Ruwenzori Mountains National Park

Ruwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National park covers an area of 996 sq km it is also famously known as "Mountains of the Moon". The park lies in Western Uganda along the Congo border. Their snow-copped equatorial peaks rise to a height of 5,109m, while lower slopes are blanketed in moorland and rich montane forest. Most of the Park is accessible only to hikers although the magnificent scenery and 19 Albertine Rift endemics would be ample reward for birders.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the eastern slopes and glacial peaks of the 120km-long range, and is a world class hiking mountaineering destination. A nine day hike will get skilled climbers to the Margherita summit, the highest peak.

Shorter non-technical treks are possible to scale the sorrounding peaks.

Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Mountaineering: Multi-day technical and non-technical climbs are available, to various peaks. Those who can afford to make it to the top will enjoy views of the glaciers, the surrounding landscape and the Congo.

Hiking: Single day hikes in the foot hills provide bird watching opportunities in varied eco systems of the park as well as a waterfall visit.

Birdwatching: The park contains over 195 recorded bird species including bea-eaters, robins, sunbirds and barbets. Other species to look 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.

Wildlife: Most of the wildlife in the Rwenzoris is to be found in the forest zone above 1,800m. Black and white colobus monkeys are common, though other mammals include elephants, chimps, giant forest hogs, small antelopes and golden cats.

Getting there: The Nyakalengija trail head is 22 km from Kasese off Fortportal road.

Climate: Rwenzori Mountains National Park is chilly and wet. Expect day time temperartures of 10 -15 degress centigrade, with much colder nights. January - February and July - August are the driest months, but heavy rain is possible at any time - you have to be prepared.