Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies in the South-western corner of Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo next to the great Virunga National Park. The park covers an area of 386 square miles and its boundaries pass through the districts of Kabarole, Bundibugyo and Kasese. Because of its natural beauty, rare plants, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers and the mountains, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

The Rwenzori mountain ranges are the main features of the park. They are the highest/largest mountain ranges in Africa. Mount Stanley’s peak Margherita is the third highest peak in Africa at 16,762 feet. Mount Speke follows closely at number four while Mount Baker is number five in Africa. Apart from the three mentioned already, the other mountains among the Rwenzori ranges are Mount Gessi, Mount Luigi da Savoia and Mount Emin Pasha.

Why visit Rwenzori Mountains national park?

Apart from the mountains, the Rwenzori Mountains National park is recognized for its botany, birds and animals. The park has pristine landscape with a high density of trees and other vegetation. The combination of sunshine, cold and heavy rainfall supports plant life seen nowhere else on earth. At the base of the mountain, there is an African savanna that is home to several species of mammals like the black and white Colobus monkeys, blue, monkeys, buffaloes, bush buck, chimpanzees, golden cats, giant forest hogs, red duiker, forest elephants, rock hydrax, Rwenzori Colobus, Rwenzori otters, the Rwenzori climbing mouse, Sitatunga, servalline genet, Mongoose, Leopards, the Uganda clawed frog and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The Rwenzori mountains National Park is one of the best places to go birding in Uganda. 217 species of birds and fifteen of butterflies have been recorded in the park. The most sought out reptile is the three-horned chameleon.

Things to do in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of Uganda’s least explored and undiscovered places. The park is special because of the spectacular scenery that is unique to the area. Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains is one of the best things to do while in Uganda.

Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains

Some of the world’s best mountain hikers have climbed the Rwenzori Mountains. Mountain hiking in the park is organized to world class standards. Inexperienced hikers may find reaching the highest peak (Margherita) extremely strenuous. Shorter and less strenuous hikes can be arranged around the mountain without going all the way up to the snow capped peaks.

There are two hiking trails that are used by hikers to get to the summit. The first one is the Central Circuit Trail that starts form Mihunga taking 7 days. The Rwenzori Mountaineering Services is the only one that organizes hiking in this route. The second trail is the Kilembe trail that starts from Kilembe near Kasese town. This is a new route that was recently opened and is run by the Rwenzori trekking services. It takes 5 days to reach one of the peaks. In order to explore all the three highest peaks, one should set aside at least 9 days. Climbing to the highest summit Margherita offers opportunities to marvel at the snow-capped peaks and alpine vegetation. Descending the mountain rewards hikers with more sustained views of the vast farmlands, Queen Elizabeth national park and the Virunga ranges in DR Congo. Climbers will also encounter beautiful lakes and rivers high up on the mountains.

Forest and Foothill Hiking

Inexperienced mountain climbers have an option of hiking on the mountain slopes and forest or taking part in activities like hand fishing along some of the streams on the mountain hills. While in the forest, look out for the three horned Rwenzori chameleon. This rare reptile is only found in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. The male chameleon has 3 horns while the female has none.

Birdwatching

The park and its mountains support several species including the African Long-eared Owl, Archers’ Robin-chat, Barbets, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue-headed Sunbird, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Collared Apalises, Crimson wings, Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwings, Dwarf Honeyguide, Evergreen Forest and Bamboo Warblers, Flycatchers, Golden-winged sunbirds, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbirds, Golden-winged Sunbird, Grauer’s Cuckoo-shrike, Greenbuls, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Grey-winged Robin, Handsome Francolin, IIladopsis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Lammergeiger, Long-eared Owl, Montane Masked, Montane Rwenzori Nightjar, Montane Sooty Boubou, Olive Woodpecker, Oriole-Finch, Red-faced Crimsonwing and many more.

Cultural Experiences

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers opportunities for cultural experiences with one of the local tribes living at the foot of the mountains. Tourists can go and visit the village of Ruboni to learn about the daily lifestyle and history of the Bakonzo tribe. The Bakonzo people arrange cultural dance performances while sharing information about their history.

The other interesting cultural experience is to go for the Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail. This trail gives more exposure to the intriguing culture of the Bakonzo. There are opportunities to visit   a traditional healer and local blacksmiths. Visitors learn how to make fire locally and weave baskets. The Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail also takes visitors to the Bakonzo traditional Museum. The local museum has a collection of traditional items of cultural and historical importance to the Bakonzo (Rwenzururu) including art pieces and locally made dresses.

Nature Walks

Nature walks can be arranged near the boundaries of the park by companies like the Rwenzori Expeditions. Walks arranged by the Rwenzori Expeditions usually follow the central circuit zone used for mountain climbing. The area around the starting point for mountain hiking is forested and with beautiful scenery and leads up to the lake Mahooma and the chimpanzee forest of Buraro. The other places to visit during the nature. Your tour company can help you arrange the nature walks with any of these companies.

Where to stay Rwenzori Mountains National Park?

Hotel Margherita, Rwenzori International Hotel, Katara Lodge, Snow heights Lodge, Tropical Savannah Guest House, Tours Holiday Inn, Ruboni Community Camp, Mihunga Safari Lodge, Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Ihamba lakeside Safari Lodge, Rwenzori Backpackers, Sandton Hotel Kasese and others

The best time to visit Rwenzori Mountains National Park

From June to August and from December to February is the perfect time to visit/climb/hike/trek Rwenzori Mountains National Park, otherwise, it can be visited throughout the year. For mountaineers the climbing window from June to August is the best times to attempt an ascent to Margherita Peak of Mountain Rwenzori.

How to access Rwenzori Mountains National Park?

There are two ways of reaching the park from Uganda’s capital Kampala. The first is by using public or private transport. Driving from Kampala to Kasese takes between five to six hours. Given the mountainous nature of the area, it is important to use a good 4 Wheel drive car. Most visitors to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park use the services of a tour operator for transportation from the capital Kampala. Some visitors may consider the journey by road to be too long and go for the second option which is by using a chartered flight from Entebbe international airport.