Rwenzori Mountain National Park
Welcome to the Mountains of the Moon
Rwenzori Mountains are the legendary snow-capped mountains of the moon with an elevation of 5,109m.Mt.Stanley is the highest peak and not volcanic. Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers about 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
First a protected forest in 1941, the 995km Rwenzori mountain National Park was created in 1991 and recognized as a world heritage site in 1994. The Rwenzori is one of the highest mountain range in Africa. The luxuriant unique vegetation of Rwenzori boasts of five different vegetation zones including bamboo zone, heather zone and afro alpine, montane forest, grassland and moorland zone. The giant lobelia and groundsels are some of the plants found at the higher altitude. Although known primarily for it’s challenging hiking and climbing possibilities, it supports a diverse range of animals, including 70 mammal amd 177 bird species several of the latter are Albertine Rift Endemics.
The mountain contains a variety of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo and the rare Rwenzori leopard, Rwenzori colobus, Hyrax, Blue monkey and Rwenzori Turaco. It is the only national park in Uganda where the Angola Colobus has been recorded. The localized Angola Colobus can easily be confused with the more wide spread Black- and –white Colobus, and therefore needs to be examined more closely.
The lower slopes of the mountain inhabit some mammals like duikers. Birds species like rwenzori turaco, francolins, olive pigeon, mountain buzzards and white necked raven.
The Rwenzori’s offers excellent mountaineering and hiking opportunities which gives one a wonderful and memorable experience.
The central circuit which takes 7 days exposes the visitors climbing, unique vegetation and bird experience. It is recommended before climbing, one needs to be in good health condition and physically fit. The rwenzori mountaineering services (RMS) provides all the necessary climbing equipment. The Rwenzori Mountains are protected by two national parks. In Uganda, the majority of the range falls within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, which was established in 1991. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the mountains are part of Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are just a few key facts about the Rwenzori Mountains. The range offers a unique and captivating experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Activities to take part while in Rwenzori National Park
Mountain Climbing:
Climbing the magical Rwenzori Mountains is a truly fanciful and exceptional experience. The extensive diversity of vegetation and wildlife with several environments as you rise through dissimilar flora zones creates the definitive experience for hiking. Never before has this exceptional and stunning trek been offered, completely untouched and unquestionably one of the most attractive treks in the world.
Rwenzori is the wonder of the high glaciers, the splendor of the valley of nine lakes, the bristly lichen hanging from giant heather with a backdrop of rocky cliffs, crags and snow-capped mountaintops. Rwenzori Mountain range rewards hikers with the most thrilling adventure and while on a hike, you come across distinct vegetation zones, glaciers and not to forget magical views over its peaks and surrounding areas. Hiking to the peak of this mountain requires some physical wellness in you. This mountain features Mount Stanley, Vittorio Emmanuelle which stands at 4889 meters on Mount Speke, Edward at 4842 meters on Mount Baker.
Nature walks:
If you can’t make it up to the Margherita peak, there is a better option for you to and that is nothing other than nature walks. On nature walk, you have a chance to sight at varied plant species, meet the Bakonzo communities for you to learn more about their cultures and traditions.
Trekking:
The Rwenzori Mountains offer excellent opportunities for mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts. The mountains present a significant challenge due to their steep slopes, dense vegetation, and unpredictable weather. The most popular routes for climbers are; the Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail, which takes around 8-12 days to complete and then the Kilembe route that takes 7 to 10 days to reach the summit
Birding:
With over 217 bird species that are confined within this park, birders are never left out. Mount Rwenzori National Park boasts of its diverse bird species and while on birding tour, the birds to spot out include barred long tailed cuckoo, long eared owl, Rwenzori Turaco, slender billed starling, Lagden’s bush shrike, blue headed sunbird, barbets, golden winged sunbird, greenbul, handsome francolin, strange weaver, illadopsis, crimson wings, flycatchers, cinnamon chested bee-eaters and many more. Cultural Encounter
A safari to Mount Rwenzori National Park never goes without a visit to nearby local community to experience the African cultures. A cultural tour in this park gets you a chance to learn more about the cultural lifestyles and what they do each day learn more about drumming and unique dances among others. You can also head off to Ruboni village for you to explore more about their lifestyles and other interesting things.
Wildlife in Rwenzori Mountains
The animals in the mountains include;
- Chimpanzees
- Forest elephant
- Hyrax
- Montane squirrel
- Leopard
- Rwenzori duiker
- L’Hoest monkey
- Rwenzori otter
- Rwenzori range frog
- 3 horned chameleon and many others.
When to visit Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Mount Rwenzori National Park is located along the equator and because of this; most parts are wet compared to other parts in East Africa. The highest rainfall amount is experienced in the eastern slopes and rains kick start from March to May and from September to mid-December. For excellent tour, you can opt to travel to this park from June to September as most parts remain relatively drier. This area experiences temperature range of about 5 to 20 degrees Celsius
Getting to Mountain Rwenzori National Park
To get to this park, you need about 5 hours or more to drive from Kampala to Kasese. You can take a car rental a 4 wheel drive safari car or a public means although this may not be favorable enough in case you are looking at something comfortable. The popular routes include the Kampala-Fort Portal or Kampala – Mbarara – Queen Elizabeth National Park or alternatively, take a flight from Kajjansi airfield.
What to Pack
- Hiking boots: When choosing the hiking boots for your Rwenzori Mountain hiking, consider the sturdy boots and they should offer ankle support as you conquer the steep slopes to the Margherita Peak 5109m.
- Rain jacket/gear/equipment: The weather in the Rwenzori Mountains is entirely unpredictable but with adequate preparation, you certainly have enjoyable climbing/hiking safari experience.
- Trekking stick/pool: Trekking/climbing pools are essential during your Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure.
- Sunglasses: Find good and strong sunglasses to help protect your eyes from sun rays while climbing Rwenzori Mountains.
- Hand gloves: Hand/Gardening gloves do play a significant part while you are on Rwenzori Mountaineering.
- Sleeping bags: Carry good sleeping bags, warm cloths for your Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure
Note: There are also other equipment you may need to hire on Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure especially if you plan to conquer the Margherita peaks. These include strong climbing shoes, crampon with over 10 teeth to ease your entry to glacier, carabiner in order to rope up on glaciers and rock hiking prior the peak, long rope of over 40m with diameter of about 10mm, figure 8 descender is necessary for abseiling on the rock areas and ice axes per trekker is a must have
