Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the east side of the western (Albertine) African rift valley. It lies along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and borders the DRC’s Virunga National Park. It is situated in the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Kasese districts,

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was established in 1991. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its outstanding natural beauty.

Almost 1,000 km2 (386 sq mi) in size, the park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and many waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. The park is known for its beautiful plant life.

The park comprises most of the centre and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains. The Rwenzori Mountain is the highest mountain range in the whole of Africa with Africa’s third highest mountain peak, 6 glacial peaks: Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, Mount Gessi, Mount Emin Pasha, Mount Luigi da Savoia as well as Mount Baker. The main peaks can be probably compared to those of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The park has glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, and lakes and is one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain areas.

The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation

The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.

The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.

Attractions around Rwenzori mountains National park

The nature and hiking walks in Rwenzori Mountains

This park also gives an opportunity for the nature walks in the central circult zone. These trails also include; trails to Lake Mahooma and Buraco chimp forest. The walks through the communities of Kichamba to arrive at the Karangura ridge and the hike to Bundibugo

• The park provides opportunity for nature walks within the central circuit zone. These include trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest; walks through the communities of Kichamba to reach the Karangura ridge; and hiking to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass.
• The communities of Turaco view and Ruboni will also offer a guided forest walk of high lengths outside the park. The visitors will also follow the river Mubuku as well as the sight views of baker and portal peaks as they hike up to over 2,300m above sea level. Just on a clear day, it’s also possible to view the snow-capped Margeherita peak which is a great spectacular sight. And along the way, you will keep your eyes to see the chameleons, sqirrels, vervet monkeys as well as birds.
• The Bwamba pass was also built in 1938 to make a link to fort portal with the remote town of Bundibugyo, the local people also followed the most direct route between these settlements which is 1,500m high over the steep north Rwenzori ridge, and this is known as the Bwamba Pass. The Abanya Rwenzori community group that leads the visitors over the mountain through the hidden mountain villages to visit the bamboo forest and also enjoy great rift views.

The Bulemba Ihandiro Cultural Trail.

This is a 6 to 7 hour trail movement through the holly valley and many other sites of great cultural significance to the Bakonzo tribe. The community guide will introduce you to the traditional healer, as he explains his powers, commonly known as “Muhima” as well as to the local black smith, who will reveal the spiritual significance of the traditional Bakonzo stool. The other skills to be enjoyed include; basket weaving and fire making as they are demonstrated along the route.

The trail will take you to Kamusonge River whose waters are also believed to be quick and sweet to reduce the thirst. There is also a break in a hut in order to enjoy the fantastic mountain views as well as shelter from the equatorial sun, before boarding the final hour long walk to the museum that is thatched in the traditional Konzo style. Just on the displays, there are the implements that are used during the Rwenzururu struggle, traditional dress and the items of historical and the cultural importance towards the people of the Rwenzoris.