Hiking Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda

Rwenzori Mountains is located in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Kasese District of Southwestern Uganda. It is the third highest mountain in Africa, rising up to more than 16700 feet above sea level and its highest peaks rise above the clouds, making them permanently snow-capped. Hiking Rwenzori Mountains is one the most adventurous Uganda tourist activities.

The mountain ranges include Mount Stanley-5109m, Mount Speke-4890, Mount Baker-4843, Mount Emin-4798, Mount Gessi-4715, Mount Luigidi Savoia-4627. The mountain ranges are higher compared to the Alps and they have glaciers that are one of the sources of River Nile the longest river in the world. Margherita Peak is the highest peak on the ranges and the third highest peak in Africa with its twin peak mount Stanley the 4^th and the 5^th peaks being mount Speke and Mount Baker are within the park. The mountain ranges were first brought to notice by the photographer, geographical researcher Alexandrine around AD150 who even baptized it the “mountain of the moon”.

Tourist Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park                                                     

1. Mountain Climbing.

Climbing Rwenzori Mountains is one of the most exhilarating and exciting experiences while on Uganda Safaris and tours. The scenery on the mountain is the most beautiful thing one can long to see. Mount Rwenzori is covered in different types of vegetation and climate. There is a farmland of crops for instance coffee on the foothills of the mountain, coffee is one of the major exports of Uganda. The beautiful land terrain and plant life of sub-montane vegetation covered by the tropical evergreen forest will definitely amaze you.

2. Bird Watching.

UNESCO named Rwenzori a key birding area, the place has got about 217 species of birds and 17 of them are so rare and can only be found in Rwenzori. These include Rwenzori Batis, white starred Robin, Rwenzori Turaco, long eared owl, montane, sooty Boubou, slender billed starling, fly catchers, cinnamon- chested, bee-eater and many others.

3. Nature Walks.

Climbing Rwenzori Mountains provides an opportunity for nature walks within the central circuit, you will be able to do trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro Chimpanzee Forest, a guided community walk will lead you to places like Kichwamba, Karagura ridge and later you may do a hike to Bundibugyo through Bwamba pass that was formerly the only connecting link of Fort Portal and Bundibugyo before the road was built.

4. Cultural Experience.

While on the hikes at the foothills of the mountain you will get an opportunity to meet the locals performing their cultural dances and they will take you through drumming lessons and a lot more of their culture especially in Ruboni village.

5. Lounging On the Foothills

You would want to rest in a cool environment after tiring day. There are quite number of scenic lodging facilities around mountains of the moon and at night you may get an opportunity to hang around bon fire as you listen to the tales of the mountains.

Where to Stay In Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Tourists looking to take park in hiking the famous Rwenzori Mountains can stay at a number of accommodation facilities which among others include; Hotel Margherita located at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, Rwenzori International Hotel, Katara Lodge, Tropical Guest House among other facilities.

The best way of taking part in climbing the Rwenzori Mountains is through booking with a reliable Uganda tour company. African Pearl Safaris for example offers a 6 day Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari that takes tourists to fully explore the famous snow-capped mountains.