Your Gateway to the Wild of Africa

Rwenzori Mts National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5,1OO metres. Here are the legendary 'Mountains of the Moon', a World Heritage Site - and these incomparable, beautiful, mist-shrouded peaks provide a unique backdrop to one of our most magnificent national parks.


In the centre of the range, which boasts Africa's third highest mountain, some of the peaks carry permanent snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forest. Walking trails on the lower slopes do not call for mountaineering experience, although the higher 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 provide challenges that match those in the Alps.These fabled mist-covered "Mountains of the Moon," 120 km in length and 48 km in width, were formed from a block which was thrust up during the creation of the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley. At the centre of the range, there are six peaks carrying permanent snow, three with glaciers.The highest of these peaks, and the third highest peak in Africa, is Mt. Margherita rising 5100 metre above sea level.


The Rwenzori Mountains were gazetted as a National Park in 1991. The Park covers 996 km2 of rugged mountain terrain. Whether they are experienced climbers or casual day-hikers, Rwenzori Mountain National Park offers visitors a unique experience of an Afro-Montane rainforest.
The main attraction is the luxuriant vegetation found above 3000 m which includes the giant forms of Lobelia, Heather and Groundsel. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also home to the hyrax, blue monkey, chimpanzee, giant forest hog and many unique bird species such as the Rwenzori touraco, the handsome francolin and the olive pigeon.



The best time for mountaineering is during the dry seasons from mid-December to the end of March and from June through mid-August.
By Road: From Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese, then continue 18km to Ibanda. Also from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75km on the Fort Portal/Kasese road south. The Park is 25 km from Kasese. Take a left turn 4 km after leaving Kasese on the Kasese-Fort Portal road.

Air: From Kampala to Kasese and then by road.

Accommodation
Hotels in Kasese and Fort Portal

See the Kabarole Tourism Association for a range of Inns, Guesthouses and camping sites in this district. Support the local Community Tourism Development Projects and stay in one of the local guesthouses. These provide an interesting insight to local life and at the same time help the community benefit from the resources that surround them.

Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association runs the Kamugha Guest House, 12 kms from Fort Portal in the foothills of the mountains. The Guest House caters for tourists interested in native communities, culture and customs both of the Batoro of the lowlands and the Bakonzho of the mountains.

Rwenzori View Guest House is in Fort Portal with spectacular views of the Rwenzoris. Huts and rock shelters are available on the mountains for climbers. There is also a hostel just near the park headquarters.

Rwenzori Mountaineering Services provides guides and porters to climbers. Climbers in the park stay in a series of simple bandas along the main route. Remember to bring very warm, waterproof clothing as well as a good sleeping bag.

Elephant, Genet, Chimpanzee, Golden Cat, Forest Hog, Rock Hyrax, Sitatunga, Mongoose, Duiker, Vervet, Monkey, Rwenzori Colobus.