This 996km national park protects the upper slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains, which run for almost 120km along the Congolese border west of Kasese and fort portal. The Rwenzori Mountains are thought to have been the source of the legend of the mountains of the moon, the snow- capped range cited as the source of the Nile by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy around AD150. The first European to see these legendary mountains were Arthur Jephson and Thomas Parke, members of Stanley’s cross continental 1888-89 expedition to rescue the Emin Pasha.
The Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa. It is loftiest peaks, Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5,083m) on mount Stanley, are exceeded in altitude elsewhere in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, both of which are extinct volcanoes standing in isolation above the surrounding plains. The Rwenzori mountains are unique among East Africa’s major peaks in that they are not volcanic in origin, but they do rise directly from the rift valley floor and their formation, like that of Kilimanjaro and Kenya.
Rwenzori is known primarily for its challenging hiking and climbing possibilities, but the range also supports a diversity of animals, including 18 mammals and 217 birds species, several of the latter being Albertine Rift endemics. It is the only national park in Uganda where the Angola colobus also been recorded, though identification of this localized monkey will require careful examination as the similar and more widespread black and white colobus also occurs on the mountain.
In 1991, Rwenzori Mountains were gazetted as a national park and is both a world Heritage and RAMSAR site.
Getting there
By Road
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located near Kasese, western Uganda, and bordering Virunga National Park DRC Congo in the west. The park trail head at Ruboni can be reached from Kampala from the north via Fort Portal (375km) or the south passing through Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park (450km). Nyakalengija is 17km off the Kasese-Fort Portal road and 25km north of Kasese town.
By Air
Charter flights to Kasese can be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi) or Entebbe International Airport.
Attractions
Mountain climbing is the most attractive activity on the legendary “Mountains of the Moon” that lies between altitudes 06 south and 46 north and longitudes 29 47 west and 30 11’ east. It is diverse heavily snow capped peaks are one of the few pristine and spectacular landscapes of the world.
Although a variety of large mammals inhibit the lower slopes, the Ruwenzori’s are notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation. The ranges are scenery and varied vegetation. The ranges are scenic with pristine and spectacular landscape that comprise of waterfalls, hot springs, blue cirque lakes, snow clad peaks and stratified vegetation which is an attraction not only for visitors, but also creates potential for research as well as resources for the nearby communities.
The park is also home to 18 species of mammals, 217 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians. Elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bush rarely seen. However primates such as the black and white colobus and the blue monkey may be seen. In the Rwenzori are also some unique and rare animal species like the three horned chameleon, the Rwenzori colobus, Rwenzori Turaco and the Rwenzori double collared sunbird.
The park is also a culture heritage for the neighboring communities. Eighteen scared sites have been identified, mapped and protected as worship areas.
Park Activities
Aesthetic values of the Ruwenzori’s can be put into three categories of trekking, nature walks and peak climbing.
Trekking
This is done along two routes; a 7 day trekking of the central tourism circuit, and a 5 day trek along Kilembe route to the southern part of the park. Shorter hikes can be arranged.
Mountain/Volcano Climbing in Rwenzori Mountains
The Central Circuit Trail: This challenging, seven-day climb provides a circular tour of the high Rwenzori. From the trailhead at Mihunga, the route ascends the Bujuku Valley via Nyabitaba for acclimatization before reaching the peaks. Clients joining the Central Circuit after Bujuku will traverse the Scott Elliot and Fresh field passes to descend through the Mubuku Valley. Climbers can scale the snow peaks though many consider the exceptional scenery ample reward for their exertions.
Kilembe Trail: The recently reopened Kilembe Trail ascends the southern slopes of the Rwenzori from a trailhead at Kilembe near the town of Kasese. The route along the lovely Nyamwamba Valley passes glacial lakes and some stunning viewpoints before joining the Central Circuit at Lake Kitandara. The standard route scales Mount Baker though the scenery makes shorter treks rewarding enough.
Clothing and equipment
If intending to climb one of the glacial peaks, you will need to bring boots and equipment such as ropes, ice axes, harnesses, crampons and walking sticks, or hire gear from your mountain operator.
Hiking and Nature Walks in Rwenzori Mountains
The park provides opportunity for nature walks within the central circuit zone. These include trails up to Lake Mahoma and Buraro chimp forest; walks through the communities of Kichwamba to reach the Karangura ridge; and hiking to Bundibugyo area through Bwamba pass.
The communities of Ruboni and Turaco View also offer guided forest walks of various lengths just outside the park. Visitors can follow the River Mubuku, and glimpse views of Baker and Portal Peaks as they hike up to 2,300m above sea level. On a clear day it is even possible to view the snow capped Margherita Peak – a truly spectacular sight. Along the way, keep an eye out for chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys and many birds.
Bwamba Pass: Before a road was built in 1938 to link Fort Portal with the remote town of Bundibugyo, local people followed the most direct route between these settlements – a tough, 1,500m high trek over the steep north Rwenzori ridge, known as the Bwamba Pass. The Abanya Rwenzori community group leads visitors over the mountain through isolated mountain villages to visit the bamboo forest and enjoy superb rift valley views.
Cultural Encounters in Rwenzori Mountains
- Ruboni Community Camp
Discover the peaceful farming village of Ruboni, home to around 2,000 Bakonzo, in the foothills of the Rwenzori. Walk with the villagers as they demonstrate their daily activities, from tending to their animals and crops to preparing meals with the freshest ingredients. Meet the blacksmith, traditional healer, basket weavers and storytellers, and enjoy a vibrant dance performance accompanied by lively drumming.
- Rwenzori Turaco View Camp Site
The tiny village of Mihunga faces the craggy, snow-capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. The Bakonzo tribe has lived here for over 300 years with no electricity or running water, and this community has adapted its way of life to the climate and steep green hillsides of the Rwenzori foothills. Visitors can also choose to walk with a local guide through the surrounding forests. They may be lucky enough to spot brightly colored turacos in the forest canopy. The expert guides will be able to point out other species such as bee-eaters, sun birds and playful black-and-white colobus monkeys.
- Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail
Follow this fascinating six to seven hour trail through the holy valley and other sites of great cultural significance to the Bakonzo tribe. A community guide will introduce you to the traditional healer, explaining his powers, known as muhima; and to the local blacksmith, who will reveal the spiritual significance of the traditional Bakonzo stool. Basket weaving and fire making skills are also demonstrated along the route.
Birding in Rwenzori Mountains
Birding opportunities are greatest in the montane forest; understandably, few species choose to make their home in the inhospitable world of the high Rwenzori. Bee-eaters, Robins, Sun birds and Barbets are some of the 217 species found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Other species to watch out for include the Rwenzori Turaco and Long-eared Owl; while higher up on the slopes, Bearded Vultures, Swifts and Black Eagles may be seen circling for prey.
Where to stay
- Ruboni community campsite
- Rwenzori trekkers hostel
- Bugata camp
