Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the most gifted national parks in Uganda and hosts the third highest snowcapped mountain in the continent of Africa. Uganda, in which the park is located, is in the east of the continent of Africa surrounded by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Rwanda, Kenya and South Sudan. It has an unmatched variety of flora and fauna, a cool climate all year round and some of the most hospitable people on earth.

Mountain Rwenzori National Park is one of the 10 national parks in the country, in addition to Murchison Falls National Park – home of the most powerful waterfalls on earth, Queen Elizabeth national park – medley of wonders, Lake Mburo national park – whispers of the wild, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Semuliki national park – birders haven and Kibale forest national park.

The park was declared a national park in 1991 and four years later (1994) recognized as a world heritage site, and in 2008 accorded a Ramsar site status. It is situated in the far corners of Kasese district, in western part of Uganda at the boundary of Democratic Republic of Congo. It encompasses flowing rivers, V-shaped valleys, alpine flora and the giant lobelias spanning over 100,000ha of land. Most of the species in this park are endemic to the Albertine rift valley, in its five distinct zones. These include; high altitude area featuring the Afro-alpine moorland, giant heather and forests among others.

The park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, and has got a variety of mammal species, about 217 bird species, primates and reptiles among others.

WHAT TO SEE IN RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK?

The Three Horned Chameleon.

This is one of the prime attractions in this park, hardly found anywhere in Uganda. Family, chamaeleonide, and scientific name; trioceros jacksonii / Jacksons chameleon is also known as the three-horned chameleon or Kikuyu three-horned chameleon are only unique to East African region. It survives in high-altitude places of 3000 above sea level.

They possess three brown horns; one on the nose and the other two at the very tip above their eyes. You can differentiate them so easily. They also change color for camouflage, have a lifespan of about 5 years and are about 30cm long when fully grown. Much more interesting, this type of chameleons can twist their eyes to about 360 degrees, thus enabling them watch over all sides without making any stop.

Mount. Rwenzori.

This is Africa’s third tallest mountain summit; from which the park is named. The hike is tough, but the view at the summit is unmatched; what do you consider, victory or the stunning view? The mountain was formed as a result of tectonic movements, causing the creation of Western Rift Valley. In 150 AD, Ptolemy, Alexandrine called it “The Mountains of the moon”.  Foothills of this mountain are mainly composed of rocks.

ACTIVITIES IN RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK.

Mountain Rwenzori hiking / mountaineering.

This is the highlight activity of this park; done by all those with passion of reaching the peak of one of the highest mountain summits in the continent of Africa. It is the only place you can watch the snow in Uganda all year round. Reaching the snowcapped Margherita peak offers an everlasting feeling for everyone. It takes about 7-8 days to ascend and descend from this highest peak; day and nightlife at the mountain. It is a safe place, the well-trained guides, together with porters and cooks escort the hikers during this adventure to make it seamless. A hike offers unmatched beauty, a variety of diversity, and fresh breath.

Hikers can choose from these two trails; Kalembe Trail at the southern end of the mountain, along Nyamwamba Valley near Kasese town or The central Circuit trail, a 7-day route, abit challenging but offering a stunning view via Nyabitaba trail. It is the most frequently used route.

A sample trek to the summit through a central circuit route;

The hike to the summit starts from Nyakalengija (1646 meters), where the ranger guides receive and brief visitors on what transpires during the hike. The trailhead is made of a variety of flora, settlements, primates and River Mubuku.  From there, your next stopover is at John Matte hut (3505), through a bridge at River Mubuku. Proceed to Bujuku hut (3962), Elena hut comes next at 4541m and then finally the magnificent snowcapped Margherita summit at 5109m, before connecting back to Guy Yeoman hut. The hike is worth the sacrifice, as the chances of success are high.

Hiking commences very early in the morning that not only verifies the hiking documents but also explains what everyone in the hike should do. The hike is done daily on foot for many hours, thus the need for adequate warm-up, mental and physical preparations. Expect to experience temperature changes while at one point of the hike, nearing the peak.

Note that there are some porters on ground to help in carrying visitors’ luggage and equipment from and to the summit, at an extra cost.

Packing list.

What you should pack for your hiking experience include; hiking boots, raincoat, warm clothes to help in extra cold conditions, insect repellants, professional camera for photos, binoculars to watch distant attractions, a water bottle, gloves to cover your hand, your phone for communication, backpack for carrying luggage, insect repellent to protect against insects such as mosquitoes and so much more.

The cost of hiking Mountain Rwenzori.

For one to access mount. Rwenzori for a hike, they must possess a valid hiking permit issued by different licensed ground operators like Rwenzori mountaineering services or Rwenzori trekking services; a body responsible for the conservation of all the national parks and wildlife in the country. Mountaineering fees vary depending on number of days one wants to take on the hike, but start from 254USD per person for 2 days hike without reaching the peak, to 1300 USD per person (for 8 days hike reaching the Margherita peak).

This fee includes is all-inclusive, with park entrance fees, porters, cooks, guides but excludes the hiking equipment. You may hire extra porters, each at about 30,000ugx per day. This money helps in supporting conservation efforts and contributing to community livelihood programs around the park.

Guided nature walks.

These are also some of the simple, yet very rewarding excursions done around the park. There are several trails followed by visitors while touring the different regions of the park. These include; the Buraro chimp forest trail and Lake Mahoma trail. The other two include Kazingo trail and the Bukurungu trail.

The guided forest walks and hiking experience offer an amazing moment of exploring the wild, listening to the silent whispers, and watching the Lush plantations.

Bird Watching in the park.

Mount. Rwenzori national park is habitat to over 217 bird species, thus one of the most ideal birding destinations in the country. The birds include among others; bee-eaters, sunbirds, robins, Rwenzori Turacos, barbets, long-eared owl, bearded vultures at the slopes, black eagles and the swifts. Bird watching is best done during morning hours or in the afternoon. The most ideal months are March to May and October to November.

Cultural tours.

At the foothills of great Mountain Rwenzori National Park are the Bakonzo people; one of the most welcoming people in Uganda. The community is made of over 2000 Bakonzo; proudly settled, and carrying on with daily chores that visitors tend to see during their village walk.

Community experience lasts for about an hour or more, guided by knowledgeable natives who showcase the authenticity of their culture. The walk takes you to the traditional houses, locals feeding their cattle and preparing local meals. Meet a group of dancers, who entertain through the local performances, storytellers, blacksmiths and traditional healers to mention but a few. This comes at a cost, which in turn benefits the visited local community.

Best time to visit the park.

Mount. Rwenzori national park opens for visitors from 07:00hours to 1900hours throughout the year. Activities are offered all year round, with visitors coming in from all over the globe. June to September and December to February are the most ideal months for mountaineering activities and nature walk. Rest of the months are ideal for those intending to engage in bird watching, research, and so much more. Ugandan weather changes at all times, so even during the dry months, rain showers can be received.

Accommodation options at the park.

Most visitors to the park sleep in mountain huts / camps while hiking to the summit. However, there are also some accommodation facilities around the park, ranging from Budget to luxury.

In addition to hiking to the summit, feel free to add Semuliki national park for bird watching, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga national park, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park, and game drive in the medley of wonders – Queen Elizabeth National Park.

An adventure trip to Rwenzori national park is worth your time and resources. In your next vacation, book for your most amazing escapade to the wild, Mountain Rwenzori national park, the third highest mountain in Africa.