Lying along the slopes of the majestic “Mountains of the Moon” is Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The park was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1994 by UNESCO for its unrivaled beauty, just a few years after being officially opened in 1991. The park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda and on the east side of the Western Rift Valley. It shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Virunga National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors are charged $35 per day as entry fees to the park. The park lies in the districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo. It covers almost half of the Rwenzori ranges, gifting the park with glaciers, waterfalls, snowfields, and lakes, making it one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain parks. Its position in the Rift Valley blesses the park with a huge biodiversity ranging from big game like elephants, buffalos, bush babies, leopards, and endemic species like the Rwenzori red duiker.
Over 89 bird species call the park home and attract numerous birders every year. Wildlife in Rwenzori varies with elevation and usually provides an intriguing chance for visitors to explore all this beauty in one package.
The main reason for most visitors to this park is the exceptional quest to conquer the equatorial snow peaks of the “Mountains of the Moon”. While on this hike, you will witness tropical rainforest to alpine meadows and snow. The park supports its own species like giant lobelia, heather enveloped in moss that thrives on its peaks, and other exotic plant species, making it one of the best mountaineering destinations in the world.
Safaris to Mount Rwenzori:
15-day Uganda hiking safari, 10-day Uganda gorillas & hiking safari, 17-day safari in Uganda, 7-day Murchison Falls and Rwenzori hike, 21-day Uganda primates and hiking tour.
Bird Watching:
There are many bird species to look out for while here; most importantly, the Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Batis, Shelley’s Crimson wings, Rwenzori Turaco, Montane (Rwenzori) Nightjar, Dwarf Honey guide, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Stripe-breast Tit, and any true birder will never be disappointed in Rwenzori National Park as the experience starts even before entering the gates of the park.
Hiking & Mountain Climbing:
The Rwenzori Mountain is the second in height in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. Christened as the Mountains of the Moon, the snow-capped mountain is recommended by devoted hikers as one of the best in the world. Rwenzori’s unique landscape makes it stand out by having the biggest glaciers in Africa and incomparable beauty towering over those of Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya. The Congo side, which is drier, provides an easier and striking approach to reach the summit range.
Mountain Rwenzori offers exclusive hiking packages through its well-designated circuits, ranging from 1-day nature walk up to 8-day treks which take you to its highest peak, Margherita, at a height of 5109m above sea level.
Cultural Encounters:
There is an opportunity to interact with different cultures around the foothills of the Rwenzori, from visits to villages to dancing and drumming lessons. Be ready to experience the old ways of life from the people of the Mountains of the Moon on village walks, stays, or visits near the park.
Of all communities living around, Ruboni is the most fascinating one since it offers more than all the rest. Here you get to meet blacksmiths who mold iron into tools such as knives, visit women basket weavers, and some of the elders who narrate the ancient ways and how life changed from the past.
Accommodation:
Rwenzori Mountains National Park caters to everyone when it comes to accommodation. Its lodging varies from luxury to budget, and a few recommendations are provided.
Luxury Lodging:
Hotel Margherita: Located a few kilometers from Kasese town, the hotel boasts the best upscale services you can get in the area.
Midrange Accommodation:
Rwenzori International Hotel: Located a few minutes’ drive from Kasese airstrip in the heart of Kasese town, this facility offers top services at midrange costs.
Budget Accommodation:
Ruboni Community Camp: At the foothills of Rwenzori, the camp offers guests budget but good services with gorgeous views of the mountain in the background without leaving the comfort of your rooms. You can also camp in the well-maintained gardens of this facility at a modest cost.
Visitors can use either road or air transport to reach Rwenzori Mountains National Park. One can use the Kampala – Fort Portal route via Mubende, which usually takes 5-6 hours, or one can opt to use the Kampala via Masaka route, connecting to Bushenyi and finally Kasese, a journey that takes approximately 7-8 hours.
Chartered flights can be planned, and it’s only 30 minutes to land in Kasese from Kajjansi or Entebbe. Other connecting flights from other parks, like Pakuba airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park, are also available. With all the beauty and splendor it has, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is among the least visited parks. Visitors looking for a less crowded and peaceful holiday should make it a point to include this park on their list.
