Mountain Rwenzori National Park is located in western Uganda in East African rift valley bordering the Democratic republic of Congo and the Virunga national park. It was gazzeted in 1991 and was recognized as a World heritage site in 1994. The park is located within the “mountains of the moon”. It is situated in the districts of Bundibugyo, kabarole and kasese. The park covers an area of 966 km2. The mountain is the third highest mountain in Africa with an altitude 16700 feet above sea level.
Rwenzori has been established as one of the great mountaineering adventures, offering the chance to ascend snow peaks and walk on glaciers which represent the highest source of the Nile. Mountain Rwenzori consists of six beautiful peaks which are good for mountain climbing namely, Mount Stanley, mount Speke, mount baker, mount Emin, mount gessi, mount savioa and Margherita peak the third highest peak in Africa.
Wildlife in Rwenzori Mountains national park.
Mountain Rwenzori national park is a home to a variety of wildlife species having a total of 18 mammal species these include elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hog, bush buck, chimpanzees and leopards which are rarely seen, duiker, Angola black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, L’hoests monkeys and many more.
Birds:
Mountain Rwenzori national park is a home to about 217 bird species these include Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double collared sun bird, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori nightjar, Archer’s robin-chat, Red-throated alethe, dwarf honeyguide, red faced woodland warbler, kivu ground thrush, purple breasted sunbird and others.
Activities and attractions in Mountain Rwenzori National Park.
Mountain climbing or Hiking:
Mountain Rwenzori national park is the best exiting hiking destination in Uganda.
The hiking takes place on the great mountain Rwenzori leading 6 summits where you will encounter captivating lakes, vegetation and animals. There is also a farmland with crops on the foothills of the mountain such as coffee. Hiking the mountain is very rewarding as you get a chance to enjoy the attractive scenic views of the peaks, beautiful vegetation and the surrounding which leave you breathless and teary eyed.
When planning for a hiking trip, you should note that the best time for the experience is during the dry seasons of July- August and November to February when the routes are less muddy. Also carry these a porter to carry your bag, a hiking stick, refreshing water, a map, hiking boots, first aid kit waterproof clothing including jackets, long sleeved skirts and trousers.
Bird watching:
Mountain Rwenzori national park is also a best destination to do birding experience. It is known as a birding paradise with about 217 bird species these including; crimson wing, greenbuls, llladopsis, golden-winged sunbird, barbets, blue-headed sunbird, montane sooty boubou, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double collared sun bird, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori nightjar, Archer’s robin-chat, Red-throated alethe, dwarf honeyguide, red faced woodland warbler, kivu ground thrush, purple breasted sunbird, fly catchers and others.
Nature walks:
Nature walks in the park take you through the beautiful features such as Mahoma. They usually take place in kilembe and the central circuit. Nature walks in the park takes tourists through Buraro chimp forest, karangura ridge and local communities of kichwamba. One can also hike through bwamba pass. While on a walk, visitors get a chance to encounter river mobuku, the amazing snowcapped peaks and also a variety of wildlife such as vervet monkeys, elephants, and bird species.
Cultural experience:
Visitors get great opportunities to see the locals at the foothills of the mountain of the moon carrying out their cultural lifestyles and activities such as the cultural dances and if lucky you can get some drumming lessons and dancing. You will also visit Ruboni village where you will learn about the lifestyles of old forefathers of the mountains of the moon. Visitors can also visit traditional thatched konzo museum which displays rwenzuru culture, their history, the royal regalia, and their cultures like dressing code, handcrafts and many others.
When to visit Rwenzori mountains national park.
Rwenzori mountains national park is visited all year round, the best time to visit the park is during the dry seasons of July- August and November to February when the routes are less muddy.
Access to Mountain Rwenzori National Park.
Rwenzori mountains national park can be reached by road or air. The easy route is from Kampala via fort portal. By air use can use a chartered flight from kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport to kasese Airstrip.
Accommodation in Rwenzori mountains national park.
Rwenzori mountains national park offers both luxury, Midrange and budget facilities these include hotel margherita, Rwenzori international hotel, equator snow lodges, Ruboni community camp, Katara lodge, tours holiday inn, Rwenzori turaco view campsite, Ihamba lake side safari lodge, Rwenzori backpackers, sandton hotel kasese among others.