Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Nestled on the Uganda-Congo border at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, gazetted in 1991 and recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994, spans approximately 110km in length and 50km in width. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” a name given by Alexandrian geographer Ptolemy in AD 150, the range was placed on the modern map by explorer Henry Stanley on May 24, 1888. Stanley labeled it ‘Rwenzori,’ a local name meaning “rainmaker.” Despite its summit being the third highest point in Africa, after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the Rwenzori is Africa’s highest mountain range.
The park features six distinct mountains; each crowned with peaks.
Mt. Stanley (5109m) – Home to Margherita Peak, the third highest point in Africa. Speke (4890m), Baker (4843m), Emin (4797m), Gessi (4715m),Luigi da Savoia (4627m)
Accessing The Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains are located in western Uganda, along the Uganda-Congo border, and can be accessed by road and Air.
By Road
Main trailheads are accessible from the tarmac of the Fort Portal-Kasese Road.
Kasese is 375km from Kampala via Fort Portal (300km from Kampala) or 450km via Mbarara.
Kilembe Trailhead: 15km west of Kasese, at the head of the Nyamwamba Valley.
Central Circuit Trailhead: Located at Mihunga in the Mubuku Valley, 22km from the Fort Portal-Kasese Road and 25km north of Kasese.
Bukurungu Trail: Turn off the main road at Nyakigumba, midway between Kasese and Fort Portal, then drive 6km to the trailhead at Katebwa.
Kazingo Trail: Follow the surfaced Bundibugyo Road from Fort Portal for 9km, then turn left at Bukuku for 5km.
By Air
Flights can be arranged to Kasese from Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe International Airport
Climate
The climate around the Rwenzori Mountains is cold and exceptionally wet. Rainfall is heaviest (sometimes 300mm) during March and August to December, continuing even in the drier months. While daytime temperatures average 10∘C, they drop below freezing after dark. Mist and snow (on the peaks) frequently obscure visibility.
Where To Stay
Accommodation is on budget, luxury, and mid-range, favoring all travelers.
Whispers of the Nile Eco Resort. the resort is located on the banks of the Nile River and offers guests a luxurious and relaxing experience. The resort has many rooms and suites, all with private balconies with a view of the Nile. offer a variety of amenities and services, such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and spas. They can also arrange activities for guests, such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, making it a luxury accommodation.
Ruboni Community Camp. This camp is located right next to the park gate and offers a variety of accommodation options including UWA bandas, rooms, and camping space. It is community-owned and operated, providing a unique cultural experience. It’s an example of a mid-range accommodation.
Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite. The campsite, which is a budget type, offers basic accommodation with eco-San toilets and bathrooms, along with a bar and restaurant.
Activities And Attractions
Mountain Trekking
Three main routes ascend to the high Rwenzori:
Kilembe Trail: Operated by Rwenzori Trekking Services, this trail offers nine-day expeditions to summit Mount Stanley and a shorter six-day option to the more accessible Mt. Luigi da Savoia.
Central Circuit: Run by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services from Nyakalengija, this route ascends Mount Stanley in seven days.
Bukurungu Trail: Ascends from Kitumba to Mount Gessi.
Peak Climbing
All six of the high Rwenzori mountains have climbable peaks. The most popular is Margherita Peak (5109m) on Mount Stanley. Be aware that climbing Stanley, Speke, and Baker is physically demanding, often done in bad weather, and requires specialist equipment and technical experience. Climbing Mount Stanley necessitates a minimum of seven days on the mountain.
Hiking
For many, the true appeal of the Rwenzori lies in hiking through its superb mountain scenery, characterized by equatorial snow and unique vegetation. Shorter hikes to lesser peaks are gaining popularity.
Mt. Luigi da Savoia (Kilembe Trail): A popular destination offering Afro-alpine vegetation, patches of equatorial snow, and, weather permitting, grand views towards Mount Stanley (three days distant).
Lake Mahoma (Nyakalengija Trailhead): A two-day hike into the scenic bamboo forest.
Kazingo Trail: A day-long traverse of the north Rwenzori ridge between the Fort Portal plateau and Bundibugyo town in the Semliki Valley.
Essential Equipment
Sleeping bag
Camping mat
Warm clothing
Gloves
Rain gear (including good waterproof trousers)
Head-mounted torch
Plenty of plastic bags (for dry clothes and wet/muddy garments)
Energy snacks
Any necessary medication
While hiking boots are required on the peaks, gumboots are often more useful. Specialist climbing gear can be hired from your trail operator.
Forest Walks and Birding
The forest zone, located on the lower contours of the park, can be explored on day walks from the Kilembe and Nyakalengija trailheads. This accessible area is a haven for birders, with concentrations of the park’s birdlife. Look out for the Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, as well as other rarities like the three-horned chameleon and Rwenzori colobus.
Wildlife
The park is home to 18 mammal species, 217 bird species, 9 reptile species, and 6 amphibian species.
- Mammals: Large mammals like elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, bushbuck, chimpanzees, and leopards inhabit the forest zone but are rarely seen. Evidence like elephant droppings is common, chimpanzees are often heard, and blue monkeys and the endemic Rwenzori colobus may be sighted.
- Birds: Of the 217 recorded bird species, most reside in the forest zone near the park boundary. Notable species include the Ruwenzori turaco, Rwenzori baits, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori nightjar, Archer’s robin-chat, and red-throated alethe. Higher up the mountain, wildlife is scarcer, but keep an eye out for the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird feeding on lobelia flowers and the endangered lammergeyer soaring overhead.
- Vegetation: The main “wildlife” attraction in Rwenzori Mountains National Park is its unique vegetation, which, standing over 5000m high, provides a prime habitat for the “botanical big game” peculiar to East Africa’s highest mountains.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to climb the Rwenzori is during the drier months of January and June-July
