The park is situated within “mountains of the moon” – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. Mountain Rwenzori is an equatorial snow peaks includes the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest.
Mountain Rwenzori is situated in Western Uganda in the East African Rift Valley and straddles also to the Democratic Republic of Congo and its conservation area known as Virunga National Park.
Site and covers almost 1000 sqkm and strides across the districts of Kabarole, Kasese and Bundibudyo.
Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.
Margherita Peak stands higher among all other peaks on Mountain Rwenzori. Champion hikers aim at reaching the highest peak which is a tag of war! Margherita peak is the 3rd highest peak in Africa together with its twin peak, Mount Stanley, which is within the park. The 4th and 5th highest peaks, Mount Speke and Mount Baker, are also within the park.
Mountain Rwenzori hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation. The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
Tourist activities in Rwenzori Mountain National Park
Mountaineering
As you climb mountain Rwenzori, you will start at the foothills. On the foothills of the mountain is farmland with crops such as coffee which is a very important cash crop in the country. From there you will behold beautiful land terrain and plant life of sub montane vegetation in the Afro-montane zone covered by luxurious tropical evergreen forest with a high richness in color and species. When you finally reach the top, you will behold the majestic snowcapped peaks that will leave you breathless and teary eyed.
Birding
While in Mountain Rwenzori, expect to encounter a variety of bird species. Rwenzori National Park is a dwelling to 217 species of birds and 17 of them can only be found in Rwenzori which justifies UNESCO labeling it a key Birding Area. At around 1800 meters high, expect to encounter Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson wings and Flycatchers.
Hiking – you can hike through the forests at the foothills as you enjoy unique activities like fishing with your hands in streams.
Cultural tours – You will have plenty of opportunities to witness the locals at the foothills of the mountain of the moon carrying out their cultural lifestyles and activities like cultural dances and if you are lucky, you might even get some lessons on drumming and dancing. You will also visit the Ruboni village where you will learn about the lifestyles of old of the forefathers of the mountains of the moon.
Lounging at the foothills of Mountain Rwenzori – Relax at the slopes of mountain Rwenzori after a long day of hustle. At night you will be able to hang out in the starlit night sky around a bonfire as you listen to tales of the mountains of the moon.
Tourist attraction in Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Wildlife – 70 Mammals are found here, with six species of endemic to Albertine region. Other mammals include chimpanzees, Rwenzori otter and Leopard. Visitors can also sight blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks and small antelopes among others.
Vegetation – The Park has beautiful flora – Montane forest, tree heather, Afro-Alpine and Bamboo forests.
Birds – over 217 bird species are found here. Expect to encounter sme of the bird species like Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson wings and Flycatchers.
Equatorial snow peaks– the high peaks on mountain Rwenzori. Peaks like Mount Stanley, Mount Speke and Baker- all bears permanent glacier.
Lakes – Move than 20 crater and caldera Lakes are found here however, the common lakes include Lake Mahoma and Lake Bujuku.