The park is located in western Uganda, within the Albertine rift near the districts of Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Kasese. The park is also at the border between Uganda and DRC

The Rwenzori is the tallest mountain range in Africa with a number of its peaks permanently snow-capped. The mountain is situated within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, its highest point is Mt. Stanley’s Margherita peak with 5,109 m, which is the third highest in the whole of Africa. UNESCO named the Rwenzori Mountains National Park a World Heritage site since 1994.

The mountain has six glaciers / peaks namely, Stanley, Mt, Speke (4,890 m), Bakers .Mt.Gessi (4,715m), Emin (4.791 m), Luigi di Savoia. Mount Stanley, with Alexandra (5.083 m), Margherita (5,109 m), Albert peaks (5.101 m) is the highest point.

Rwenzori mountain range is 120km-long and 65km wide with the park covering about 995 square kilometers and is home to about 70 mammals like elephants, otters, forest hog and the bushbucks. Primates like chimps, the colobus monkey, blue monkeys among. It is also home to the three horned chameleon.

The park is home to over 217 bird species, including 17 endemics to the Albertine Rift. Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Long-eared Owl, White-starred Robin, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Slender-billed Starling, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird and it’s also known for its beautiful waterfalls, glaciers as well as lakes like Mahoma.

The landscape of the area varies with different vegetation zones from the bamboo, heather zone, afro alpine. The lower slopes feature moorland, bamboo and the montane forest. Tree-heathers and mosses sighted across the mountainside and of course not forgetting the giant lobelias.

The Rwenzori Mountain is also known as ‘the mountains of the moon’, a name given to them by Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150.

Circuits considered as one plans to hike the Rwenzori Mountains

Nyakalengija central circuit trail takes around 7 days to reach the top

Kilembe trail located near Kasese town and this takes about 5 days to reach the top at Margarita with an opportunity of viewing the snow-capped peaks, Virunga ranges and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kazingo which is also a trail for nature walks and begins from near Fort portal town

Important information for Hikers

A full medical check is very important before clients embark on this trekking safaris because altitude requires an individual who is health and fit for it.

Basic items for your hike: a sleeping bag which can be hired on your behalf and warm clothing because the weather tends to change as we keep hiking to high altitudes amidst a number of glacier as we hike to different peaks. Gumboots are essential because of the sudden rain showers at the Rwenzori, heavy clothes and drinking water at some base camps drinking water is boiled and it’s also safe for drinking hence a reusable bottle should also be carried.

Experienced guides will brief you at every point and it’s really important to wait upon the guide’s instructions on how to use the ropes, pulleys and ladders at very steep slopes.

How to access Rwenzori National Park

A drive from Kampala via Fort portal or via Mbarara.

Scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe to Kasese Airfield.

Travel time from Kampala to Kasese with a stopover in the Beautiful town of Fort portal with a scenic view of the Rwenzori takes 6 hours

Best time to visit the Rwenzori Mountains

January to February and July to August give you the best time to visit the mountains of the moon and on the other side it can also be visited throughout the year. It can also be challenging during the rainy season.

Activities in Rwenzori National Park

Mountain Hiking

Reaching the 3 peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains takes about 9 – 10 days

Trekking also ranges from 3 to 10 days depending on the trail chosen.

Mountain climbing can be done on the foot hills offering views the land scape below,

The Rwenzori Mountains were selected as one of the world’s best hiking mountain by National Geographic’s. The hikes are handled by both Rwenzori Mountain Service in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority to organise for our clients excellent trips.

Nature Walk / Hiking

The nature are engaged on the lower slopes of the mountain, foot hills of the mountain forests. Nature walks / hikes usually stretch up to Lake Mahoma.  The walk also runs to Buraro Chimp Forest through Bwamba and Ruboni and Turaco.

Community Walks.

On the trial of the community walks, you will come across the locals at the foothills hence get to witness their cultural lifestyles and activities such as cultural dances, language practice and day to day  works. Visit to the Ruboni village home to the forefathers of the mountains of the moon. 

Following River Mubuku giving us an opportunity of scenic views of the land scape. 

Bird Watching

While on your birding experience you will watch a number of birds that the park has to offer and 17 being endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. And these include Rwenzori Turaco, Montane Masked, Collared Alpalises, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Rwenzori Batis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Long-eared Owl, Western Green Tinkerbird and the Olive Woodpecker.

Accommodation such as Midrange – Hotel Margherita, Budget Options Ruboni Community Bandas, Base Camp Guest House and Rwenzori Mountaineering Service Huts

Sample itineraries for Rwenzori Mountains

3 Day Rwenzori Trekking Expedition

7 Days Mountain Elgon National Park Trekking

10 Days Rwenzori Climbing Expedition

12 Day Rwenzori Trekking