The Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a Ugandan national park that was established in 1991 and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in south-western Uganda on the east side of the western African rift valley. Almost 1,000 km2 in size, the park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and many waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and beautiful plant life. It is situated in the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Kasese districts, 25 km from the small town of Kasese. It lies along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and borders the DRC’s Virunga National Park,
The park is 996 square kilometers in size, 120 kilometers long and 48 kilometers and Mount Stanley is located in the park with Margarita Peak, one of Mount Stanley’s twin summits, is Africa’s third highest peak with a height of 5,109 meters. Africa’s fourth and fifth highest peaks that is Mount Speke and Mount Baker are also located in the park.
The park has many species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift system, and there are several endangered species in the park. It has a high diversity of plants and trees, the park is noted for its botany, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world. There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude. The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species. The park’s wildlife varies with elevation, and its species include the forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, duiker, and Rwenzori turaco.
Tourist activity in Rwenzori mountain national park
There are lots of things to do in Rwenzori mountain National Park ranging from bird watching to Volcano Hiking, Rwenzori is such a place where you can engage in several adventure activities. Check out the full list of things to do in the park.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Follow the trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest, through the communities of Kichamba to the Karangura ridge, and to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass. The communities of Ruboni and Turaco View also offer guided forest walks of various lengths just outside the park
Mountain/Volcano Climbing
Keen climbers can choose between two scenic routes to the top of the Rwenzoris that is The Central Circuit Trail and Kilembe Trail -Africa’s third highest peak! The trails pass glacial lakes, gorgeous viewpoints, dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys.
Cultural Encounters
Walk with Bakonzo villagers through their homesteads in the foothills of the Rwenzoris as they demonstrate their daily activities, from tending to their animals and crops, to preparing meals with the freshest ingredients, you can as well meet the blacksmith, basket weavers, the traditional healers and well as the storytellers were you will also enjoy the beautiful dance performance that are followed by the lively drumming.
Birding Watching
Birding opportunities are greatest in the montane forest, Bee-eaters, robins, sun birds and barbets are some of the 217 species found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Other species to watch out for include the Rwenzori Turaco and Long-eared Owl, while higher up on the slopes, Bearded Vultures, Swifts and Black Eagles may be seen circling for prey.