Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a stunning natural area located in western Uganda, known for its incredible mountain range and unique biodiversity. The Rwenzori Mountains have fascinated explorers and scientists for centuries, with their snow-capped peaks and dramatic landscapes. Back in AD 150, the ancient geographer Ptolemy wrote about a mysterious mountain range in Africa that he believed was the source of the Nile River. He called these mountains “Montes Lunae,” or “Mountains of the Moon.” It wasn’t until 17 centuries later, in 1888, that the famous explorer Henry Stanley identified this mountain range in Uganda. Stanley confirmed that, while Lake Victoria is the primary source of the Nile, the Rwenzori Mountains also contribute to the river through their equatorial meltwaters. Stanley named the mountains “Rwenzori,” a local term he recorded as meaning “rain maker” or “cloud king.”
Since Stanley’s discovery, the Rwenzori Mountains have become one of Africa’s most famous mountaineering destinations. Climbing these mountains offers adventurers the rare chance to explore snow-covered peaks and equatorial glaciers, which are some of the highest and most intriguing sources of the Nile River. The Rwenzori mountain range consists of six distinct mountains: Stanley, Speke, Baker, Emin, Gessi, and Savioa. Mount Stanley is the tallest of them all, with its Margherita Peak standing at 5,109 meters. This peak, located on the border between Uganda and Congo, is the third-highest point in Africa. The Ugandan part of the Rwenzori Mountains was declared a national park in 1991, covering an area of 995 square kilometers. In 1994, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique natural beauty and ecological significance.
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. It hosts 18 species of mammals, 217 species of birds, nine species of reptiles, and six species of amphibians. Some large mammals live in the park, including elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, chimpanzees, and leopards. However, these animals are rarely seen due to the dense forest cover. The birdlife in Rwenzori is particularly rich, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Activities & Attractions in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mountain Trekking:
There are three main routes that lead to the high peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS) manages the Kilembe Trail, which offers a nine-day expedition to the summit of Mount Stanley and a shorter, six-day option to the nearby but equally scenic Mount Luigi da Savoia. Another route, managed by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, is the Central Circuit, starting from Nyakalengija. This route takes seven days to reach and return from Mount Stanley. A third route, the Bukurungu Trail, begins at Kitumba and leads to Mount Gessi. The best times to climb these mountains are during the dry months of January, June, and July.
Peak Climbing:
All six of the Rwenzori Mountains’ highest peaks can be climbed. The most popular climb is to Margherita Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Stanley at 5,109 meters. Climbing to the top of Mount Stanley, Speke, or Baker is physically challenging and often involves bad weather. Therefore, it requires special equipment and technical climbing experience. However, age is not necessarily a barrier. For example, Beryl Park, aged 78, successfully reached the summit of Margherita Peak. To climb Mount Stanley, you need to plan for at least seven days on the mountain.
Hiking:
One of the main attractions of the Rwenzori Mountains is the chance to hike through stunning mountain landscapes that are highlighted by equatorial snow and unique vegetation. Shorter hikes are becoming more popular as a result. A side trip on the Kilembe Trail, for instance, takes hikers to Mount Luigi da Savoia, which stands at 4,627 meters. This hike offers views of afroalpine vegetation, patches of snow, and, if the weather is clear, fantastic views of Mount Stanley. From the Nyakalengija Trailhead, visitors can embark on a two-day hike to the beautiful Lake Mahoma, located in a bamboo forest. The Kazingo Trail allows for a day-long hike across the northern ridge of the Rwenzori, connecting the Fort Portal plateau to Bundibugyo town in the Semliki Valley on the western side of the mountain.
Forest Walks and Birding:
The lower slopes of the park, covered in forest, can be explored on day walks from the Kilembe and Nyakalengija trailheads. For bird watchers, this forested area is especially appealing, as it is home to a rich concentration of birdlife. Notable species include the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori nightjar, Archer’s robin-chat, and the red-throated alethe. Visitors might also spot other rare creatures such as the three-horned chameleon and the Rwenzori colobus monkey.
Getting to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the Uganda-Congo border in western Uganda. The main trailheads are accessed from the tarmac Fort Portal-Kasese road. Kasese, is 375km from Kampala via Fort Portal (which is 300km from Kampala) and 450km passing via Mbarara. The Kilembe Trailhead lies at the head of the Nyamwamba Valley, 15km west of Kasese. The Central Circuit Trailhead is located in the Mubuku Valley at Mihunga, 22km from the Fort Portal-Kasese road, 25km north of Kasese. For the Bukurungu Trail, turn off the main road at Nyakigumba, midway between Kasese and Fort Portal, and drive for 6km to the trailhead at Katebwa. Air transport can also be arranged to Kasese from Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe International Airport.