Mt Rwenzori National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). This Park provides stunning views of glacier and snow-capped mountains just kilometres from the equator, where it is contiguous with the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Having the third highest mountain in Africa at 5,109 m (after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya), the Park includes a much larger alpine area than either, covering an area of 99,600 ha of which 70% lies at over 2,500 m in height. The Rwenzori Mountains are the highest and most permanent sources of the River Nile, and constitute a vital water catchment. Their multitude of fast flowing rivers, magnificent waterfalls and stratified vegetation make the property exceptionally scenic and beautiful.
The mountains are well-known for their unique alpine flora which includes many species endemic to the Albertine Rift in the higher altitude zones including giant heathers, groundsels and lobelias. The Park also supplies local communities with various wild resources and is an important cultural heritage.
Expert –Led Experiences
Forest Walks and Birding
The Forest Zone which occupies the lower contours of the National Park can be visited on the Day walk from Kilembe and Nyakalengija Trailhead. Conveniently, for birders, the birdlife is concentrated in this relatively accessible area. Species include the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori Night Jar, Archer’s robin – Chat and red throated alethe while the other local residents include the three horned Chameleon and the Rwenzori Columbus Monkey.
Peak Climbing
It is Possible to have a guided climb expedition to the peaks on Ruwenzori’s six Mountains with the most popular being the 5109m Magherita which is the highest on Mount Stanley and the Roof of Mountain Rwenzori. Although summiting to Stanley, Speke and Baker is a physical demanding activity which requires good weather, special equipment and Technical experience, age is not a Barrier however, the oldest to reach Magherita peak was Ms Beryl Park aged 78!
Hiking
Shorter Guided hikes are becoming so popular with trails to the lush superb scenery enlivened by equatorial snow and outlandish Vegetation. A hike from Kilembe mines reaches Mt. Luigi da Savoia which is 4627m above sea level, it offers afroalpline vegetation, patches of equatorial snow and weather permitting grandstand views towards Mount Stanley. Whilst, Guests can have a 2day hike to the scenic Lake Mahoma in the Bamboo forest yet the Kazingo Trail enables a day – long transverse of the North Rwenzori ridge between the Fort Portal Plateau and Budibugyo town in the Semiliki Valley on the West Side of the Mountain.
Mountain Trekking
There are three routes that ascend to the highest point of Rwenzori making the expedition to the summit possible in 9days while the shorter days can also lead to the scenic heights – all from the Kilembe Trail. Whilst the central circuit can reach mount Stanley in 7 days. Mountain trekking can be best climbed during drier months of January and June.