The Rwenzori mountain ranges boast of their outstanding beauty which combines the stunning peaks, valleys, lakes, glaciers with different floral, faunal species.
The Rwenzori Mountains are endowed with six mountain summits of Mount Speke at 4890m, Mount Stanley at 5109m, Luigi di Savoia at 4627m, Mount Baker at 4843m, Mount Gessi 4715m, and Emin 4798m.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park shelters the Rwenzori Mountains one of the major water catchment areas in Uganda. These together with 20 lakes make Rwenzori Mountains National Park is truly an exceptional Uganda safari destination.
The park sits on an elevation range of 1670-5109m and there are 6 magical mountain massifs to explore while on Uganda safari. They include Mount Speke at 4890m, Mt. Stanley 5109m, Mt. Luigi di Savoia 4627m, Emin 4798m, Baker 4843. 20 lakes also exist in the park, beautiful vegetation zones, and the outstanding peaks to conquer include Moebius 4925m, Alexandra 5044m, Albert 5101m, and Margherita peak 5109m.
Things to Do
The Rwenzori Mountains offer more than just mountain climbing! It offers memorable safari experiences not to be missed include guided nature walks/hiking, birding/bird watching, community visits/tours/cultural encounters.
Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is all about hiking to the top of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. The two trails or routes to consider for your hiking adventures include Kilembe and the central circuit trail. Mt. Rwenzori rises 5109m and when hiking, you pass via the heath forest, glacial lakes, valleys, lobelia, alpine plants.
Birding
Birding is one of the most exciting activities worth adding to your bucket list of experiences while on safari in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. There are 217 bird species to look out for while on a birding safari in the Rwenzori Mountains. This makes this 1000sq.km park is an important birding area and the significant bird species to expect to identify here include lagden’s bushshrike, barred long tailed cuckoo, flycatchers, blue-headed sunbird, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, handsome francolins, strange weaver, slender-billed starling, montane sooty boubou, archer’s robin chat.
Nature walks
Nature walks by far offer an in-depth of what Rwenzori Mountains National Park has to offer the world. This is the perfect opportunity for nature-loving travelers to experience Rwenzori National Park, indulge in the rewarding trails such as Buraro chimpanzee forest, Lake Mahoma trail, and also have a chance to interact with locals at the Kichwamba community.
What are the Most Popular Hikes in the Rwenzoris?
Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail
The 7 Days Rwenzori central circuit trail is the most popular trip. It is perfect for senior hikers or climbers. Altitude acclimatization is essential if you consider trekking through this trail. The trail leads you up to the snow-capped Margherita peak and along the way, there are many huts to spend a night before you get to Mt. Stanley. The huts include Nyabitaba hut 10kms away from Nyakalengija, John Matte hut to Bujuku hut 6kms, Elena hut 4kms from Bujuku hut. Guy Yeoman hut 8kms from Elena hut and this is preferable to spend a night while descending.
Kilembe Trail
Kilembe trail (southern trail)-this takes climbers from Kilembe through Nyamwamba, glacial lakes, and later join the central circuit trails at Lake Kitandara.
Mahoma Trail
Embark on a 3-day hike on one of the trails like the Mahoma trail to conquer the 3000m altitude.
This is one of the best options for trekkers/climbers to explore and experience the Rwenzori Mountains besides hiking to the Margherita peak 5109m.
When is the Best time to visit Rwenzori Mountain ranges-Uganda
The dry season is, without doubt, the best time if you plan to visit the Rwenzori Mountains for mountain climbing. This is experienced from June, July, to August and December, January, February when very low or no rains are experienced offering excellent hikes unlike the wetter months; March to May and November.
What to pack for Rwenzori Mountain safaris
The essential gear or items to include on your Rwenzori mountain hike include rain boots, climbing boots, rain jacket, insect repellent, camera, waterproof daypack, first aid kit, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof hat.
Places to stay-Accommodation at the Rwenzori Mountains
The available accommodation choices at the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese, and Fort Portal include;
- Hotel Margherita & Campsite
- Equator Snow Lodge
- Mihunga Safari Lodge
- Trekkers Hostels
- Ruboni Community Camp
Getting there
Getting to the Rwenzori Mountains is possible by road or by air; by road, drive along Kampala to Fort Portal route or Kampala to Masaka to Mbarara to Kasese to the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Depending on the route, the Uganda safari road trip to Rwenzori Mountain may take you from 6-7 hours of driving at the comfort of your 4×4 rental car in Uganda.