The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is among the most prominent Uganda safari destinations. It is located in the Kasese and Bundibugyo Districts along the Uganda and DRC border.
The Rwenzori Mountains have the third highest peak on the African continent at 5,109 meters above sea level. They are famous for their impressive scenery, diverse wildlife species, and snow-capped peaks. Because of this diversity, the mountain was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park primarily comprises the mountain. It covers a land area of 996 square kilometers with Peak Margherita as its highest point.
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Discovery Journeys ToRwenzori Mountains National Park
Wildlife in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The mountainous park is home to over 70 mammal species including 15 Albertine endemics. It also has a rich bird life with over 217 bird species. Wildlife in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is distributed along the different Mountain Zones.
The Montane forest zone at the foothills of the mountains has the most wildlife species. Notable ones include the Rwenzori Colobus Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, forest elephants, and duikers.
The Park has rich plant species that vary as per the mountain zone. The lower mountain slopes have a mountain vegetation type followed by the bamboo zone, moorland, and the glaciated zones at the peak. Discovery Journeys through these varying vegetation zones are remarkable and the ultimate African adventure.
Activities in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing is the primary activity done in the Mountainous National Park. Hiking the third-highest peak tops the bucket list of many mountain climbers who visit Uganda to solely explore the mountain.
Hiking to the summit of the Rwenzori Mountains takes 5 to 7 days depending on one’s fitness and capability. The trek is strenuous and physically demanding and it is important to train for months before taking on the quest.
Rwenzori Mountain hike passes through the diverse mountain ecosystem allowing you to explore the rich wildlife in the mountains.
Birding
The rich birdlife of the Rwenzori Mountains makes it an ideal birding destination. The mountain’s location along the Albertine Rift Valley makes it more outstanding among the Uganda birding safari destinations. Notable birds on a birding safari to the Rwenzori Mountains include the Rwenzori Turaco, Bearded Vultures, long-eared owls, and the Rwenzori Batis.
Birding adventures in the Rwenzori mountains are exclusive offering the best birding experience along the Albertine Rift.
Guided Nature Walks
The Mountains of the Moon can also be explored on guided nature walks of up to 3 hours. Nature walks are done at the foothills of the mountains and are ideal for those interested in Botany. They are also recommended to those exploring the mountains but do not have time to hike to the summit.
Rwenzori Mountains Nature walks follow streams, Rivers, and Valleys bringing you closer to nature.
Community Visits
Any outstanding safari destination is well understood by the natives who are the primary guardians of the ecosystem. The Rwenzori Mountains have a vibrant community of Bakonzo, Bamba, Basongora, and several other tribes of the Bantu ethnicity.
They rely on the mountains for water since it is the primary water catchment area. A day with any of the tribes takes you back in time as they demonstrate their initial ways of life. Some people still hold onto their traditional values and practices.
Where to Stay
Ruboni Community Camp
Ruboni Community Camp is situated at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is locally managed by the natives and has uninterrupted views of the mountains. The camp offers brief mountain excursions, cultural experiences, and birding tours.
Hotel Margherita
Hotel Margherita is located in Kasese town a few kilometers from the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. It has different room types that are spacious and self-contained. It is ideal for groups of people visiting the mountains.
The Rwenzori Mountains have cabins along the trekking circuits. These have to be pre-booked to avoid any inconvenience in case they many groups of people hiking.
Getting there
The park can be accessed by road transport from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. It takes a 6 to 7-hour scenic drive with en route stopovers for photography and a lunch break.
One can also fly to Kasese Airstrip and from there directly connect to the mountains.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park can be visited alongside other Uganda safari destinations along the western tourism circuit. They include Semuliki Valley National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.
Rwenzori Mountain hiking is doable any time of the year but for the best experience, we recommend visiting during the dry season.
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