The top 6 things to do in Rwenzori National Park include basically the activities in MT Rwenzori National Park that can be carried out on trip. Rwenzori National Park is located in the western part of Uganda and part of it is shared by DRC Congo. Rwenzori is nearly 100000ha and has its highest peak called Margherita. The mountain is one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas due to its glaciers, waterfall, lakes, rivers, animals and wildlife.
below are the top 6 things to do in Rwenzori National Park.
Mountain climbing
Rwenzori Mountain offers one of the most challenging hikes in Africa. before one thinks of hiking the mountain it’s advised to have prior hiking experience and also be in good healthy condition Rwenzori Mountain climbing takes about six to seven days on average and one can see four peaks of MT Rwenzori which include Baker, margarita, Speke, and Weisma
nn peaks. one is also required to carry some of the hiking gears as such as hiking shoes, waterproof jackets as the rain is unpredictable, warm clothes, long trousers, etc., on addition to that on can hire guides and porters who can assist them along the way by providing extra information.
Nature walks
Nature walks are an opportunity to relax, take time, and explore the environment. A nature walk is a great way to unplug, observe, and explore nature while enjoying the outdoors. Rwenzori Mountain nature walks allow visitors to trek through the central circuit zone, trails include Lake Mahoma and Turaco chimp forest walk through the circuit zone. walks through the communities of Kichamba to reach the Karangura ridge; and hiking to Bundibugyo areas through Bwamba Pass.
Cultural Encounters
The word cultural encounter means interactions between people belonging to diverse social standards be it be their language, or religion, form of art or drama all come under cultural encounters. Cultural encounters in Rwenzori Mountains National Park are community cultural tours that involve tourists visiting local communities/ homesteads that are near a national park. the Rwenzori mountains are inhabited by the Bakonzo which is the main culture and tribe. The cultural encounter consists of folk songs, dance performances from local dance groups, and also get to experience cooking classes where visitors are taught how to prepare traditional meals,
Birding
refers to seeing wild birds in their natural habitat as a recreational activity. Rwenzori Mountain National Park consists of a total of 217 species of birds recognized. 8 of these are limited to species of the Albertine endemics which is only exist in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park. some of the bird species include Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Baits, Montane Sooty Boubou, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Slender-billed Starling.
Sightseeing
which refers to the activity of visiting places of interest in a particular location. Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers a variety of attraction for tourists to come and see. some of these attractions include; Birds like the famous Rwenzori Turaco; wildlife; primates including blue monkeys, black & White colobus monkeys & the rare chimpanzees; 6 vegetation zones; Lakes such as Irene, rivers, Kilembe mines etc. wildlife viewing Wildlife watching is simply an activity that involves the watching of wildlife. It is normally used to refer to the watching of animals, and this distinguishes wildlife watching from other forms of wild- life-based activities, such as hunting and fishing’s. The Rwenzori Mountains national park offers spectacular view of scenic land scape with a high density of trees and unique vegetation, at edge of the mountain, there is Savannah grassland which harbors a variety of mammal species like Genet mongoose, leopards, Uganda claws frog, golden cat, blue monkeys, bush. three-horned chameleons, water bucks’ antelopes, etc. Most of the above-listed activities are similar to the activities in Semuliki National Park a neighboring national park also found in the Kasese district in the western part of Uganda which is famous for its hot springs hence one can prong his trip ad also get to visit Semplice national park to get more and better experience.
Best Time to Visit Rwenzori National Park
Dry Season The dry season is the best time to visit Mountain Rwenzori. This period favors most activities like, nature walks, cultural encounters, Hiking and nature walks, Mountain /Volcano climbing, Birding and many more. The wildlife within the Rwenzori National Park is easily seen.
The dry season is the most convenient time for tourists who wish to hike the Margherita peak is early in the morning at around 8 am when the mist clouds are vailing off the peak hence offering a clearer view of the peaks and glaciers. Note that the best time to visit Mountain Rwenzori is in the months June to August and from December to February. Tourists frequently visit during these months as the weather is favorable hence it’s the busiest season of the destination.
Wet Season
The long-wet season start in March and end around May. The short-wet months of the year in Rwenzori fall around October to November. Generally, the weather in Rwenzori is unpredictable-it does vary from year to year and at times, rains occur earlier than expected or late. Activities such as bird watching and sightseeing can be carried out as birds are many due to plenty of food in the wet season. However, it should be noted that African weather is unpredictable hence rain is expected whether in the dry or wet season hence tourists are recommended to always carry hiking boots, raincoats which are water proof, long sleeved shirts, long trousers, hats, sun glasses etc.
Rwenzori mountains trip is characterized by activities like road trip on the way to the destination, mountain climbing, hiking, nature walks, good scenery birding, wildlife view and many others when looking for the best time to visit the mountain it should depend on one’s interests rather than considering the weather as different activities are carried out in different times of the season.
This can be done through a trusted tour operator such as Kin travel spot consults one may extend his visit to other national parks and tourism areas in western Uganda such as queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi impenetrable national park Semuliki wild reserve, Mabere Manyinamwilu in Fortpotal for a greater experience.
How To Access Rwenzori Mountains National Park?
Road Transport
the Rwenzori Mountains lie along the Uganda-Congo border in western Uganda. Rwenzori Mountains National Park can be reached by two routes from Kampala to Kasese. The shortest route starts from Kampala to Fortpotal via Mubende for a distance of 300km while the longest route begins from Kampala, via Masaka through Mbarara, Bushenyi to Kasese for 350km distance drive.
Air Transport
When using air transport, you can also get to Mountain Rwenzori in Kasese by flight from Entebbe. The flights depart Entebbe at 7am and 12:30pm daily, and line up well with hike departures. The return flight leaves Kasese at 10:45am and 2:45pm daily. The flight time is about 1 hour.
Attractions in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Vegetation
MT Rwenzori has an extensive and diverse vegetation zone beautifully classified into 6, from the savannah zone(680m-1800m) through the Afromontane Forest zone, Bamboo Forest Zone, heather/Rapenea Zone, Afro-alpine moorland zones and rocky/glacier zone The afro-alpine zones is characterized by the emblematic big forms of groundsel and lobelia which is one of the world’s unique botanical communities, which is only found in the mountains beyond 3800m in East Africa.
Birds
About 217 bird species inhabit the mount Rwenzori National Park, from which 17 are endemic to the Rwenzori National Park which makes it an important birding area. The forest Zone at comprises of a number of birds like the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue headed Sunbird, long eared Owl, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Rwenzori Baits, Archers’ Robin chat, White-starred Robin with even the rare Montane sooty Boubou, Greenbuls, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, slender-billed starling, Strange Weaver, not forgetting the Golden-winged Sunbird, barbets, Apalises, Illadopsis, Flycatchers & crimson wings.
Rwenzori snow peak
Rwenzori National Park has 6 ranges, which are located are located a few miles north of the Equator, with the highest peak on Margherita at 5109m then followed by Speke(4890m) & Baker(4890m), each containing snow & glaciers. These peaks can be reached through both routes of the central circuit & the Kilembe trail.
Lakes
The mountain contains about 20 lakes. Lake Mahoma (at 2651m) along the central circuit can easily be reached, while the Bujuku Lake lies at the Apex of the deep glacier-curved Bujuku valley, in the shadow of Mount Stanley, Speke, and Baker. In the NyaMwamba valley, the ascent through the Kilembe trail where the glacial moraine deposited in the man-made dam, which has for a long time formed a string of 8 enjoyable lakes. Several River streams start from the mountain, forming lifelines for several plant & animal species in the flat plains and supporting the local communities.
Wild Life
Rwenzori mountains National Park is a home to approximately 70 mammal species, of which 6 are endemic to the Albertine rift, 4 to the park while 3 are rare species. There also other rare mammals such as elephants, chimpanzees, the Rwenzori otter as well as Leopards. Although the mammals in the Rwenzori National Park are hard to find, chances are high that the hikers might encounter the black & White Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, tiny antelopes including brush backs and unusual reptiles like the three-horned chameleon.
Accommodations At Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Trekkers Hostel
Trekker’s hostel which was formerly back packers has good clean rooms and dormitories but not self-contained. Set in a deep valley Kirembe is the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains when climbing the Kirembe trail. The hostel is set in an idyllic setting with fantastic views of the mountains and has a good restaurant. Altitude is 1,450 meters and cool.
Fort Motel
Offers good rooms, excellent meals, great service, good standard in a quite environment just near the Fort Portal Golf Club. The rooms are lavishly furnished and give the comfort and relaxation of a traditional yet modern home. The drive from Kirembe in the Rwenzori Mountains to Fort Portal takes about two hours but it is great to relax take a sauna relax around the pool enjoy fantastic meals and then sleep in luxury after completing your climb up the mountains. WWW.fortmotel.com
Margarita hotel
Hotel Margherita is situated some few kilometers west of Kasese town, Western Uganda in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains otherwise known as the “Mountains of the Moon”. Professional warm hospitality, excellent food and accommodation, service with a smile. Rwenzori Homestay Kasese Rwenzori Homestay is a budget facility which offers accommodation to the travelers. The hotel is located in Kasese which provides accommodations along with a restaurant, free private parking and a terrace. The rooms are open to balconies with separate dining areas and bathrooms include showers with rainfall shower heads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwenzori National Park
why is MT Rwenzori snow-capped throughout the year?
The snow-capped nature of the Rwenzori Mountains is due to air pressure that reduces with elevation. Whereas warm air increases, so does the rising air expand and cool. This process creates greater amounts of moisture in the air. In addition, the Rwenzori mountains are snow-capped throughout the year because the highest peak of the Rwenzori reaches up to 5,109 meters (16,762 ft.). This is a high point and therefore snow-covered throughout the year.
How was mountain Rwenzori formed?
Mt Rwenzori is a block mountain sometimes also referred to as Fault Mountain due to its way of formation. Unlike most of the mountains in Africa which were formed through Volcanic activity, Mt Rwenzori was formed as a result of rocks underneath up faulted through the floors of the Great Rift Valley.
What animals are in the Mount Rwenzori National Park?
The park’s wildlife varies with elevation, and its species include forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, Lhotse’s monkeys, and Rwenzori turaco.
Which tribe is found on Mountain Rwenzori?
The Bakonzo are Bantu-speaking people. This tribe is one of the 54 tribes of Uganda. They live on the Rwenzori Mountains and are until now, known as the indigenous tribe of this mountain. The Bakonzo people originally traveled from the Congo and settled here about 300 years ago.
In which district are the Rwenzori Mountains?
Rwenzori Mountains National Park: Mount Rwenzori is situated in the Kasese district in the western part of Uganda bordering Congo. The mountains have also been known as the “mountains of the moon”.
What are the Rwenzori Mountains National Park famous for?
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 heather, groundsels, and lobelias. The Park also supplies local communities with wild resources and is an important cultural heritage.
What are some fun facts about the Rwenzori Mountains?
The Rwenzori Mountains are the highest and most permanent sources of the River Nile and constitute a vital water catchment. Their fast-flowing rivers, magnificent waterfalls, and stratified vegetation make the property scenic and beautiful.
How much is the entrance fee for Rwenzori Mountains National Park?
Entrance Fees for Mountain Rwenzori Trekking per day cost USD35 for foreign Non-residents, USD25 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Citizens
which type of mountain is Rwenzori?
The Rwenzori is not volcanic like East Africa’s other major mountains but is a block of rock up-faulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley. The Rwenzori were christened the “Mountains of the Moon” by the Alexandrine geographer in AD 150.
Why is Mountain Rwenzori called the Mountain of the Moon?
The term comes from a Greek merchant, Diogenes, who traveled to East Africa and claimed to have found the source of the Nile – which the natives called the Mountains of the Moon due to their snow-capped peaks What is the highest peak on Mountain Rwenzori? Mount Stanley; At 5,109 meters, Margherita Peak is the highest point on Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountains and the third-highest peak in Africa. Where is Mountain Rwenzori located in Uganda? western Uganda; The Rwenzori – 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 blanketed in moorland, bamboo, and rich, moist montane forest.
Which Mountain in Uganda has snow?
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park provides stunning views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains just kilometers from the equator, contiguous with the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What activities can be done in the Rwenzori Mountains?
The Rwenzori Mountains offer a range of activities for adventure seekers. Some popular activities include;
Hiking and Trekking: The Rwenzori Mountains are known for their challenging and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can embark on multi-day treks to reach the peaks of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. These treks require a moderate to high level of fitness and usually involve camping along the way.