The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
Highlights of Rwenzori Mountain National Park
Birding in Rwenzori
Birding opportunities are greatest in the montane forest; understandably, few species choose to make their home in the inhospitable world of the high Rwenzori. Bee-eaters, Robins, Sunbirds and Barbets are some of the 217 species found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Cultural encounters
Discover more about the communities in the area,their social, political and economical setup is so interesting if told by an elder of the clan especially how the Kingdom came into existance.
Nature walks
The park provides opportunity for nature walks within the central circuit zone.This allows visitors an up close interaction with nature
Mountain Climbing.
The six-day loop trails is tough but rewarding hike taking in all Vegetation zones and the glacier peaks
The park is located near Kasese,western Uganda, bordering Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is easily accessed by road transport using a 4x4WD safari car.
It is 375km and 450km far from Kampala if you used Kampala- Kasese road via Mubende and Fortportal, Kampala-Kasese via Masaka and Mbarara respectively.
Springs International Hotel
Tours Holiday Inn
Tropical Savanna Guest House
Camping in Rwenzori National Park