Rwenzori Mountains National Park is in the South West region of Uganda on the east side of the African rift valley. It lies at the border of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga national park). The park borders with 3 Uganda districts of; Kasese, Kabarole and Bundibugyo. The park was established in 1991 and was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 because of the outstanding natural beauty. The park covers an area of 996 square kilometres, of which 70% exceeds an altitude of 2,500 meters.
The park includes most of the centre and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains, a mountain range rising above dry plains located just north of the equator. The mountains are higher than the Alps and are ice-capped. Mount Stanley is the highest of all the mountains and is Africa’s third-highest mountain with Margherita as its highest peak (5109m). Africa’s 4th and 5th highest peaks (Mount Speke and Mount Baker) are also located in the park. The park has glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, and lakes and is one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain areas.
The park has many a variety of wildlife including the Albertine rift endemics and several endangered species. It has a high diversity of plants and trees, the park is noted for its botany, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world. There are 5 distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude; Montane Forest, Bamboo, Heath and Moorland, Bare Rock and Ice. The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species. The park’s wildlife varies with elevation, and its species include the Forest Elephant, Chimpanzee, Hyrax, Black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Duiker, and Rwenzori turaco among many more.
The park is a conservation area under the management Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Kasese district is about 437 kilometres from Kampala and that is where the gateway to the park is. The town and area around the park have hotels and lodges while the park has camping, a good trail network and huts for hikers. The park has trekking and climbing routes, several with unusual scenery. The most popular trek is a seven-day central circuit of the park.
Mountain climbing is the major activity done around the park. The hike to the top requires at least 7-8 days. There are 2 trails that organise hiking packages and activities to these great highlands; the Kilembe trail which is privately owned and managed by Rwenzori Trekking Services and the central circuit trail, which is managed by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, which is community-based. Both trails offer beautiful scenery of the mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes.
For those hiking to the top of mount Rwenzori, below is the packaging list;
Non-cotton shirts, Long sleeve shirts, Waterproof hiking boots, Pairs of Pants, Sandals, Rain jacket, Waterproof pants, Gumboots, Pairs of socks, Backpack, Good sleeping bag, Headlamp, Microfiber towel (or a handkerchief), First aid kit, Extra camera battery and extra memory cards, Snacks, Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses, Water filter, and warm hand Gloves.
Apart from mountain hiking, there are other activities done within and outside the park like; Birding, Cultural tours, Village and nature walks, Hiking the surrounding hills and Scenery viewing.
Book your Rwenzori trekking trip with Manya Africa Tours and have great scenery your eyes could ever find!
