Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a national park in Uganda and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is located in the Rwenzori Mountains. The park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and a lot of waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. The park is known for its beautiful plant life. The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. Rwenzori Mountains National Park was established in 1991. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its outstanding natural beauty. Mountain Rwenzori National park has many species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift system, and there are several endangered species in the park. The park is located in the three districts of Kasese, Kabarole and Bundibugyo.
The park has attractions like a combination of beautiful peaks, glaciers valleys, lakes, rivers, various species of fauna and flora making it scenic, each of the above contributes to the beauty one will observe while in a trek in the mountains. Also, Rwenzoris, has the third highest Mountain in Africa. These include Margherita (5,109m), Alexandra (5,091m) and Albert (5,087m).Rwenzori Mountains National Park has the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The park has about 70 mammals and about 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics and also some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
Activities in Mountain Rwenzori national park include a Walk with Bakonzo villagers through their homes in the mountains of the Rwenzoris as they show their daily activities, from tending animals and crops, to preparing meals with the freshest ingredients. See cultural dances, traditional costumes and hear their fascinating folklore. Follow the trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest, through the communities of Kichamba to the Karangura ridge; and to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass. The communities of Ruboni and Turaco View also offer guided forest walks of various lengths just outside the park. Birding is also an opportunity with in the park are greatest in the montane forest.Birds like sunbird, Bee-eaters, robins, s and barbets are some of the species found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Mountain climbing can also be done with in the park, Keen climbers can choose between two scenic routes to the top of the Rwenzoris – Africa’s third highest peak! The trails pass glacial lakes, gorgeous viewpoints, dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys.
There are a number of accommodations in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Like Rubon community camp which is located at the main gate of Mountain Rwenzori National park.
One can acces Rwenzori Mountain National Park either by use of road transport or air transport means. Park Headquarters at Nyakalegija can be reached either by travel to Fort Portal or Kasese, both in Western Uganda. Toreach Fort Portal from Kampalait’sabout 300km via Mubende town. The Total journey time is about 4hrs. Kaseseit’s about 350km from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara and Bushenyi.
ACTIVITIES IN MOUNTAIN RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
Community walks
A Walk with Bakonzo villagers through their homes in the mountains of the Rwenzoris as they show their daily activities, from tending animals and crops, to preparing meals with the freshest ingredients. See cultural dances, traditional costumes and hear their fascinating folklore. Follow the trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest, through the communities of Kichamba to the Karangura ridge; and to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass. The communities of Ruboni and Turaco View also offer guided forest walks of various lengths just outside the park.
Birding
Birding is also an opportunity with in the park is greatest in the montaneforest. Birds like sunbird, Bee-eaters, robins, s and barbets are some of the species found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing can also be done with in the park, Keen climbers can choose between two scenic routes to the top of the Rwenzoris – Africa’s third highest peak! The trails pass glacial lakes, gorgeous viewpoints, dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys.