Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is Africa’s most preferred mountaineering destination. This is where the Rwenzori Mountain ranges are located and the park takes its name from this block mountain range.
Location of the Rwenzori Mountains NP
Rwenzori Mountains National Park (Uganda) is found in the Western/Southwestern side of the country at proximity to the Congo border. The park is set near the Congo Virunga National Park and its Rwenzori Mountain range is ice-capped. The Rwenzori Mountain range is a block mountain and it is distinct because it is one of the few block mountains that is snow-capped.
Mount Rwenzori National Park was established in 1991 and in 1994; it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a recognized Ramsar site and occupies the land area of 996sq.km. The park boundaries expand up to the districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese and Kabarole.
This Park is rated among Africa’s most stunning protected areas. Its landscape is characterized by scenic rivers, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and floral species, etc. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park contains 6 of the Mount Rwenzori ranges and include Mount Baker (4843m), Mount Luigi (4627m), Mount Stanley (Margherita peak)- 5109m; Mount Emin Pasha, Mount Speke and Mount Gessi.
Wild animals & floral species
Mount Rwenzori NP is home to about 70 species of mammals making it an ideal wildlife viewing destination. The Park’s diverse animal species include the Rwenzori otters, elephants, blue monkeys, leopards, bushbucks, 3-horned chameleons, black and white colobus monkeys, serval, red duikers, mongoose, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, and others.
Bird species
Rwenzori Mountains National Park isn’t only visited for mountaineering, but also for bird sighting. Over 217 bird species dwell within the park and include the Rwenzori collared birds, Shelley’s crimson wings, Dwarf honey guide, Lagden’s bush shrikes, Rwenzori batis, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, barred long-tailed cuckoos, long-eared owl, flycatchers, montane sooty boubou, handsome francolins, slender-billed starling, lammergeyers, turacos, and more.
Mount Rwenzori is also known for its distinct vegetation zones. These range according to the elevation and include hagenia, dense montane forest, bamboo forest, moorland, groundsels, and more. The park also contains 9 reptiles, 6 amphibian species and others.
Top tourism activities to do in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mountaineering or Mountain climbing
Mountaineering is what makes the Rwenzori Mountains National Park the leading hiking safari destination. The Margherita peak (5109m) is the reasons why every hiker/climber pays a visit to this park. This is the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori and lies on Mt. Stanley (5109m). Trekking to the top of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park requires about 7 to 9 days and getting is possible on the two trails –the Kilembe and Central circuit.
Hiking tours
If you can’t make it to the summits of Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon (Margherita), there is an option of hiking around the nearby slopes. As you hike, you can be in possible to enjoy view of the surrounding area, floral species and peaks.
Birding
Bird watching in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park comes with a lifetime opportunity to encounter Albertine rift endemic birds. The diverse species of birds to keep an eye on include the Lagden’s bush shrikes, slender-billed starling, African long-eared owl, dusky and Shelley’s crimson wing, illadopsis, Archer’s robin chat, red-thigh sparrow hawk, golden-winged sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, and bee-eaters.
Cultural encounter
If you are interested in authentic African cultural experiences, then a cultural visit to the communities adjacent to the park should be a must-do. The Bakonjo live adjacent to the park and a number of hands-on experiences are available for you to engage in including basket weaving. The Bulemba-Ihandiro cultural trail should be a must to explore on a cultural walk in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The trail leads visitors to the Bakonzo Museum.
When to travel to the park
Rwenzori National Park activities can be done at any time of the year. However, the best time is during the dry months, especially for mountaineering adventures and this is from June to September, December to February.
Where to stay
The existing lodges/hotels/camps to stay on Uganda tour in Mount Rwenzori National Park include the Equator Snow Lodge, Ruboni Community Camp, Sandston Hotel Kasese, Tours Holiday Inn, Rwenzori International Hotel, Rwenzori Backpackers, Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Tropical Guesthouse, and more.
Getting to the park for a holiday
Mount Rwenzori National Park is reachable by road or air. Lying in Western Uganda, drive from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara to Kasese about 7 hours’ drive and or from Kampala-Fort Portal tourism city. By air, fly to Kasese airstrip and connect to the Rwenzori N. Park or nearby lodge to the park for relaxation.