baker and Speke. Dams created a string on 8 beautiful lakes on the Nyamwamba trail including Lake Kitandara.

Safari activities to do in Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Mountain climbing

Mountain Climbing is the highlight activity in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Rwenzori Mountain ranges are known for offering the best climbing adventures in Africa as it hosts the third highest peak in the entire Africa called Margherita which can be climbed in a 7 day climb to the top which is capped by snow.

Climbing Mountain Rwenzori is done using several trails that provide you with spectacular views of the glacial lakes, gorgeous viewpoints, dramatic mountain and lush valleys, some of these trails include

The central Circuit Trail – this trail is the most interesting trail to trek to the peak, however it is a bit challenging and being the most interesting trail, it provides the most adventurous climb. The trailhead starts at Mihunga and the route ascends to Bujuku Valley passing via Nyabitaba before reaching the peaks, then continues to descend through the Mubuku valleys. Climbers can be bale to scale the snow peak though it requires body fitness but you are rewarded with exceptional scenery.

The Kilembe Trail – on this trail the climbers ascend to the southern slopes of the Rwenzori from trailhead at Kilembe which is near to Kasese town, on the hike you engage in along this trails leads you to the long route of Nyamwamba valley passing along glacial lakes and admirable viewpoints before connecting the central circuit at Lake Kitandara, from here you can climb up to Mount Baker by passing through the scenery view which is rewarding.

Bird watching

Rwenzori Mountain ranges are ranked among the best destination for birders, the park boasts over 217 bird species which you will enjoy spotting. These birds include the Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Montane Masked and Collared Apalises, Stripe-breast Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Purple-breasted, Malachite, Blue-headed, Rwenzori Double-collared, Tiny and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbirds, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Long-eared Owl, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive Woodpecker, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Rwenzori Hill Babbler Grey-winged Robin, Cinnamon Bracken Evergreen Forest and Bamboo Warblers, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Mountain Sooty Boubou, White-collared Olive-back, Red-faced, Dusky, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing and many more.

Nature and Hiking walks

Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers fascinating and thrilling hiking and nature walks providing visitors with a chance to experience the natural wonders of Rwenzori and also discover all the hidden treasures.

Hiking and Nature walks are led by an experienced guide and a ranger and is done on several trails which provide panoramic views of various attractions including Lake Muhooma and Burara chimp forest. There is also a trail that takes you through the communities of Kichamhe to the Karangura ridge and also to Bundibugyo area through Bwamba pass.

Nature in Rwenzori Mountains National Park leads you to communities of Ruboni and Turaco view providing you with guided forests walks outside the park. The route used on guided nature walks leads you to River Mubuku and offers great views of Mount Baker and Portal peaks you hike up to 2.300m above the sea level. On this activity, you will be rewarded with clear views of the snow – capped Magherita Peak, also keep your eyes open for chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys, beautiful birds and many more.

Cultural Encounters and Community trails

This is another exciting and amazing activity to do in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, this activity takes you to Bakozo villages where you will have an insight in their daily life, be entertained by their vibrant and energetic dance performances accompanied by exciting drumming, learn how to prepare their local meals, visit traditional healers among others.

Your guide will also lead you to the Rocky Mubuku River where you will follow this crystal clear stream passing through villager’s farm crops and wood, you will spot colorful birds including tiny sunbirds, cinnamon – chested Bee eaters and others.

Accessing Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is accessed by air and road means of transport, by air there are chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kasese Airfield then connect by road.

By road – the park can be accessed by private and public means of transport from Kampala via Mbarara and Kasese then connect to the park on a drive of 4 – 5 hours.

Where to stay in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park boasts a range of accommodation facilities situated outside the park and these include

• Tropical Savannah Guest House
• Equator snow Lodge
• Tour Holiday Inn
• Ruboni Community Camp
• Rwenzori Backpackers
• Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
• Rwenori Turace View Campsite and many more