The UNESCO World Heritage Rwenzori mountains national park protects the third tallest mountain range in Africa and a variety of wildlife including the rare species of birds and the unique vegetation such as the moorland and bamboo. Christened as the Mountains of the moon, the magnificent mountains are a series of ranges located in western Uganda, at the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. The main attraction in the park is the highest peak of mountains; Margherita (5,109m) which bears permanent snow.
Rwenzori Mountains was named so by the British explorer Henry Stanley during his exploration in Uganda in the 1870s. He was also the first person to place it on the map in 1888 and labelled it “Ruwenzori”, a name he borrowed from the locals meaning “rain-maker”. The park also got its name from the mountains- Rwenzori mountains national park, which was gazetted in 1991.
The park is home to 70 species of mammals including primates. They include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, chimps, elephants and occasionally seen leopards. The hiking experience is wonderful going through the varying vegetation as you climb higher. The forest zone of Rwenzori at 1800m has several bird species including the Rwenzori Turaco, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Handsome Francolin and a variety of sunbirds, Apalises, Crimsonwings and Greenbuls.
Activities and attractions in Rwenzori mountains national park
- Mountain climbing on the snow peaks
- Scenic viewing in the mountain valleys; Nyamwamba and the bird-rich forest
- Bird watching in Rwenzori’s montane forest
- Hiking ad nature walks to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest
- Cultural encounters in Ruboni
How to get to Rwenzori Mountains national park
By road
From Kampala, the trailhead of the park in Ruboni can be reached from the north through Fort Portal, about 375km spending up to 7 hours on the road. Alternatively, you can use Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese Highway which is 450km to the trailhead that leads to the Central circuit. This journey takes about 8 hours.
By air
You can book a flight to Kasese airfield and connect to the park by road. The park is starting point is located about 23km from the airfield. This alternative of transportation takes about an hour and a half.
Are you planning for a trip to the Rwenzori mountains national park and you wish to travel by private means of transport? Get yourself a reliable car for either self drive or with a driver to the adventurous destination. send an email to rent@tellanzacarrentaluganda.com or call us now on +256-702838696 / +256-708234114 / +256-772424754 to talk to the reservations personnel
