Get to know Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
The iconic landmarks of Africa. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the UNESCO world heritage site, situated along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on an area of about 996km in Kasese district in Uganda. Rwenzori Mountains is a free-standing, snow-covered, block mountain which known as Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Margherita Peak is the second highest peak in Africa.
This natural landscape has over 70 mammal species, 217 species of birds, 19 Albertine rift endemics plus the world’s rarest vegetation species. The park is also a rich cultural heritage place for the neighboring communities including a famous Bakonzo people.
What to do in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Mountain Climbing & Hiking in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
A challenging activity to many travellers. Climbing Mountain Rwenzori is an underrated gem that is largely undiscovered by many travelers. The scenery on the mountain has been called some of the most beautiful on the planet! Mountain Rwenzori is covered by different types of vegetation through a 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. The margarita peak can be reached by hiking the Central Circuit trail or the Kilembe Trail.
Bird Watching in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Tailor your visit to Mount Rwenzori National Park with a bird watching experience. The Rwenzori Park is a dwelling place for 217 species of birds and 17 of them can only be found in Rwenzori which justifies UNESCO labeling which is a key Birding area including the 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 and Montane Sooty Boubou etc.
Cultural Experience in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Discover the true vastness of local people, explore the Bakonzo living communities. It have been said that the Bakonzo tribe have lived over 300 years and have adapted their way of life to the dramatic climate and steep green hillsides of the Rwenzori foothills. Ruboni forest walk which will offer you a 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; you might even get some lessons on drumming and dancing.
Best time to Hike Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Hiking/climbing Mountain Rwenzori is done all year around, however, July-August, December-February is the best time for hiking. These months are generally dry season in Uganda making hiking friendly and easier for m Mountain climbing and less challenging.
Where to stay at the park
Equator Snow Lodge.
Equator Snow Lodge, situated at the foothills of the mountain Rwenzori. A great place with stunning view of Mubuku River a soundtrack to your relaxing mind. The Equator Snow Lodge cottages are built with round river rocks which makes them uniquewith a balcony from which you can view the spellbinding horizon with the ranges before you and they are self-contained and each has a fire place to keep you warm in a cold night.
Hotel Margherita.
Hotel Margherita perched at the foothills of the mountain just in a close proximity from Kasese town. The hotel offers you fine services to any travellers with standard single and double rooms to executive and family suites. Feel free to relax in ambience gardens which includes a smooth green gardens with a breathtaking view of the Rwenzori ranges.
Ruboni Community Camp.
Ruboni Community Camp is budget camp that offers you a range of self-contained Banda, small cottage, furnished rooms with natural finishing or the possibility to hire or pitch your own tent, both options with hot showers. Staying at Ruboni Community Camp gives you an enjoyment of the tranquil sounds of bubbling streams and views of the Rwenzori.
How to get to the park
By road Kampala via Mubende to Fort Portal which is 300km can take visitor about 4hrs. Another 1h30 minutes’ drive from Fort Portal to Kasese. Alternative route via Masaka- Mbarara- Bushenyi to Kasese, which is about 350km can take tourists roughly 6 to 7hours.
By Flight, this about 1h30 minutes from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese airstrip. Daily scheduled flights are available.