Trekking in these mountains is great for both the experienced mountaineer and the casual hiker. During the driest periods (July, August & December to February) visitors can take the Central Circuit Trail
THE RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK

The Ruwenzori National Park, established in 1993, is 120 kms long and 43 kms wide and includes a fantastic icy world and afro-alpine vegetation.

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 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 Park has a large variety of afro-alpine vegetation, including giant lobelias and groundsels. There is also the chance to view chimps and other primates, elephant, bushbuck, giant forest hog, hyrax and leopard. Some of the unique birds found in the region are the Rwenzori Touraco, Francolin, Olive pigeon and White-necked raven.

Trekking in these mountains is great for both the experienced mountaineer and the casual hiker. 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, impractical or disappointing.