Mount Rwenzori National Park

In close proximity to Virunga National Park, Mount Rwenzori National Park is situated in the south-western region of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park, which include districts including Bundibugyo, Kasese, and Kabarole, spans an area of around 386 square kilometers and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The third-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya in Kenya, Mount Rwenzori, often known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” is located within Mount Rwenzori National Park. With Marherita summit as its highest summit, Mount Rwenzori is 16700 feet above sea level.  Other summits on Mount Rwenzori include Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Emin Pasha, Mount Baker, and others.

Mount Rwenzori National Park attractions

Wildlife

One of the Uganda National Parks, Mount Rwenzori, is home to a variety of mammals. Over 70 animal species call the park home. These include, among others, Gian Forest Hogs, Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Blue Monkeys, Antelopes, Rwenzori Otters, Duiker, L’hoest Monkeys, and Forest Elephants.

Birdlife

With over 217 bird species and 17 indigenous to the region, Mount Rwenzori National region is a birder’s delight. There are several different bird species in the park, including the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, African Long-eared Owl, Archers’ Robin-chat, Barbets, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue-headed Sunbird, Malachite sunbirds with scarlet tufts and golden-winged sunbirds Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson-winged Flycatchers, Black Eagles, Bamboo Wamblers, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, and others

Snow Peaks

The third highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Mount Rwenzori, is the main draw here. Other mountains are Mount Speke, 4890 meters high, Mount Baker, 4843 meters high, Mount Gessi, 4715 meters high, Mount Emin Pasha, 4791 meters high, and Mount Luigi Da Savoia, 4627 meters high. These are accessible when trekking.

Lakes

Over 20 scenic lakes and breathtaking vistas can be found in the Mount Rwenzori national park, which can be reached by hiking up the mountain. Lake Mahoma, Lake Bujuku, Lake Kitandara, and others are a few of the lakes.

Bulemba residences

These are the relics of the first monarch of the Rwenzururu kingdom, who was known by the name Isaiah Mukirania Kibanzanga. At the Rwenzori Mountains’ slopes, you can discover the tranquil Bakonzo people living here. Every year on September 2nd, the Bakonzo people offer sacrifices to the holy spot in honor of their first king.

Ruboni

This is where community walks, bird excursions, and nature walks all begin. It is situated in the southern-most region of the Rwenzori Mountain.

Activities to do in Mount Rwenzori National Park

Mountain Climbing and Hiking

With breathtaking vistas to enjoy while trekking, Mount Rwenzori is one of Uganda’s best and most interesting hiking destinations. The six summits of Mountain Rwenzori are used for hiking in the park. Being organized is the key to a fun hike. Since even an experienced hiker finds the terrain on the peak difficult. A total of six nights or seven days are required for the central hiking circuit, which reaches a height of 4,267 meters above sea level.

Birding

One of the best places for birders to spot birds is Mount Rwenzori. Over 217 different bird species can be spotted by travelers that enjoy birding. These include the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwings, Dwarf Honeyguide, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Collared Apalises, Crimson Wings, and Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwings. Among others, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, and Slender-billed Starling.

Cultural tours in Rwenzori Mountains

One of the most thrilling and amazing activities is this one. While taking a natural walk to the Rwenzori mountain’s foothills, you may encounter cultural tours. The most endearing trip is to the Bakonzo. because you may learn about their way of life, participate in ethnic dances, meet blacksmiths, learn how to make baskets, and hear their stories

Other tribes include Bamba.

Nature hikes

 Companies like Rwenzori Mountain Services and Backpackers in Kilembe arrange this at the Mount Rwenzori National Park’s perimeter. These RMS-organized nature walks often travel around the mountain climbing route’s primary circuit zone.

Wildlife Viewing

More than 70 different kinds of animals, nine different reptile species, six different amphibian species, and primates including red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc. can all be found on the slopes of Mount Rwenzori. The mammals include duikers, bushbucks, Rwenzori otter, leopards, elephants, giant forest hogs, and more.

Best time to Visit Rwenzori National Park

Since this region on the eastern slopes of the Rockies receives the most rainfall, the park is open all year round. The best months to visit Mount Rwenzori are June through August and December through February, when hikers can trek most comfortably. The dry season in the Mountain Rwenzori is quite brief.

Accommodations in Mount Rwenzori National Park

The park offers a variety of Accommodation options. These include luxury accommodations, affordable accommodations, and accommodations in the middle range. Equator Snow Lodge, Tour Holiday Inn, Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Ihamba Lake Side Safari Lodge, Tropical Savannah Guest House, Rwenzori International Hotel, Hotel Margherita, Rwenzori Backpackers, Sandton Hotel Kasese, Rwenzori View Guest House, Rujuna Guest House, Hotel Cornerstone, Ataco Lodge, Fort Motel, New Saad Hotel, Palace Motel, etc. are a few of them.

Getting to Rwenzori Mountain National Park

The park is reachable by either road or air. By road, Kasese, which is about five hours from Kampala, is where the park is. Kasese is accessible from Kampala by the 375-kilometer Fort Portal Road or the 450-kilometer Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park route.

By Air: From Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe International Airport, chartered flights are another way to reach Rwenzori Mountain National Park. Aero link and Bar Aviation Charter Flights are among these flights.