Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National ParkRwenzori Mountains National Park is the third highest mountain range in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peaks like Margherita stands at 5,109m, Alexandra peak at 5,083m  and Mount Stanley at 4,889m.

The Rwenzori Mountains are unique among East Africa’s significant peaks in that they are not Volcanic in Origin like Mt.Kilimanjaro and Mt.Kenya. The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon requires a high level of fitness; primarily because of the challenging hiking and climbing possibilities. The mountain ranges also support a diversity of mammals and 217 bird species; several of the bird species are Albertine Rift Endemics.

Mammals at Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Home to 7o mammal species like; elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, yellow-backed, bushbucks, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, blue monkeys and also Rwenzori colobus monkeys. Mammals are difficult to spot because of the dense forest however you can even spot different monkey species. Also look out for the 3horned chameleons while in the park.

Birding

Therefore Rwenzori mountain national park has about 217 species of birds including 19 Albertine Rift endemics with 17 species that are endemic to the park, hence making Rwenzori a vital birding area. Therefore expect to see Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Archers’ Robin-chat and also White-starred Robin.

Vegetation

Rwenzori Mountains National Park has distinctive flora rather than its fauna. The distinct attitudinal vegetation zones are montane forest, bamboo, tree heathers, Afro-alpine and giant lobelia. These are world’s rarest botanical communities found only on East African mountains above 3800m.

Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

  • Short hikes on the mountain Rwenzori.
  • Nature walks to Buraro chimps forest via Kichamba to the Karangura ridge and Bundibugyo area.
  • Peak climbing: There are two routes either seven days central tourism circuit or  5 days trek along Kilembe route
  • Also, visit the neighboring Bakonzo homesteads and enjoy the cultural dances as well as the local cooked cuisines.

Getting to Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Road:

Therefore Rwenzori Mountains National Park is accessible;

  • Kampala via Fortportal to Nyakalengija trail.
  • Kampala via Mbarara to Queen Elizabeth to Kasese then Nyakalengija.

 Air Travel:

You can also arrange a Chattered flights from Kampala at either Kajjansi or Entebbe International airport to Kasese.

Rwenzori Mountain Service ( RMS ) arranges all hikes. RMS in conjunction with the Ugandan Wildlife Authority controls and maintains hiking trails and huts.

Accommodations in Rwenzori Mountains National Park;

There are some accommodations on and around the Rwenzori mountains national park such as; Equator snow lodge, Ruboni community camp, Rwenzori Mountains Safari Lodge, Trekker’s hostel and also Ruboni Turaco view camp.