Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains is at 996km sq and is recognized as a World Heritage site (1994) and Ramsar site (2018). The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are covered in moorland, bamboo and montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is found in the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation. There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude.The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species.The park’s wildlife varies with elevation, and its species include the  forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, black and white colubus, L’Hoest monkeys and the Rwenzori Duiker and Rwenzori Turaco. The ranges offer memorable hiking experiences and camping experiences along specific trails leading to the prominent peaks. The trails snake through and past steep climbing points, rocky cliffs, marshes, thick swamps and thick bamboo forests.

The six main mountains include Mounts Stanley(5,109m, 16,763ft.), Mount Speke (4,889m, 16,042ft.), Baker (4,842m, 15,889ft.), Gessi (4,715m, 15,470ft.), Emin (4,791m, 15,720ft.) and Luigi di Savoia (4, 626m, 15, 179ft.). Each of these mountains is easily accessible thanks to the well-developed network of trails that connect them.

The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. It takes the about 6-9days to hike to and from the highest peak of the mountain, that is through the Central circuit trail or the Kilembe Route. No matter which route choose, you are guaranteed of amazing scenery and experience. Each day, you will hike for an average of 8 hours, well-insulated huts on the mountain.

Activities in The Park; Mountaineering, nature walks, photography, bird watching, botany.