Rwenzori mountains National park is one of the mountainous parks in Uganda gazetted in 1991 by the government of Uganda to protect the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range, covering a total surface area of 996km2. It was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and Ramsar site in 2008. Rwenzori national park is known as “mountains of the moon “which lies in western Uganda in districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo along Congo border. The Highest point stands at 5,109m above sea level on Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak. Mt. Stanley is bisected by the border with the DR Congo. The park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and many waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. Unlike other mountains in East Africa that are volcanic, Mount Rwenzori is a block mountain formed as a result of faulting upfaulted through the floor of the Western Arm of the East African Rift Valley
Rwenzori mountain was named the “Mountains of the Moon” by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. It was explored by Sir. Henry Stanley who placed the Rwenzori on the map on 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”
Ms. Beryl park aged 78 years is said to be the last oldest person to reach the highest peak of the Rwenzori in 2010. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest.
The colorful mosses and tree heathers are draped across the sides of the mountain with giant lobelias and everlasting flowers creating spectacular views. Rwenzori Mountains national park is also a home to over 70 mammals and 217 recorded bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the rare lest vegetation in the world.
Rwenzori Mountains national park is one of the best hiking and mountaineering destinations in Africa. It will take you nine- to twelve-days to get to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks. For those who prefer something a little less tiring, they can go for nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine in the neighboring Bakonjo villages
Mt Rwenzori national park runs 2 circuits where hiking takes place that is; Kilembe circuit and Central circuit. Kilembe circuit is being managed by Kilembe trekking services starting from Nyamwabwa while central circuit is being managed by Rwenzori mountaineering services starting from Nyakarengijo. These are UWA concessions and companies remit fees to UWA. However, park entrance fees are paid directly to UWA. Both companies have professional guides who take you on this long hike to reach the highest peak Margherita. They provide cooks and porters to ensure you have a less tiresome and most convenient trek
Major tourism activities include the following;
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing
This is the main tourism activity that attract a number of tourists to visit Mt Rwenzori in National Park. It’s done on Kilembe circuit managed by Kilembe trekking services and Central circuit managed by Rwenzori mountaineering services.
Kilembe circuit takes you to 7 days to reach the peak and it done starting from Kilembe side. The Kilembe trail offers shorter and longer trails and which either way will lead you to dramatic healthier zones. Most causal hikers will consider a 3 day ascend to lake Kopello. However, keen mountaineers can continue up to Butagu valley from Mt Baker base camp to Mt Stanley base camp. This will involve along steady climb through montane and bamboo forest to a campsite in Kalalama (1,450m-3156m), then Kalalama to Mutinda(3156m-3810m),Mutinda to Lake Kopello(3810-4185),Lake Kopello to Mt Baker Base camp(4185m-4160m)which is full of up and down skirts of Mt Luigi da Sayoia to reach a campsite besides a tributary of the Butawu valley. Then Mt Baker base camp to Mount Baker(4160m-4842m). And on the last day, you will descend from Kopello or Miranda to Kilembe.
Central circuit. This is the main circuit which starts from Mubuku river to Nyabitaba Hut which is 2652m above the sea level. Then Nyabitaba hut through Bujuku valley to John Matte hut (3505m). Cross the famous Bigo Bog and the upper Bujuku Valley beneath the massive cliffs of Mt Baker to reach Bujuku Hut (3962m). Get on the rocky Groundsel Gully and steep slopes to Scott Elliot pass(4372m) through a U-shapped valley to Elena Hut (4541m) below the snowline of Mt Stanely. Trek through snow and ice to climb 5109m Margherita peak and start this journey before dawn before the routes are covered by mist. After, descend to Kitandara Gorge to the hut between the twin Kitandara lakes (4023m), climb fresh field pass (4282m) and descend to Guy yeoman Hut(3505m). Finally, you will descend down the cliffs of Karirupea completing the central circuit at Nyabitaba Hut.
Cultural hike or Village walk; Community guides will lead you on Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail for impressive views and to explore the rich Bakonzo culture. This will take you around 6 hours going up to Bakonzo cultural Museum which passes through the bat cave and crosses River.Kamusonge. A visit to their traditional healer who will explain to you how he uses the ancestral powers from the mountain to cure his people from diseases and other curses. Alternatively, you can consider to visit the neighboring villages of Ruboni and Mihunga where you will visit Ruboni community camp and view Rwenzori Turaco. The climax of this cultural walk is and entertainment performances of dance and drama by the Ruboni women groups. You can also visit their local crafts and buy some souvenirs.
Community hikes at Ruboni Hill;
Managed by Ruboni community members who will take you on a hike to Ruboni hill to enjoy the scenic views of River Mubuku as well as Baker and Portal peaks. The hill is 2300m above the sea level and will reward you with panoramic views of Mt Rwenzori and the glorious snowcapped Margherita peak. You will as well enjoy the cold breeze of the mountain together with roar of the boulder river Mubuku.
Birding.
Rwenzori National park is a home to over 217 recorded bird species living in montane forest with in the park. Some of the bird species include; Bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds and barbets Rwenzori Turaco and Long-eared Owl; while higher up on the slopes, Bearded Vultures, Swifts and Black Eagles may be seen circling for prey.
