Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a national Park located in south-western part of Uganda on the east side of the western (Albertine) African rift valley. This National Park lies along border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Rwenzori National Park is situated in the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Kasese districts, 25 km (16 mi) from the small city of Kasese. Spanning about 996 square kilometres (385 sq mi) in size, this National Park is less popular on Uganda Wildlife Safari itineraries but rather popular on Mountain Climbing and hiking safaris in Uganda. 70 percent of this National Park exceeds an altitude of 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) as it host the Rwenzori Mountains, the highest Mountain range in Africa and third third-highest point on the continent.

It covers mostly the centre and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains, a mountain range rising above dry plains located just north of the equator. Rwenzori Mountains are higher than the Alps and are one of the only few places along the equator where you can see snow, especially at its highest point.  Margherita Peak, one of Mount Stanley’s twin summits, is Africa’s third-highest peak with a height of 5,109 metres (16,762 ft).

Biodiversity in The Park

Although this National Park is mostly popular for its mountains “Renzori Mountains” it also boasts some incredible wildlife species that visitors can witness during their Uganda Safaris. The park has many species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift system,  some of the commonly sighted wildlife species here include; the forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, Angola colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Ruwenzori duiker, and Rwenzori turaco among others.

The park is noted for its botany, thanks to the high diversity of plants and trees, including some of the most beautiful in the world. There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude. There are also about 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

 

rwenzori mountains national park Margherita peak

Walking tours on the lower slops do not call for mountaineering experience, although the high you go the fitter you need to be. Excellent walking routes including the Bujuku circuit, are provided through wonderful and unique scenery.

For those who want to attempt a climb, several peaks can provide challenges that match those in the Alps.

ACCESS

By road: From Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese then continue to Ibanda. Also from Kampala through Fort portal and then 75km on the Fort portal kasese road south.

ACCOMMODATION

  • Hotels in Kasese and Fort portal
  • Huts and rock shelters are available on the mountains for climbers.