Rwenzori Mountains National Park is UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Site located at the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains. The Rwenzoris are home to Uganda’s highest point: Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mount Stanley. It is one of the most challenging and at the same time adventurous mountain ranges to trek in the World. The park is located in Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Kasese districts, covering a surface of 998 square kilometres. It is about 450 kilometres from Kampala city, about 7 hours’ drive depending.
The Rwenzori Mountains has the third highest peak in Africa with many waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and beautiful plant life. The word Rwenzori means “rain”, hence the good supply of rainfall and rich vegetation. Its plant life comprises bamboo woodlands, dense tropical rain-forest, montane cloud forests and high-altitude vegetation. These are in 5 attitudinal zones of vegetation; Afro montane vegetation zone, Bamboo zone, Heather zone, Moorland (Afro- Alpine) zone and Rocky glacier.
The park is mostly renowned for mountaineering, trekking, hiking and climbing. If you are looking for a very special mountain trekking experience, you will be pleasantly welcomed by their remote location, fluctuating weather conditions, diverse vegetation and viewpoints. Both high altitude and low altitude hikes can be arranged for, that take a duration of approximately 2-4 days and 4-12 days respectively.
The rich vegetation zones are home to 70 species of mammals, primates and 177 bird species. The animals include Rwenzori otters, leopards, elephants, chimpanzees among others. The dense forest makes it a bit difficult to catch sight of the animals. However, the primates (colobus and blue monkeys), smaller animals (such as antelopes and bushbucks) and reptiles (such as the three-horned chameleon) are easier to spot.
The Rwenzoris are an Important Birding Area (IBA) with a variety of birds such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Handsome Francolin among others. Tourists going for the high-altitude hike can catch sight of black eagles and endangered lammergeyers.