Rwenzori Mountains National Park by Adventure Uganda Safaris
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the Africa’s best destinations, most popular for its exhilarating mountaineering adventures.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the legendary Mount Rwenzori, also most popular as the Mountains of the Moon.
Where is Rwenzori Mountains National Park Located?
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in Western Uganda and the nearest town is Kasese, along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
It was designated as a National Park in 1991, and later in 1994, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park occupies over 996 sq.km and is with no doubt the best destination to visit to experience the world class hiking/mountaineering adventure.
Why is Rwenzori National Park famous for?
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is most popular not only for its snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain ranges but also features distinct alpine flora. These comprise several of endemic rift species which range along the higher altitude zones and include the giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsels.
This protected area is also known to support local communities with diversity of wild resources thus making it a valuable cultural heritage site.
As of 2012, the Lonely Planet –the publishers of world travel materials classified the central circuit of the Rwenzori as the 9th best in the world. The Rwenzori Mountains (the Mountains of the Moon) feature as the Africa’s 3rd highest mountains, rising at elevation of 5109m. Mount Rwenzori is a typical block mountain and is one unique mountain with glaciers on its summit.
6 Massifs that make up Mt. Rwenzori
The highest mountain massif on Mt. Rwenzori is Mount Stanley and stands at elevation of 5109m. It is at this point where the Margherita peak lies and has 11 subsidiary peaks plus the remarkably stunning glaciers, especially the Stanley Plateau. It is Mount Stanley that marks the Uganda and DRC boundary.
Mt. Speke: This is the 2nd highest peak on Mt Rwenzori rising at an altitude of 4890m. This peak alone contains 4 summits including Ensonga (4865m), Johnston (4834m), Vittorio Emanuele (4890) and Trident (4572m).
Speke Mountain massif combined with Mt. Stanley and Baker, make up a triangle which encloses the Bujuku Valley. Speke Mountain massif is named after John Speke –one of the world’s popular English explorers.
Mt. Emin: Rising at elevation of 4798m and contains 3 peaks which are also connected by a narrow ridge including Umberto which is found in the Southern edge and Kraepelin.
Mt. Gessi: This spectacular mountain massif is at an altitude of 4715m. Hikers can access Mt Gessi from the Mugusu Valley. Originally, the Gessi peak featured ice and glaciers which later melted. It contains two twin peaks of Bottego and Loloanda.
Luigi di Savoia: This mountain peak takes its name from the Duke of Abruzzi who conquered the most of the 6 peaks on Mt. Rwenzori.
The unique vegetation
About 5 unique vegetation zones exist on the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. They include the bamboo zone at 2500-3500m, Montane vegetation zone 2000m-3000m, grassland 1000m to 2000m Afro-Alpine moorland zone 4000-4500m, and lastly there is heather at elevation of 3000 to 4000m.
This block mountain range boasts of its spectacularly scenic floral species, especially the lobelia, groundsel and giant tree heathers.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park Wildlife
Mount Rwenzori National Park is a rich wildlife destination with over 70 species of mammals. These include the Rwenzori otters, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, duikers, leopards, hyrax, primates including the Angola colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys.
Bird species
Up to 217 species of birds also survive within the Rwenzori Mountains and other park habitats. They include several Albertine rift endemic species and other species.
The notable bird species to sight in this protected area include the blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori batis, barred long tailed cuckoos, long eared owl, golden winged sunbird, archer’s robin chat, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, montane sooty boubou.
Other bird species include the white starred robin, slender billed starling, lagden’s bush shrike, and more.
Other key areas of interest in the Rwenzori Mountains
Lakes: Up to 20 picturesque Lakes exist in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. They include Lake Mahoma (2651m), Lake Bujuku, and others.
Ruboni: This is found along the South-eastern base of Mt. Rwenzori and accessible via the Ruboni trailhead. It is one area where hikers can begin their journey to conquer the 7-day Central Circuit trail to the spectacular peaks of Mt. Rwenzori.
Bulemba: This is where guests on a trek on Rwenzori Mountain can locate the remains of the first king of the Rwenzururu –Isaiah Mukirania Kibanzanga. He played a pivotal role, especially in saving the Bakonzo from the oppression of the Batooro.
Activities to do in Rwenzori Mountains National Park:
Mountain climbing
Mountaineering is the major activity offered in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and is all about conquering the highest peak –Margherita and other spectacular peaks.
It is best for enthusiastic hikers/climbers who are ready for altitudinal challenge, and hikes begin from any of the two trails including the Nyakalengija Central Circuit and Kilembe trail. It can take climbers or hikers up to 8 or more days to have a round trek on Mt. Rwenzori.
Essentials to be packed for the Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure include the sleeping bags, climbing poles, insect repellents, snacks, waterproof rain jacket, comfortable hiking/trekking boots/shoes, safari hat, sunscreen, a good camera and extra batteries, drinking water, comfortable clothes, especially those that can easily dry when washed; gloves, and daypack, etc.
Bird watching
Bird watching is a special experience one shouldn’t miss on a visit to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This allows you explore different birds including the Kivu ground thrush, montane masked apalis, African lammergeyers, Abyssinian ground thrush, African cuckoo shrikes, Crimson wings, Scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, golden winged sunbird, Western green tinker bird, long eared owl, Rwenzori turacos, and bearded vultures, and others.
Nature walks
Embarking on a guided nature walk allows you explore the hidden treasures of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park with an expert. This involves exploring the slopes of Mt Rwenzori, and also follow the River Mubuku where you stand a chance to enjoy great views of Mt. Baker and others.
Cultural/community visits
The cultural/community visits allow you have a close interaction with the locals, especially the Bakonzo who live at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. The experience includes exploring the different practices, craft making especially basket weaving; great learning from stories told by elders, as well as paying a visit to the black smith, the traditional healer and more.
When to visit Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Visits to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park can be done at any time of the year, but the most preferred time is the dry season. This comes with the best weather conditions that favor hiking or mountaineering adventures. The dry months of the year in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park fall around June, July, August, December, January and February.
Where to stay?
The important places to book for a night stay on Uganda safaris in Rwenzori Mountains National Park include budget, midrange and luxury. The top lodges include the Equator Snow Lodge, Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Ruboni Community Camp, Tours Holiday Inn, Rwenzori Backpackers and Hotel Margherita.
How to get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park Uganda?
By road: Tourists interested in exploring the wonders of Rwenzori Mountains National Park can reach the park via the two routes. That is from Entebbe or Kampala via Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal tourism city –Kasese route or Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi-Kasese route.
By air: On a planned fly in hiking tour, you set off from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi airfield to Kasese airstrip.
Best Ugannda Hiking Safaris to Rwenzori:
8 day trip to Rwenzori mountain is an exciting experience. The mountains of the moon are famous for their steepness and slippery trails and frequent rain. Temperatures and Rainfall are muddy bogs, steep terrain and… View Tour
Spend 9 days on a safari hiking the mountains of Rwenzori with us at low costs.This tour starts and ends in Kampala.This trip provides you with a magnificent natural feel in one of the best places in Africa full of wonderful… View Tour