Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Rwenzori Mountain National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda, on the eastern side of the Western (Albertine) African Rift Valley, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Virunga National Park. The Rwenzori Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans an impressive area of 998 square kilometers. Defined by vibrant blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, winding hiking trails, expansive snow fields, majestic alpine glaciers, and so much more. Rwenzori stands as the tallest peak in Uganda. The park boasts Africa’s highest peak, Margarita Peak, soaring to 5,109 meters above sea level. It ranks third after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, offering an unforgettable experience for those who hike to its summit. Mount Rwenzori National Park, established in 1991, is known by the locals as the Mountains of the Moon, thanks to its stunning snowcapped peak. The RWENZORI Mountains are among the most thrilling and demanding mountain ranges to explore in the entire world.

Mount Rwenzori Park is home to more than 70 species of mammals, including elephants, giant forest hogs, Rwenzori otters, bushbucks, and leopards, though sightings of these magnificent creatures are quite rare. The park is home to a variety of primates, including blue monkeys, white and black monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and chimpanzees. Additionally, it boasts 217 bird species, featuring Albertine endemics and unique vegetation. Among the bird species you can encounter are the Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared owl, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis, Slender-billed starling, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, and the Barred-long tailed cuckoo, to name a few. The park features winding trails, vibrant stages, and cozy huts waiting to be explored. The Rwenzori region offers an exciting opportunity to explore alongside other remarkable destinations in the southwest circuit, such as Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and possibly the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

To reach Rwenzori National Park, you have the option of traveling with a tour agent/company or embarking on a self-drive journey. There are two exciting paths to take when heading to the park. The journey from Kampala/Entebbe international airport to your destination spans about 5-6 hours (380km) along the Masaka-Mbarara-Kasese road. The park is also reachable by road from Kampala. Journey through Mubende, Fort Portal to Kasese, spanning 437 kilometers, followed by a 1-2 hour flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip with Aerolink or Bar Aviation, and then settle in Kasese. The Park can be accessed through two main entry points: Nyakalengija central circuit and the Kilembe trail in Kasese. Kindly be aware that there are no lodging options available within the park; one must find accommodations in KASESE or nearby areas.

Rwenzori Mountain National Park
There are two hiking experiences in Rwenzori: low altitude and high altitude. The low altitude trek stays below 4,000 meters and spans 2-4 days, while the high altitude trek ascends above 4,000 meters and lasts from 4 to 8 days. To reach the summit of Margarita Peak, you’ll need to dedicate at least 7 days to the mountain. Rwenzori trips start at $558 per person for a three-day trek and go up to $2,000 for a ten-day trek per individual.

Entry; the park has fees Admission fee that grants you entry into. The entrance fee is the amount collected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the governing body responsible for tourism, from visitors before they embark on their journey into the park’s wonders. The standard fee for non-foreign residents is $35 per person, $25 per person for foreign residents, and $15 per person for Ugandans.

Mount Rwenzori National Park boasts an impressive array of peaks, including the towering Mount Stanley at 5,109 meters, followed by Mount Speke at 4,890 meters, Mount Baker at 4,844 meters, Mount Gess at 4,715 meters, Mount Luigi da Savoia at 4,627 meters, and Mount Emin at 4,791 meters, which lies on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park boasts an array of exhilarating hiking trails. It is important to pack a kit with essentials such as a bandage for any twists, antidiarrheal like Imodium or a similar option, iodine wipes for cuts, pain killers, moleskin, water, and snacks while exploring Mt. Rwenzori.

There are numerous exhilarating activities to experience in Rwenzori National Park, such as hiking and climbing the majestic Volcano Mountains to reach the summit. You can embark on nature walks, enjoy birding and bird watching, as the park is home to a diverse array of bird species. Engage in cultural encounters, visit over 20 stunning lakes like Lake Mahoma and Bujuku, take village forest walks, go camping, and try your hand at mountaineering, among many other thrilling pursuits.