Discover More About Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park provides stunning views of glacier and snow-capped mountains just kilometers from the equator, where it is contiguous with the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Having the third highest mountain in Africa at 5,109 m (after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya), the Park includes a much larger alpine area than either, covering an area of 99,600 ha of which 70% lies at over 2,500 m in height. The Rwenzori Mountains are the highest and most permanent sources of the River Nile, and constitute a vital water catchment. Their multitude of fast flowing rivers, magnificent waterfalls and stratified vegetation make the property exceptionally scenic and beautiful. The mountains are well-known for their unique alpine flora which includes many species endemic to the Albertine Rift in the higher altitude zones including giant heathers, groundsels and lobelias. The Park also supplies local communities with various wild resources and is an important cultural heritage.
Discover the Things to do at Rwenzori Mountains
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing is the key activity in Rwenzori mountain national park. Two hiking trails that lead travelers to the summit of the mountain are:
The Central Circuit Trail
This starts from the trailhead at Mihunga providing a circular seven-day challenging climb tour of the high Rwenzori. From Mihunga, the route slopes past Nyabitaba along the Bujuku valley and then heads to the peaks. Along the slopes, climbers can view the snow peaks of the mountains.
Kilembe Trail
This ascends the Southern slopes of Rwenzori from the trailhead at Kilembe near Kasese town. This route takes you past glacial lakes along the Nyamwamba valley and then it joins the Central Circuit at Lake Kitandara.
Nature Walks
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing
Nature walks to Lake Muhooma and through Buraro chimp forest, walks to the Karangura ridge through the communities of Kichwamba as well as hiking to Bundibugyo area through the Bwamba Pass.
Guided forest walks are also done through the communities of Ruhoni and Turaco view where can trail along River Mobuku. Continued hikes to above 2,300m allow you to see Baker and Portal peaks and on a clear day, it is even possible to view the eye-catching snow capped Margherita peak. Amazing species like the chameleon, squirrels, Vervet monkeys and various birds.
Bird Watching
Cultural Trail
Cultural Trail
The Rwenzori national park has got an exciting view of unlimited bird species that have chosen this inhospitable environment as their home. These include among others bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds and barbets, the Rwenzori Turaco, long-eared owl. Higher hikers can also view the bearded vulture, swifts and black eagles
Cultural Trail
Cultural Trail
Cultural Trail
The cultural trail with the Mihunga community tourism group and Turaco view takes you for a village cultural tour where you encounter a traditional healer’s demonstration, a village school, crafts displays and finally be entertained with a lively traditional dance performance. You can’t afford to miss the encounter with the rich culture of the Bakonzo during the Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail. While on this trail, an experienced local guide introduces you to the traditional healer locally known as “Muhima”, and to a local blacksmith.