Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Recognized as a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1994 as well as listed among the best hiking areas in the world by world geographic, Rwenzori Mountains National Park has the highest mountain ranges in Africa. Presumed to be the fabled Mountains of the Moon is situated in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border.  Its highest point lies at 5109m above sea level on Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak which is the third highest in Africa. It lies astride the equator with six peaks and three of these (Mt Stanley, Mt Baker and Mt Speke) are permanently covered with snow. The park covers an area of 996 km².

Locally known as Ruwenzori, English translation “rain maker” or “cloud-king.” The Rwenzori is not volcanic like East Africa’s other major mountains but is a block of rock faulted through the floor of the western Rift valley.

The park is home to 70 mammal species including Elephants, Giant forest hog, Rwenzori Otter, duikers, bushbucks and Leopard -but are hardly seen. Primates such as blue monkeys, Angola colobus monkey, black-and-white colobus monkeys etc. The park is also home to over 177 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics. Most are found in the forest zone, they include; Rwenzori Turaco, Long eared owl, Archers’ Robin-chat, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed and Golden-winged sunbird, white-starred Robin, Slender-billed Starling, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater etc.

Activities

Mountain Hiking

Mountaineering at the Rwenzoris mountain is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but adequate preparation is paramount. The conditions on the mountain are challenging compared to its counterparts Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya that even experienced hikers are affected. The central hike circuit takes six nights or seven days and reaches an altitude of 4,267m above the sea level. While on the hike you will spend nights at various huts which are well maintained and you will have porters to help with the luggage you need to go along with. There are different starting points for different trails; Nyakalengija central circuit and Kilembe trail are located near Kasese town whereas Kazingo (nature walk trailhead) is located near Fort portal town. For those not in for the entire trail, you can have 3 days in the lower foothills of the mountains that take you through beautiful scenery and birding spots. Hikers are advised to carry a sleeping bag, warm clothing, raincoat, waterproof over trousers, plastic bags for wet clothing and plenty of snacks.

Birding

Rwenzori Mountain national park is listed among the best birding spots in Uganda being a habitat to some of the Albertine rift endemics. It has varied vegetation which enables different bird species to call it home; the best bird watching is in the montane forest. Commonly spotted bird species inluce; Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Bearded vultures, and swifts.

Cultural encounters

The communities adjacent to the park offer guided community walks to the Bakonzo community living on the foothills of the Rwenzoris. Take a trail where you watch them as they demonstrate their daily activities like gardening and animal husbandry, preparing daily meals from the farm to the dining. Visit the black smith, traditional healer, basket weavers and dance and storytelling performances. Alternatively, you can take a trail to culture sites of the Bakonzo through the holy valley; this trail takes in total about 7 hours.

Accessibility

The park can be reached from Kampala from the north via Fort Portal (375km) or the south passing through Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park (450km). Nyakalengija is 17km off the Kasese-Fort Portal road and 25km north of Kasese town.

Charter flights to Kasese can be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi) or Entebbe International Airport.

Accommodation choices

The accommodation facilities are quite a distance away in the nearby towns of Kasese and Fort portal. These include; Mountain of the moon, Nyaika hotel, hotel triangle, Ndali lodge, Kibale safari lodge, Kyaninga lodge (Luxury) Fort Motel, Equator snow lodge, Hotel margarita, Rwenzori international hotel, Rwenzori Travelers Inn (Midrange and Budget plan).