About the park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and a Ramsar site in 2008. It is not volcanic like East Africa’s other major mountains but is a block of rock up-faulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley. The Rwenzoris were christened the “Mountains of the Moon” by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. Rwenzori Mountains National Park stretches to approximately 100,000 ha and has the major part of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, which consists of Africa’s third highest peak (Margherita at 5,109 m). The surrounding glaciers, waterfalls and lakes define it as one of Africa’s most spectacular alpine areas. The lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo, and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairy-tale scene. The highest point is 5,109m above sea level on Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park hosts 70 mammals and 250 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.

The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine-to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks. This mountain range is not volcanic in nature although it consists of the crystalline rock that moved upwards from the earth’s crust.

For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits, home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local meals. 

Activities

Mountain climbing

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique trekking destinations in Africa, taking you up through the 6 different vegetation zones (savannah zone (680m-1800m), Afromontane Forest zone (1800m-2600m), Bamboo Forest Zone (2600-2900m), heather/Rapenea Zone (2900-4000m), Afro-alpine moorland zones (4000-4500m) and rocky/glacier zone (4500-5109), the snow peaks of Baker, Speke & Stanley, the spectacular lakes, and the most popular Margherita peak.

Imagine the zeal and that intimate moment you are going to experience after trekking the Rwenzori mountains whether as a beginner or seasoned hiker, and being able to reach the peak and back to the foot of the tallest mountain on earth, enclosed by the beauty and majesty of the Rwenzori Mountain peaks.

Birding

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to about 250 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift Endemics including the Long-tailed Turaco in addition to other 17 bird species endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. This makes it a perfect birdwatcher’s haven. Most of these bird species are sighted during nature walks in the montane forest zones (from 1800 meters to over 2500 meters above sea level) and the common species include Rwenzori Olive Thrush, Black Rough-wing Swallow, African Lammergeyer, Lanner Falcon, Rwenzori Brown Woodland Warbler, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Golden-winged Sunbird,  Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori Streaky Seed-eater, Olive Pigeon, Bamboo Warbler, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Puffback Flycatcher, Slender-billed Starling, Black Duck, Slender-billed Chestnut winged Starling, Dusky Flycatcher, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Scarlet-tufted Malachite, Johnston’s Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Stripe-breasted Tit, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Nightjar, Long-eared Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle, Mountain Buzzard, Black-billed Turaco, Strange Weaver, Olive-breasted Mountain Greenbul, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Yellow Flycatcher, Long-tailed Cuckoo, Olive Wood-pecker, White-starred Robin, White-necked Raven, Mountain Illadopsis, Green White Eye, Rufous Sparrow Hawk, Toro Olive Greenbul, Archers’ Robin-chat, Kivu Grosbeak Seed-eater, Western Lemon Dove, Bearded Vulture, Mountain Chat, Rwenzori White-starred Bush Robin, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Cinnamon Scrub Warbler, East African Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Alpine Swift, and the Lagden’s Bush Shrike.

The higher slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains are popular for birds of prey like Black Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Long-eared Owl, and Rwenzori Turaco.

The equipment necessary for a memorable birding experience in the Rwenzori Mountains includes binoculars and cameras with powerful lenses. Also make sure to wear long sleeved shirts and sweaters because of the extreme coldness on the upper slopes of the mountain. Wear waterproof light hiking boots and carry a walking stick to support you as you hike to the upper slopes. Just like other national parks in Uganda, the best bird watching time in Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the rainy season because you get the chance to see the migratory bird species.

Community visits

Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers visitors an unforgettable cultural experience. Visitors will have the chance to interact with the community as they get an insight into the daily lifestyles of the locals. The experience involves visiting homesteads of the Bakonzo communities who live at the base of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Visitors can join in the traditional workshops or just sit back and appreciate the local Bakonzo culture as they enjoy traditional dance performances. During or after the workshops, visitors can shop for souvenirs in the local gift shop, buy traditional medicines, or chat with the locals to learn more about Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains and its people.

Itinerary ideas

3 days Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 1 – Hike from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, overnight

Day 2 – Hike from Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut, overnight

Day 3 – Hike back down to Nyabitaba and then to Nyakalengija

5 days Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 1 – Hike from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp, overnight

Day 2 – Hike from Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp, overnight

Day 3 – Hike from John Matte to Bujuku Camp, overnight

Day 4 – Hike to Mt. Speke then descend back to Bujuku and then to John Matte Camp, overnight

Day 5 – Descend to Nyabitaba Camp and then to Nyakalengija

7 days Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 1 – Drive from Kampala to Kasese (about 7hrs), overnight

Day 2 – Transfer to Trekkers Hostel, hike to Sine Hut, overnight

Day 3 – Hike to Mutinda Camp, overnight

Day 4 – Hike to Bugata Camp, overnight 

Day 5 – Hike to Weismann Peak or visit the valley of Kitandara, and descend to Kiharo Camp, overnight

Day 6 – Hike to Trekkers Base Camp (descent), overnight

Day 7 – Drive back to Kampala

Accommodation

Midrange: Equator Snow Lodge

Budget: Hotel Margherita, Ruboni Community Camp, Trekkers Hostel Kilembe