Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazette in 1991 and named a World Heritage Site in 1994 and a Ramsar Site in 2008. The Rwenzori mountain found in Kasese district in western Uganda bisecting Uganda and Congo at the borders. The park has its highest peak called Margarita and boasts of one of the rarest vegetation having five different vegetation zones namely the grassland, montane forest, bamboo, Heather and afro-alpine moorland zone suitable to host 70 mammalian and 217 bird species. The park offers world class mountaineering although other activities are available at the park.
Activities done at the park
Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing is the major activity in Rwenzori national park. Mount Rwenzori has the third highest peak in Africa called Margarita and you would have to up a fight to go against the challenging hike to the top although other shorter less strenuous hikes can be arranged. But you still enjoy all the stunning views of the glacial lakes, lush green valleys that come with an aerial view following various trails that range from the central circuit and the Kilembe trails.
The Central circuit trail. This is the most grueling but shortest trail and provides the best views minus the crowds. It’s a 5-day hike starting from Mihunga.
The Kilembe trails. This is longer than the central circuit but you will still have the satisfaction of climbing. It’s a 7-day journey starting from Kilembe reaching the summit Margarita to be awed by the breathtaking snow-capped peaks.
Guided nature walks
You can take part in the thrilling nature guided walks by the local tour guides from Ruboni and Turaco communities outside the park. Follow the crystal clear waters of Mubuku River on a fine day to catch sight of beautiful birds and surely you will not miss the spectacular view of the snow-capped Margarita peak. There are numerous hiking trails availed to visitors including the Kilembe trail from where you can view the beautiful afro-alpine vegetation when on top of the 4627m Mount Luigi da Savoia, the Kazinga trail along the western side of the mountain where hikers can pass through the Rwenzori ridge and Nyakalengi. Following this trail will lead you to discover the scenic Lake Mahoma buried in the bamboo forest.
Cultural tours
You can choose to be part of this amazing activity where you visit the neighboring Bakonjo villages at the foothills of the mountain to experience some the African traditions. Enjoy entertaining performances by the locals, listen to folklore and you might even take a souvenir and Ruboni village where Ruboni means clear water encountering villagers carrying loads of crops and wood. You will also tour the Mubuku River which is full of rocks, crystal clear streams and clear views of colorful birds.
Bird watching
Rwenzori mountain because of its diversity in vegetation zones hosts some of the most spectacular rare bird species bearing a profusion of colors such as Robins, Sunbirds, Black eagles, Graver’s Cuckoo-Shrike, long eared owl, strip breast tit, handsome francolin, bamboo warblers, Rwenzori turaco, dwarf honey guide, oriole finch, red-faced warbler, crimson wings, dusky and Shelley’s, montane sooty boubou among others.
How to get to the park
You can choose to charter a flight from Kajjansi airstrip to Kasese airfield and then connect for a short distance to the park by road or travel by road using either public means or private via Kampala-Mbarara road which is 4-5-hour drive to Kasese.