The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “mountains of the moon” are found in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The Rwenzori Mountains in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are famous for being one of the few snowcapped mountains in Tropical Africa. The highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains, Margherita Peak found on Mount Stanley stands at 5,109 meters above sea level and is the third highest point in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountains have very unique vegetation, with the lower slopes covered in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. The mountains are also beautified by the blossoming of the huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses that are covered across the mountainside with giant lobelias and beautiful everlasting flowers that offer their beauty beyond the experience of one growing season, creating attractive scenery which you enjoy during your Rwenzori Mountains trekking tour. The park covers 996 kms, protects the slopes of the famous Rwenzori Mountains, which run for 120 km along the Congo border.
Species in mountain Rwenzori
The interest for Rwenzori is also on the vegetation, which is divided into several altitude zones: the forest zone (between 1.800 and 2.500 m), the bamboo forest (up to 3000 m), the heath and Alpine zones (3000-4.500 m), with forests of giants heath plants, giant lobelias and groundsels. There are 70 mammal species recorded (elephants, golden cat, chimpanzee, yellow – backed duiker) and 177 birds, especially Albertine Rift endemics (Rwenzori Turaco, cuckoo, owl, francolin, robin).
Popular Activities
BIRD WATCHING
The Park has over 217 bird species for example the amazing Handsome francolin, slender-biled starling, Blue-headed sunbird, the lagden’s bush shrike , the Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Bee-eaters, Robins, Sunbirds, Barbets and many others. However, the harsh environment around the Rwenzori Mountains makes it difficult for most bird species to choose it as the best place for their habitation making the montane forest their most favourable home, therefore the montane forest is the best opportunity area for bird watching.
HIKING
Through hiking, tourists are able to view the Physical geography in Rwenzori mountains National Park, with features like the vegetation, earth’s surface with various soil types, landforms, hills, rock exposures cliffs, and many others, as well as experiencing the beautiful natural climate, making it like wonderland.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
The central circuit Trail.
In order to reach the Peaks of Mountain Rwenzori, tourists undergo a circular movement which is a challenging seven-day climb around the high Rwenzori Mountain , right from the trailhead at Mihunga as they climb and ascend through Bujuku valley via Nyabitaba, as they adjust to the changes in the environment. And In order to descend through the Mubuku Valley, tourists can move across the Scott Elliot and Freshfield passes, and this is basically for those tourists who join the central circuit after Bujuku.
The Kilembe Trail
Through the recently re-opened Kilembe Trail, tourists can ascend from the southern slopes of the Rwenzori mountains from the trailhead at Kilembe near Kasese town, and before joining the central circuit at lake Kitadara, tourists can catch a site of the glacial lakes and other stunning view points around. However, though the scenery makes treks rewarding enough, the standard route scales mount Baker.
Accommodation facilities
At this park the new facilities have come up including Equator Snow Lodge, Magherita Hotel and other accommodation facilities are somehow distant in the nearby towns like Kasese and Fort portal town.
How to get there
The Rwenzori lies a few kilometers north of the equator, rising over 4000m above the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park trailhead at Nyakalengeja can be reached from Kampala from the north via Fort Portal (375km) or the south passing through Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park (450km). Nyakalengeja is 17km off the Kasese-Fort Portal road and 25km north of Kasese town. Charter flights to Kasese can be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi) or Entebbe International Airport.