Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the Western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5100 metres. Here are the legendary “mountains of the Moon”, a World Heritage Site – and these incomparable, beautiful, mist-shrouded peaks provide a unique back drop to one of our most magnificent national parks.
In the Centre of the range, which boasts of Africa’s third highest mountain, some of the peaks carry permanent snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes do not call for mountaineering experience, although the higher you go the fitter you need to be. Excellent walking routes, including the Bujuku circuit are provided through wonderful and unique scenery. For those who want to attempt a climb, several peaks provide challenges that match those in the Alps.
These fabled mis-covered “mountains of the moon” 120 km in the length and 48 km in width, were formed from block which was thrust up during the creation of the Western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley. At the Centre of the range, there are six peaks carrying permanent snow, three with glaciers.
The highest of these peaks, and the third highest peak in Africa, is Mt. Margherita rising 5,1000 metres above sea level. The Rwenzori mountains were gazetted as National Park in 1991. The park covers 996 km2 of rugged mountain terrain. Whether they are experienced climbers or casual day-hikers, Rwenzori Mountain National Park offers visitors a unique experience of an Afro-Montane rain forest.
The main attraction is the luxuriant vegetation found above 3000m which includes the giant forms of Lobelia. Heather and Groundsel. Rwenzori Mountains National park is also home to the unique bird species such as the Rwenzori touraco, the handsome francolin and the olive pigeon.
Hiking
The best time for mountaineering is during the dry seasons from mid-December to the end of March and from June through Mid-August.
Access
By road: From Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese, then continue 18 km to Ibanda. Also from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75km on the Fort Portal/Kasese road south. The park is 25 km from Kasese. Take a left turn 4km after leaving Kasese on the Kasese-Fort Portal road.
Accommodation.
Accommodation is available in Kasese and Fort Portal.
Wildlife
Elephant, Genet, Chimpanzee, Golden Cat, Forest Hog, Rock Hydrax, Sitatunga, Mongoose, Duiker, Vervet Monkey, Rwenzori Colobus.
