Rwenzori Mountains National Park

THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

The Rwenzori Mountain is the highest peak of the tectonic mountain ranges formed mountain from Uganda’s south western border with DR Congo Also called the mountains of the moon, Rwenzori is 120 kms long and 43 kms wide and includes a fantastic icy world and afro-alpine vegetation.  The peaks lie in misty clouds, snow and glaciers often not seen form a far.

Rwenzori Snow capped Peaks

The mountains rose due to the formation of the East African Rift Valley system, and – unlike other high mountains such as Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya – are not volcanic mountains. The Rwenzori Mountains consists of six snow capped massifs separated with deep gorges; Stanley the highest with 5,109m, Speak at 4,890m, baker at 4,843m, mount Emin, Gessi and Luigi. Margherita peak is the highest peak on Mount Stanley.

Rwenzori mountains National Park

Rwenzori national park is a world heritage site, protected to the unique plants and wildlife that live on the slope of the Rwenzori mountain ranges. Located within the Park is Africa’s third highest mountain – Mount Stanley (5109mtrs). It was named after the famous explorer of the same name who was the first outsider to sight the mountain during his 1887 expedition. The word Ruwenzori means “rain-maker” and the mountains bring an average of over 5 mtrs of rainfall to the area each year. Unfortunately the snow covered peaks and glaciers are rarely visible.

The Park has a large variety of afro-alpine vegetation, including giant lobelias, tropical rainforests, heather and groundsels. There is also the chance to view chimps and other primates, elephant, buffalo, bushbuck, giant forest hog, hyrax, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and leopard.

Some of the unique birds found in the region are the Rwenzori Touraco, Francolin, Malachite sunbird, Olive pigeon and White-necked raven.

How to get there

Rukoki Falls, Rwenzori National Park

The park is reached at the trailhead at Nyakalengija, 22km from Kasese, off Fort portal-Kamapla road. At Nyakalengija are park offices from where you’ll pay some small park fees. Charter flights are available from Entebbe and Kampala.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Trekking in these mountains is great for both the experienced mountaineer and the casual hiker, an interesting adventure you can ever think of. The central circuit trail is the popular hiking route normally takes 7 days and 6 nights to get to the peak. Make sure you pack rain gear, a sleeping bag, warm hat, snow goggles, warm socks and gloves, gaiters, walking stick, first aid kit and any other thing you need on a hiking trail.

Porters will be carrying your heavy equipment and food, leaving you with a small pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera, water and any other light luggage

During the driest periods (July, August & December to February) visitors can take the Central Circuit Trail, which requires 6-7 days and reaches the higher mountains. Bad weather at other times makes these trips impossible, slippery trails, cold weather, steep terrain and high altitude sickness.

 

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