Mountain Rwenzori National Park

Strategically situated on the east side of the African rift valley along Uganda-Congo border spanning districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese & Kabale is Mountain Rwenzori National park. This wonderful wonder of the world is popularly fabled as the Mountains for the Moon by Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy. The park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of 1,000 square kilometer in size and it was established as late as 1991.

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It features to two of the top 5 highest mountain peaks in Africa namely Mount Stanley (5109 m) & Mount Speke (4890 m) plus some incredible waterfalls, snowfields, glaciers and lakes that add beauty to the mountain. Mountain Rwenzori hosts the Margherita peak which is dominated by snow every year and since it is crossed by the equator line, the heat from the Equator produces heat which melts the snow at the Mountain peak, hence leading to the formation of water streams which flows via different routes to create other various rivers namely; Mpanga river in Fort Portal, River Mubuku and Nyamugasani in Kasese.

Wildlife in the park

Rwenzori national park might be one of the top mountaineering destinations in the world but it is also a good destination for game viewing and bird watching in Uganda. It is home to an estimated 70 mammals and 217 bird species. Notable wildlife animals include the elephants, chimpanzees, Rwenzori otter, Angola colobus, Black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, bush bucks as well as unique reptiles like the 3 horned chameleons. 

Mountain Rwenzori Park is a great Birding Area (IBA) blessed with to 217 bird species with 17 species endemic to the park. Most popular bird species include; the majestic Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, Golden-winged sunbird, Lagden’s bush shrike, slender-billed starling, Blue-headed sunbird, strange weaver among others.

Attractions in Mountain Rwenzori National Park

Equatorial snow peaks

Rwenzori mountains have 6 peaks or massifs that are separated by deep gorges and these are Mount Stanley (5,109 m), Mount Speke (4,890 m ), Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 m), Mount Emin (4,798 m), Mount Baker (4,843 m) and  Mount Gessi (4,715 m) 

Triffids land

The misty glacier carved valleys are home to a strange botanical world of Triffids size everlasting flowers, colored mosses and gnarled trees.

Lakes

It is paramount to note that the park hosts over 20 picturesque lakes with most easily accessible one being lake Mahoma as well as Lake Bukuju also being a must see attraction when take a trek on Mountain Rwenzori. 

Ruboni

Situated on the southern foot of the mountain is a Ruboni, it is the starting point for 7 days central circuit hike to the Mountain. It’s also the base for guided hill walks, bird watching and nature walks to the Bakonjo community.

Rwankingi Park Headquarters

This is the park’s information center situated close to the park headquarter offices of the Rwenzori trekking tour operators. You can hire guides, potters to assist you with your back packers and also buy trekking equipment from this point.

Bulemba tombs

This place is a tomb for the remains of the Isaiah Mukiranja Kibanzanga; the Rwenzururus first king who fought against oppression of the Bakonjo by the Batooro tribe of people.

Activities in Mountain Rwenzori National Park

• Mountain hiking
• Nature walks
• Cultural encounters
• Bird watching

How to get Rwenzori national Park

The park lies just a few miles from the Equator and it can be accessed by road transport means is 375 km from Kampala city driving through beautiful landscapes of Fort Portal, catch glimpse of the cultivated farmlands. Using the Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal highway, the journey takes you about 4-5 hours drive to the park.

You can as well as opt to board a charted flight to the park and this takes about 30 minutes and you land in Kasese Airstrip and upon landing enjoy a road transfer to your booked lodge in the park.

Are you planning a holiday vacation road to Mountain Rwenzori National park this season, don’t hesitate to contact our reservation team to assist you plan a lifetime adventure tour, you can reach us by sending an inquiry on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598 to speak directly to our reservations team.