Rwenzori Mountains National Park
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Home to the “snow-capped peak of south-western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the overlooked and less-known safari destinations in Uganda. This Protected Area is special for a number of reasons, one of which being the fact that it offers unrivalled mountaineering experiences in the East African region.
The Size and location of incredible Rwenzori Mountains National Park
For a total area of 386 square miles, outstanding Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the safari destinations in the western side of the country and borders Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This Protected Area is a safe haven for the extensive Rwenzori Mountains range that runs across Uganda and DRC, and its highest summit is Margherita (sitting on Mount Stanley) at 16761 feet above sea level. Additionally, the National Park sits within the East of Albertine Rift Valley in Kabarole, Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, all in western Uganda.
Interestingly, about 70% of the Park’s total area sits on an altitude of 8202 feet above sea level. Thanks to the summits of 16761 feet, Mount Stanley (part of Rwenzori Mountains range) is the third highest summit of Africa while the fourth and fifth highest peaks (Mount Speke and Mount Baker respectively) are also within the range.
History of Rwenzori Mountains National Park establishment
The Rwenzori Mountains on the Ugandan side was established into a National Park in 1991 under the statutory instrument III of 1992 and the National Park’s Act of 1952. This Park received its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its incredibly natural beauty. Even after being gazetted, rebel activities still continued to threaten tourism in the park, case point being the infiltration by Rebel Militias between 1997 and June 2001. This is possibly one of the reasons why the outstanding protected Area was briefly included under the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in Danger) between 1999 and 2004).
Outstanding attractions that make Rwenzori Mountains National Park stand out
Animals
While mountaineering is the first picture that comes in anyone’s mind, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also a sweet home to 70 species of mammals that are Rwenzori Otter, Eastern chimpanzees, blue monkeys leopards, African forest elephants, Southern tree hyraxes, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, Angola colobus monkeys, bushbucks, to mention but a few. The rare three-horned chameleons are the most popular reptile species and surprisingly one of the must see attractions in this Park.
Numerous colorful Birds
There are about 217 bird species in Rwenzori Mountains National Park and these also include 20 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. For any birding tours, the commonly-spotted birds are handsome francolins, White-starred Robin, Archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Golden-winged sunbirds, strange weavers, Crimsonwing long-eared owls, Rwenzori Turaco, barred long-tailed Cuckoo, long-eared owl, to mention but a few.
Phenomenal landscapes
The phenomenal landscapes of Rwenzori Mountains National Park are in form of stunning glaciers, ravines, streams, Lakes, snow-capped peaks and magnificent waterfalls that make the Park one of the most mind-blowing Alpine areas in the Continent. Just the vegetation alone will take your breath away.
Culture of the people
The Bakonzo are the main tribe on the slopes of Rwenzori Mountains and they have lived there for over 3 Centuries without running water and power connection. The guided tours of Mihunga Village bring visitors closer to them and give a chance to learn about their outstanding way of life.
The must-do activities for travellers to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mountaineering
Challenge your adrenaline side by climbing to the highest summit of Rwenzori Mountains, through different routes that last between seven and nine days. One of the reasons why this activity is worthwhile is the fact that the routes pass through incredible viewing points jaw-dropping glacial Lakes, beautiful valleys, streams and magnificent mountain passes and they include;
The Kilembe Route that passes through the remarkable southern slopes of Rwenzori Mountains, the renowned Nyamwamba Valley and stunning glacial Lakes prior to head towards Lake Kitandara. The Central Circuit Route starts from the Mihunga Trailhead and ascends the verdant Bujuku Valley through Nyabitaba to the peak and takes 7-9 days to complete for a round trip.
Guided nature walks
Travellers can delight in rewarding guided nature walks through different hiking trails that lead to the spectacular Lake Mahooma and the Buraro Chimp Forest through raw local communities up to the iconic Karangura ridge. Alternatively, travellers can make use of the Bwamba pass until Bundibugyo area. While at it, pay keen attention to the different bird species, animals-vervet moneys, chimpanzees, duikers, chameleons, bushbucks, forest elephants and squirrels as well as beautiful physical features like waterfalls sighted along the way.
Birding tours
Birding tours are rarely undertaken by travellers to Rwenzori Mountains National Park and yet numerous species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift valley and montane forest such as handsome francolin, Montane Sooty Boubou, swifts, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, barbets, Archer’s robin chat, Long-eared owls, Rwenzori batis, barred long-tailed Cuckoo, strange weavers, bearded vultures, Black eagles, long-eared owls, bee-eaters, sunbirds, and can be sighted.
Cultural experiences
The Bakonzo are the main occupants of the Rwenzori Mountains slopes and during your cultural tour, a traditional guide will introduce you to the different survival techniques that trace back to over 3 centuries. The experiences are conducted in form of projects that include the Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite in Mihunga Village, Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail and Ruboni Community Camp with varying number of hours for interaction and learning.
The accommodation options for travellers to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The most popular accommodation option for travellers undertaking mountaineering are Camps/Huts on different altitudes but visitors at the lower slopes can stay at Rwenzori Mountains Safari Lodge, Ruboni Community Camp, Equator Snow Lodge, Ruboni Turaco View Camp, Hotel Margherita, Trekkers Hostel, Mbunga Community Campsite and many others.
The best time to explore Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The most popular time of exploring the park is dry season-June to September and again December to February when conditions are favorable (trails drier, not muddy or slippery) and these don’t just favor mountaineering but all Park activities because they are conducted on-foot. However, even travellers that go during the wet season can get the chance to enjoy Park activities.
Getting access to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Travellers are required to pay entry fees of $35 for foreign non-residents, $25 for foreign residents and Shs. 15,000 for the East African visitors. Children pay $5 for foreign travellers and Shs. 2500 for the East African tourists. On accessing the Park, flights can be chartered from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip followed by road transfer to the base of Rwenzori Mountains.
For Road, the used route is Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal or Kampala-Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park until Rwenzori Mountains National Park.