Things to do and see in Rwenzori Mountains

The Ruwenzori, also spelled Rwenzori and Rwenjura, are a range of mountains in eastern equatorial Africa, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The highest peak of the Ruwenzori reaches 5,109 metres, which is found on Stanley and is permanently snow-capped and glaciated as witnessed by various climbers that have undertaken climbing adventures.

Looking for a best destination to spend your holidays and free times chill your worries since the Republic of Uganda has got you covered with Rwenzori mountains national park.

Rwenzori Mountains are located in the southwestern direction, the national park encompasses the highest mountain of Uganda and the third highest African mountain after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Besides the snow capped mountain, the national park also hosts other attractions including streams, glaciers, rivers, beautiful and unique vegetation, lakes and various wildlife species.

Things to See in Rwenzoris

1. Variety of bird species

The fact that Rwenzori mountains national park is located within the Albertine rift, it has an amazing environment for the survival of different bird species. The park protects over 220 different bird species that are found in different vegetation zones.

Among these birds include the Rwenzori turaco, white-tailed crested flycatcher, Rwenzori Olive thrush, red-throated Alethe, mountain chat, Rufous sparrow hawk, olive breasted mountain Greenbul, barred long tailed cuckoo, the long eared owl, archers’ robin chats, francolin, the chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, long eared owl, cinnamon-chested bee-eater and many others.

2. Unique and beautiful vegetation

Rwenzori Mountains national park also known as the Mountains of the moon, is characterized by amazing montane forests that provides a breathless environment to the visitors for a while. The vegetation of the park ranges from tropical rain forests which are characterized by dense stands. The higher altitude zone is covered by Afro-alpine moorland and the flora in this area tends to grow larger. Among the flora include; the groundsels and lobelia plant species like the giant heathers, Senecio advnivalis, Senecio longeligulatus and others.

3. Wildlife species

Rwenzori mountains national park is a home to over 70 mammal species including the elephants, Rwenzori Otter, duikers, bushbucks, leopards, giant forest hog and many others. Besides the mammals, the park also hosts several primate species such as the blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, Angola colobus monkeys and others.

4. Lakes

Rwenzori mountains national park boasts 20 lakes with Lake Mahoma as the most accessible. Other lakes include Lake Bajuku that lies in the valley of Mt Stanley, Baker and Speke. Check out on the lakes

5. The snow capped peaks

The Rwenzori Mountains contain six other mountains with permanent snows and glaciers. Among these mountains include Mount Stanley which is the highest with 5,109 meters, Mount Speke with 4,890 meters, Mount Baker with 4,843 meters and others. Reaching these snow peaks involves hiking through different trails of the park including the Central Circuit trail and Kilembe trail.

6. Bakonjo people

Living along the hills of mountain Rwenzori, Bakonjo people believe that the mountain belongs to them thus jealously protecting it from any attackers. During your visit at the park, you will be entertained by these locals through their cultural dances, songs, poems, stories and many other ways.

Things to Do

1. Mountain Hiking

Rwenzori Mountaineering is the key Safari Activity enjoyed by travelers that visit Rwenzori Mountain national Park as it hosts the Africa’s third highest peak, Margherita on Mount Stanley, Mountain hiking is the most popular activity done at Mountain Rwenzori national park.

The mountain consist six massifs ranging at different altitudes and among these include; Mount Stanley (5,109 metres), Mount Baker (4,890 meters), , Mount Emin (4,798 meters), Mount Gessi (4,715 meters) and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 meters). During the process of hiking to these peaks, hikers use different trailing routes to reach the Margherita summit including the Rwenzori Central circuit trail, Bukurungu Trail  and Kilembe trail.

2. Bird watching

Rwenzori Mountains hosts  over 217 bird species, and is one of the best destinations for bird lovers. The park is a home to several colorful birds including the migratory and residential species. Among these include the Rwenzori turaco, white-tailed crested flycatcher, Rwenzori Olive thrush, red-throated Alethe, mountain chat, Rufous sparrow hawk, olive breasted mountain Greenbul, barred long tailed cuckoo, the long eared owl, archers’ robin chats, francolin, the chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, long eared owl, cinnamon-chested bee-eater and many others.

3. Wildlife viewing

Rwenzori ranges are a home to over 70 mammal species including the elephants, Rwenzori otters, leopards, and others. Also, the park houses various primates like the black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, blue monkeys and others.