Visit Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Mt Rwenzori national park is the famed "mountains of the moon" lie in western Uganda along the Congolese border where the snow-covered equatorial peaks rise approximately 5,109m while the lower slopes are over lied in montane forest. Most of the park is only accessible to hikers although the magnificent scenery and Albertine rift valley would be ample rewards for birders. Hence the park is a world-class mountaineering and hiking destination.

The park is located within the districts of Kabarole, Bundibugyo, and Kasese, and it has a total area of 386 square miles. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 due to its stunning natural surroundings, which include unique species, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and mountains.

Mount Rwenzori stands as the third tallest mountain range in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and MT Kenya, it also features six main peaks that are kept apart by very many deep gorges including the highest Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and others.

Mount Rwenzori Park is comprised of metamorphic rocks and the gorges that were titled upwards by the tectonic plate movements. The park is a magical destination for hikers and bird seekers worth exploring. The park has many indigenous species in the Albertine valleys and there are several intimidating species following a high diversity of tree species.

The main attractions

Rwenzori mountain national park is distinctive due to the breathtaking beauty that is exclusive to the region. Mountain climbing is the main deal, just like Mount Elgon National Park. One of the best things to do in Uganda is climbing the Rwenzori mountains. The majority of mountain hiking activities are organized by Rwenzori Mountain Services, which also cares for the paths and accommodations above the mountains.

It has an estimate of 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species, and these include the forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, Lhotse monkeys, Ruwenzori duiker birds include; white starred robin, slender-billed starling, sunbirds, Rwenzori Turaco, bee-eaters, and others.

Mount Rwenzori favors the trekkers as soon as they enter the bamboo-mimulopsis zone which is a steep climb with many high steep slopes, in the wet season the bamboo area is rather muddy and slippery making the trekking slow, however, the atmosphere is beautiful as you climb 551 meters altitude and a distance of 1.8km to kalalama camp which is in Rapannea zone where you can take a rest and catch a cup of tea before you resume to the next hike

The trail meanders over small humps along the ridge top then drops down on the side of the valley before climbing again crossing several streams and passing close to the waterfalls

The park has a variety of tree species the more you climb up the more plants and flowers, the valley is unique with a mixture of enormous trees and plant species creating a beautiful atmosphere wrapped within trees like lobelia, bamboo, groundsels, and others.

Top Activities carried out at the Park

A number of activities can be carried out within the park including which most visitors are attracted to, conducting tours around the park communities, bird watching due to different species of birds found in the park, nature walks within the mountain trails while observing wild animals and beautiful vegetation.

Cultural visits: Opportunities for cultural interactions with one of the native tribes residing at the foot of the mountains can be found in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. To understand more about the daily lives and history of the Bakonzo tribe, tourists can travel to the village of Ruboni. The Bakonzo people organize cultural dance events and impart historical knowledge.

The Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail is another worthwhile cultural excursion. This trail increases awareness of the fascinating Bakonzo culture and takes to visits the traditional healer. Visitors pick up native fire-making skills and basket-weaving techniques.

The Bakonzo Traditional Museum is also accessible via the cultural route. The neighborhood museum is home to a collection of customary objects, including artwork and clothes manufactured in the area, that are significant to the Bakonzo (Rwenzururu region). The Bakonzo come together and travel on a pilgrimage every year on September 2 to honor their revered King Isaiah Kibanzanga Mukirania. The king was crucial in defending the Bakonzo people from Batooro persecution, who lived next door.

Forest Hiking: Hiking among the forests and slopes of the mountains is an alternative for beginner mountain climbers, as is engaging in pastimes like hand fishing along some of the rivers on the mountain hills. Watch out for the three-horned Rwenzori chameleon when in the jungle. Only Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo are home to this endangered reptile. While the female chameleon lacks horns, the male has three.

Rwenzori hiking trails

The Rwenzori mountain summits can be reached by two main hiking trails, both of which provide breathtaking views and an unforgettable trekking experience.

1. Central circuit trail

The Central Circuit Route was preferred over other routes to the Peak mostly because it is simpler and less taxing for less experienced hikers than other routes. Additionally, it has a lot to offer hikers, such as stunning views of Baker, Speke, and Stanley Peaks, as well as a variety of bird species, mammal species, primates, and vegetation types.

Due to the ability of hikers to choose between several trails, which give hikers the chance to explore and learn more about the Mountain, the Ascension and Descend of the Mountain via this Route are exceptional. Wooden Cabins are constructed as lodging along this trail at various levels of specific rest stations for all walkers.

1. Kilembe trail

Although it is more difficult than the Central Circuit Route for hikers to reach Margherita Peak, there is still the Kilembe Trail as an alternative. We advise against taking this route for any inexperienced hikers because it is difficult and treacherous. It is challenging and quite steep, requiring a lot of energy throughout the hiking procedure.

You may witness the shifting landscape, which includes forested areas, rocky areas, bogy environments, as well as pristine environments, on the various trails. Due to its difficult experience, this route to Margherita Peak should only be taken by experienced hikers. At various locations around the Mountain, you will stay in cabins to sleep.

This trail receives incredible reviews for its professionalism, quality equipment and safety measures, and the new comfortable huts throughout the route. It’s a trek to Margherita peak that takes on 7- 8 days which is equivalent to the Bukurungu wilderness camping trail.

Accommodation options

Rwenzori mountain offers a wide range of accommodations according to your wallet capacity, they vary from the budget, mid-range standard, and luxury service facilities providing the best services to visitors, these include, Ruboni community camp providing beautiful wooden cottages that support climate weather around the snow-capped mountain, Rwenzori international hotel, Rwenzori trekkers hotel, creature comfort lodge, Geology equator snow-lodge, Margherita hotel for luxury comfort stay, and many others.

Best time to visit Rwenzori Mountain

The best times to hike in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are from June to August and from December to February, however, it is open all year round. Mountaineers should try an ascent of Mountain Rwenzori's Margherita Peak during the climbing window from June to August. A lot more climbers are trying to get to the Margherita during these dry months, which are also the peak climbing season.

The dry months from mid-June to August may seem like the best time to explore the Rwenzori Mountains because the weather is usually fairly consistent with pleasant to warm days and freezing nights. Mountaineers with a desire to see Mountain Rwenzori at its best have a tiny window of opportunity, but it is a time of year when the mountains may receive less rainfall.

On the other side, due to the Rwenzori Mountains' slick rocks, muddy pathways, and chilly months of March through May and September through November, these are often low seasons. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is peaceful and empty during these months, making it an ideal location for lone climbers who want to tackle the mountains at their own pace and leisure.

Note: There is no need for a permit to visit the Rwenzori Mountains National Park; nevertheless, reservations must be made in advance with reputable tour companies in Uganda. As you take an exploration tour of Uganda, you may tailor your safari by choosing the number of days you wish to spend there and adding other top activities to relax your tense muscles. Check our 7 days of hiking safari to the Rwenzori Mountains or the 9 days hiking to the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accessing Rwenzori Mountain

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is accessible by plane or by car. However, the quickest and most practical alternative often involves a direct charter flight that takes 90 to 120 minutes to get from Kampala/Entebbe to Kasese airport. This way, you won't have to spend a lot of time traveling to the Park.

There are two ways to get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park from Kampala to Kasese. The travel from Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende is the shortest at 300 kilometers, whereas the longest drive from Kampala to Kasese via Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi is 350 kilometers.

It is possible to book a scheduled chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip, after which a 40-minute drive will take you to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.