Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Explore Rwenzori Mountains National Park on Uganda safari – get a complete travel guide to Mount Rwenzori National Park. Below is a remarkable Rwenzori Mountains National Park travel guide – get to know its location, wildlife/faunal and floral species, tourist activities, when to visit, where to stay and how to get there.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is every trekker’s dream destination on African safari or Uganda safaris. The picturesque Rwenzori Mountains National Park, officially declared UNESCO Heritage Site is most visited for breathtaking mount climbing or trekking adventure. This magical park is where the legendary Rwenzori Mountain ranges are located with Margherita (5109m) – being the highest peak.
Location of Rwenzori National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is found in Kasese district, Western Uganda and it is at the extreme border with D.R. Congo. The legendary Mount Rwenzori – a snow-capped block mountain is where it gets its name. Also, popularly referred to as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains is the third (3rd) highest mountain in Africa.
The amazing bit about Rwenzori Mountains is that it offers the most challenging mountaineering or trekking adventures. The Rwenzori Mountains Park became a Uganda National Park in 1991 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was declared in 1994. Around 2008, it was designated as Ramsar site and it is an amazing destination to enjoy unusual Uganda safari experience.
Size – Rwenzori Mountains N/Park sits on the land area of approximately 996sq.kms. The park shelters distinct vegetation zones making it one of the scenic protected areas. These exist at the varying altitudinal range especially the bamboo forest, groundsels, snow fields, alpine highland glacier, moorland, lobelias, heath, lobelias and more.
Tourist Attractions
Distinct Wildlife – Animals of Rwenzori National Park
Seventy (70) mammal species live in the diverse habitats of Rwenzori Mountains Park. The park contains 6 Albertine endemic species, 4 species endemic to Mount Rwenzori. These consist of elephants, leopards, bush bucks, Rwenzori otters, primates such as l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, Angola black and white colobus monkeys. Unique reptiles also dwell here including the three horned chameleons.
Abundant Birdlife
Rwenzori Mountains National Park contains over 217 bird species largely Albertine rift endemic species and they include 17 endemic species to the Rwenzori Region. The abundant birds to sight on birding tour in Rwenzori Mountains NP include the lagden’s bush-shrike, handsome francolin, barred long tailed cuckoo;
Other birds of Rwenzori Mountains National Park- Cinnamon chested bee-eaters, golden winged sunbird, long eared owl, crimson wings, blue headed sunbird, montane sooty boubou, white starred robin, Rwenzori batis, slender billed starling, Rwenzori turacos, archer’s robin chat, etc.
Rwenzori Mountain peaks
6 magical equator snow-capped peaks make up the massive Rwenzori Mountain ranges located at rift valley region. The highest is Margherita peak on Mt. Staley (5109m), Mt. Luigi da Savoia, Baker, Speke, Emin Pasha.
Fresh water Lakes
Rwenzori Mountains hosts up to 20 incredible Lakes and it is no wonder one of the most beautiful places in Africa. They include Lake Kitandara, Lake Mahoma and Lake Bujuku, etc.
Bulemba Houses
Bulemba house are amazing historical sites at RMNP, Uganda. They are a home of the 1st King of Rwenzururu Kingdom and also other leaders such as Isaiah Mukirania Kibanzanga.
Diverse Activities to do at Rwenzori Mountains N/Park
Thrilling mountain trekking/mountaineering
Mountaineering is the main reason Mount Rwenzori National Park is the most sought for destination by majority of adventure seekers on African safaris. The park hosts Rwenzori Mountain ranges and boasts of its scenic peaks – Margherita peak and other 5 amazing peaks. Conquering this block mountain’s peaks is possible via the two (2) trails – the Central circuit or Kilembe trail.
Nature walking/trekking
Nature trekking introduces you to wealthier habitats in this untapped park. Enjoy view of abundant natural endowment in each habitat you set foot including primates, birds and floral species. The top spots for guided nature walking at Rwenzori Mountains include River Mubuku, Mahoma, Buraro chimpanzee forest, Karangura ride and others.
Along Mubuku River, enjoy sight of birdlife such as white starred robin, long tailed cuckoos, handsome francolin, archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori batis, white starred robin, etc.
Birding expeditions
Birder’ paradises exist and Mount Rwenzori National Park is without that one special birding spot to start your bird watching expeditions while on Uganda safari. The park has all 217 bird species to be identified, inclusive of the white starred robin, black eagles, long eared owl, archer’s robin chat, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, barred long tailed cuckoo and Rwenzori turacos.
Authentic African cultural experiences
Experience authentic African cultures, traditions, norms, while on cultural safaris in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Visit the Bakonzo or Bamba community for educative cultural expedition, meet the local people, discover more about their traditions, engage in hand craft making and also visit the traditional healer.
When is the best time to travel to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda?
Rwenzori Mountains NP is an all-year-round travel destination thanks to its strategic location. However, favorable travel conditions are experienced during the dry season that is June, July, August, September and December, January to February.
Places to stay
- Equator Snow Lodge –this is the Luxury/Upmarket lodges at Rwenzori Mountains National Park. It is found just adjacent to Mubuku River at the base of Mt. Rwenzori.
- Ihamba Lake Side Safari Lodge/Sandton Hotel Kasese – Mid-range accommodation located near Rwenzori Mountains National Park and also Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Getting – Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Uganda safaris to Mt. Rwenzori National Park by road takes about 6-7 hours’ drive – this is for tourists accessing it via Masaka-Mbarara route and about 6 hours’ drive via Mubende-Fort Portal route. Two trails lead to Rwenzori Mountains – the Nyakalengija Central Circuit and in Kasese, there is Kilembe trail. Or take flight – start from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kasese airstrip then drive to the park.