Through our Mount Rwenzori hiking tours, climbing Mount Rwenzori is drastically simplified. Famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori Mountains have the highest mountain ranges on the African continent. Standing at an elevation of 5109m above sea level, Margherita, which is the highest peak on the Rwenzori Mountains, makes it the 3rd highest mountain in Africa.
The mountain lies close to the Equator line, and three of its six peaks, namely Stanley, Baker, Speke, and Margherita, have permanent snow on top. In the year 1994, Rwenzori National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as being recognized for having the best hiking adventures by the Geographic World Organization. You can see some of our Mount Rwenzori climbing tours below.
Ultimate Guide for Climbing Rwenzori Mountain in Uganda
The local people around refer to it as “Ruwenzori,” a phrase which means the rainmaker; however, the British explorers referred to it as the Mountains of the Moon.
Differing from most of the other mountains in the region that were the result of faulting, Rwenzori Mountain was upwarping and downwarping of the western arm of the rift valley, leaving behind a block of mountain ranges known as the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
The national park was gazetted in 1991 mainly to conserve its unique ecosystem from the increasing populations around the Rwenzori region.
Mountain Rwenzori has an area size of about 996 sqkm, protecting a mountain range of 120 km in length and 50 km in height, running from Lake Albert to Lake Edward in the south along the Uganda Democratic Republic of Congo border.
The park is shared by the Ugandan districts of Kasese, Kabarole, Ntoroko, as well as Bundibudyo, and it is a source of water for all these districts, as all the rivers in these districts flow from the mountain ranges of Rwenzori.
Tourist Climbing the Rwenzori Mountain
The mountain boasts six peaks, with Margherita being the highest, standing at an elevation of 5109m.
The other remaining 5 peaks are; Stanley at 5083m, Mt. Speke at 4890m, Emin Pasha at 4791m, Gessi at 4715m, as well as Luigi da Savoia at 4627m above sea level.
There are about 20 different lakes in Rwenzori Mountain, which can be seen while on the hike to the summit, with Lake Mahoma being the most accessible one at 2651 meters above sea level.
The other lakes in Mountain Rwenzori National Park include Lake Bujuku in Bujuku river valley, Lake Kitandara, among others.
Just like all the other national parks in Uganda, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is under the management and supervision of The Uganda Wildlife Authority, a wildlife body that was put in place to conserve, monitor, and promote tourism in all Ugandan national parks.
There are varied vegetation covers on Rwenzori Mountain, including Tropical rainforests at 1800m above sea level, Bamboo at 2500m and beyond, heath and moorland is beyond 3000-4500m above sea level, as well as Snow on the topmost peaks.
The park boasts a big checklist of 70 mammal species, a number that you won't find in any other mountain across the region.
These include Elephants, Giant forest hogs, Bushbucks, Chimpanzees, Hyrax, Black and white Colobus monkeys, Forest duikers, among others.
There is also a big checklist of about 177 species of birds in Mountain Rwenzori National Park, with 19 of these being Albertine rift valley endemics.
Most of these birds are well spotted in the tropical rainforest zone, which is the first zone, and these include the Rwenzori Turraco, Lagden's Bush Shrike, Slender-billed Starling, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, among others.
Climbing Mount Rwenzori
Hikers nearing the Margherita Peak
A hiking trip to Rwenzori Mountain National Park is so rewarding, although it needs a lot of prior preparation before the hike because it is not easy.
The cold conditions in the Mountain are so challenging, even for some of the world's most experienced hikers.
When you climb through the central circuit known as the Nyakalengija Trail, it starts at the park gate at Mihunga gate, through Nyabitaba, which is the first camp, to Bujuku valley until you get sight of the glacial peaks, and this will take you about 7 days to reach the summit.
This involves spending nights in various camps with porters to help you carry the luggage.
The other trails are the Kilembe Mines trail near Kasese Town, which goes through Nyamwanba river valley and later on meets the central trail at Lake Kitandara.
The other trail as well is Kazingo Trail in Kabarole district.
However, for those not into hiking up to the summit, there are day hikes that go up to 3 days, where you will hike up to the lower camps on the foothills of the mountain.
It is always important to be prepared and aware of the super cold or wet conditions in Rwenzori National Park, as temperatures can go even below zero degrees.
Endeavor to carry a good sleeping bag, raincoat, waterproof pants, and plenty of snacks to eat while on your hike.
A very good waterproof jacket and jackets are also necessary because weather is very unpredictable in the mountain.
Please note that all this equipment can still be hired at a cost from around the park.
For one to climb Mountain Rwenzori to the summit, you should be fit enough and free from lung diseases.
It is advised to feed a lot on energy-giving foods, especially those rich in carbohydrates and fruits, whereas it's not recommended to eat a lot of fatty foods because they are hard to digest.
It is as well very important to note that the best hiking experiences are during the dry months of July-August, Mid-December to February when the trails are dry and less slippery.
The other heavy raining months make the trails soggy and slippery, and the temperatures up in the mountain go so low, hence making the hike less entertaining.
Bird Watching in Rwenzori
Birding in Rwenzori
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the best places to record a big number of the rift valley endemics, due to the varied mountain forest environment that has become a special habitat for these Uganda bird species.
There is a big checklist of about 177 species of birds in Mountain Rwenzori National Park, with 19 of these being Albertine rift valley endemics.
Most of these birds are well spotted in the tropical rainforest zone, which is the first zone, and these include the Rwenzori Turraco, Lagden's Bush Shrike, Long-eared Owl, Rwenzori Batis, Slender-billed Starling, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, among others.
Nature Walks in Rwenzori
Nature Walks in Rwenzori
There are several nature walks offered by communities adjacent to the national park, and these always trail on the river valleys of Mubuku River, with fantastic views of Bakers, Portal, and Margherita peaks on a clear sunny day.
Local Community Tours
The Bakonzo People
The Bakonjo people are the original natives of the Rwenzori region before it was declared a national park.
While in for this activity, they demonstrate to you their daily lives like farming, cooking local food, weaving baskets, as well as taking part in their dances and traditional performances.
There are the Bulemba Bulemba houses in the Rwenzori Mountains that are sheltering the remains of the historical kings of the Rwezururu Kingdom, the ruling kingdom of the Rwenzori region.
Some of the kings that were buried in those houses are the Late Mukirania Isiah Kibanzanga, one of the prominent leaders in the region who are remembered for their great fight in separating the Bakonjo tribe from Tooro Kingdom in Kabarole district.
Every year, on the 2nd of September, the Bakonjo people walk to these graves in remembrance of their great warrior.
Facts about Mount Rwenzori
The Rwenzori Mountains, the largest in Africa (120 km long / 65 km wide) with an altitude range of 1600m to 5109m above sea level, claim the title of the highest mountain in Uganda and third in Africa.
These mystical mountains are situated within Rwenzori Mountains National Park and have been tagged as “The Mystical Challenge.” Often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” they are the snowy source of the Nile, as noted by early geographers.
Unlike East Africa's other major mountains, the Rwenzori is not volcanic but rather a block of rock up-faulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley.
These fabled Mountains of the Moon lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border.
Their equatorial snow peaks, including the third highest point in Africa, are a breathtaking sight, while the lower slopes are adorned with moorland, bamboo, and lush montane forest. Giant tree heathers and colorful mosses drape across the mountainside, accompanied by towering lobelias and “everlasting flowers,” creating an enchanting and fairy-tale-like scene.
The enigmatic name “Rwenzori” derives from the local Bakonzo people's word “Rwenjura,” meaning “rainmaker.”
This name aptly characterizes the mountains, which are renowned for their consistently misty peaks and abundant rainfall.
The Rwenzori mountains hold this enigmatic title due to the constant mist that shrouds them, formed by the interplay of moist air, towering peaks, and generous rainfall.
These majestic mountains are a sight to behold, enveloped in perpetual mist that adds an air of mystery to their presence, lending an ethereal quality to the landscape and captivating all who gaze upon it.
This unique blend of mist and rain has not only shaped the mountains' physical features but also their cultural significance, solidifying the name “rainmaker” as a testament to their enduring allure and climatic influence.
At the pinnacle of the Rwenzori range stands Margherita Peak, affectionately named after Queen Margherita of Italy.
Rising to an impressive height of 5,109 meters (16,761 feet), this summit offers intrepid trekkers a challenging yet rewarding ascent, granting them panoramic vistas that span the vast landscapes below.
The journey to conquer Margherita Peak is an adventure filled with trials and triumphs, providing a glimpse into the raw beauty of the Rwenzori mountains.
The peak's regal namesake and its towering altitude combine to create an experience that etches itself into the memories of those who undertake the Rwenzori trekking quest.
The Rwenzori Mountains, situated just kilometers from the equator, harbor a remarkable secret—snow-capped summits.
Despite their tropical location, these mountains are adorned with snowfields, a phenomenon resulting from the intricate interplay between altitude and climate.
These snowfields, adorning the peaks like nature's jewels, cast a spell of enchantment over the landscape, making the Rwenzori trekking experience truly unique.
This blend of elements, with the equator's warmth and the snow's cold embrace, paints a picture that captures the heart of the Rwenzori's allure.
For adventure seekers and hikers alike, the Rwenzori Mountains offer an unparalleled trekking escapade.
The Rwenzori trekking paths wind through an array of landscapes, guiding trekkers on an expedition through veiled valleys, shimmering lakes, and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
The allure of the Rwenzori lies not only in its towering presence but also in the diversity of its terrain.
With every step, you immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience, where the heart of Rwenzori trekking beats to the rhythm of exploration and wonder.
The Rwenzori Mountains emerge as a biodiversity treasure, cradling a multitude of plant and animal species, many of them exclusive to this haven.
The mountain's varying altitudes create unique habitats, from lush rainforests to bamboo thickets and highland meadows.
The Rwenzori Mountains hold a special place in the hearts of the local Bakonzo people, as their culture and customs are intricately woven with the elements of these mountains, creating a deep connection. Explorers embarking on Rwenzori trekking journeys can engage with the Bakonzo community, unveiling a window into their daily existence.
This interaction offers a glimpse of life shaped by the mountains' embrace. As you trek through these peaks, you're not just navigating nature's grandeur; you're also traversing a rich tapestry of heritage.
The trails are pathways not only to scenic beauty but also to shared stories, where the mysterious Rwenzori mountain spirit dances in harmony with Bakonzo traditions.
Photographers are in for a delightful surprise while uncovering the Rwenzori Mountains.
The interplay of light and shadow on the uneven landscape, the vivid hues of rare blossoms, and the enchanting mist veiling the summits form a dynamic masterpiece that begs to be immortalized.
Each turn offers a fresh frame, where nature's beauty paints itself in myriad shades.
The camera captures not just moments but emotions, as the mountains' allure merges with the photographer's vision. With every snapshot, you're preserving not just a scene but an encounter with the soul of the Rwenzori.
Behold the scenic beauty of the snow-capped mountain Rwenzori, teeming with an abundance of wildlife—an explanation of heaven on Earth.
How to get there?
By road transport, there are 2 routes that lead you to Mountain Rwenzori National Park.
The first option is through Fort Portal in Kabarole district, which is about 375 km, a journey that is likely to take you about 7 hours of drive.
Although it takes longer, there is a lot to see on that road.
There is also a flight option offered by Aerolink flight services, whereby you take a charter flight for about 45 minutes from Entebbe to Kasese Nyakasanga Airstrip and drive about 40 minutes to the park gate.
Accommodation in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Little Elephants Camp, Kasese - Uganda
There are not so many accommodation options in or near Rwenzori Mountains National Park, however, the towns close like Kasese and Fort portal region, as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park, have got so many options for different travelers.
