Mount Rwenzori national park is found in the western parts of Uganda lying on the East side of the western Albertine rift valley on Uganda’s Border with Democratic Republic of Congo. The park covers over 996 sq.km on a large section of Rwenzori Mountains on a high altitude of about 5110meters high. The park stretches to Kabarole, Bundibujo and Kasese districts which are located in the Rwenzori region.
Mount Rwenzori national park harbors over 70 mammals including the chimpanzee, duiker, leopard, Rwenzori otter, hyrax bushbucks Angola black and white colobus monkey, and the L’Hoests monkey among others. Due to the dense vegetation cover of the forest, many creatures like the Three-Horned Chameleon may not be easily seen.
Mount Rwenzori is Africa’s third highest mountain standing at 16700 feet above sea level as recognized by a renown researcher and photographer Alexandrian. The beautiful snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountain are such a wonder for hikers that visit this region. The peaks include; Margherita, Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, Speke, Emin Pasha, Mount Luigi da Scovia.
Mount Rwenzori National Park is one of the best travel destinations in Africa with unique flora, like the Bamboo and Moorland plus the huge tree heathers and a rich moist montane forest. It was established in 1991 to preserve the exceptional ecological system that was under threat due to the growing human pressure.
Things to Do and See at Mount Rwenzori National Park
Hiking
Mount Rwenzori has several peaks most of which are snowcapped that you would not want to miss on hiking to the highest points of these amazing landscapes. Camping sites/huts have been established on these peaks for you to rest and spend a night since you may not travel back the same day. The most exciting moment is a hike to mount Margherita which is the highest of all mountain peaks.
Nature walks
The nature walks will take you through Kilembe and the Central circuit, you will also go through Buraro Chip forest, and the local communities, river Mubuku and the beautiful snowcapped peaks. You will also meet the amazing wildlife of the park.
Birding
Mount Rwenzori national park is some of the amazing bird species in the country like the Handsome francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Robin’s sunbirds and barbets, the black eagles, white starred robin, Rwenzori Batis, bearded vulture.
Cultural encounter
The Rwenzori region is dominated by the Bakonjo and Bakonzo Bamba tribes with different cultural values and beliefs but similar in some manner. The daily lives of these local people is an interesting experience as you watch the women and children carrying Jerry cans on their foreheads. The trails through these villages will lead you to places like the traditional thatched Konzo Museum. You will also visit the traditional healer to learn how they use herbs to cure some diseases, basket weaving and fire making will also leave you excited.
