Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, in the Rwenzori Mountains, spanning the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Kabarole.
The area was declared a national park in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It covers an area of about 1,000 square kilometers.
The park is governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which is responsible for all national parks in Uganda.
The park lies on the eastern side of the Western African Rift Valley, on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, adjacent to Virunga National Park.
The park encompasses the central and eastern parts of the Rwenzori Mountains, home to the third-highest peak in Africa, Margherita, alongside other stunning features like glaciers and snowfields.
The park comprises diverse wildlife, including over 200 bird species, 15 butterfly species, four primate species, and mammals like forest elephants and the Rwenzori duiker.
The major tourist attraction in the park is Mount Rwenzori, also known as Cloud Mountain due to its unique scenic peaks. It was named by Henry Morton Stanley.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park features various vegetation zones at different altitudes on the mountain slopes, such as moorland, bamboo, huge tree heathers, and montane forests.
Tourist Attractions in the Park
- Mammals: The park is home to over 70 mammal species inhabiting the thick forests, including elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, duikers, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the Rwenzori otter.
- Birds: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species in the forests. Bird species include the Rwenzori turaco, long-tailed cuckoo, long-eared owl, handsome francolin, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, blue-headed sunbird, golden-winged sunbird, flycatchers, and Archer’s robin-chat.
- Lakes: Rwenzori Mountains National Park has over 20 lakes, which can be seen while hiking on Mount Rwenzori. Some examples include Kitandara Lake, Lake Mahoma, and Lake Bujuku.
- Snow Peaks: Mount Rwenzori has six peaks covered by snow throughout the year. Tourists can hike up and view these peaks, which include Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Emin Pasha, and Mount Luigi da Savoia.
How to Access Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- By Road: The park can be accessed by road from Kampala or Entebbe, traveling to Kasese, where tourists connect to the park’s entry points at Nyakalengija Central Circuit or Kilembe Trail. The journey takes about 10 hours, covering a distance of 437 km.
- By Air: Tourists can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese Airstrip and then connect to the park by road.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, when there is little to no rainfall, making it easier for passage or hiking. The dry months are June to August and December to February.
Accommodation
- Ruboni Community Camp
- Equator Snow Lodges
- Hotel Margherita
- Rwenzori International Hotel
- Katara Lodge
- Tours Holiday Inn
- Mihunga Safari Lodge
- Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite
- Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
- Rwenzori Backpackers
- Sandton Hotel Kasese
What to Carry
- Hiking stick
- A map
- Refreshing water
- Hiking boots
- First aid kit
- Rain jacket
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long trousers
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Tourist Activities
- Bird-watching
- Nature walks
- Hiking
- Cultural encounters
Park Entry Fees
- USD 35 for foreign non-residents
- USD 25 for foreign residents
- UGX 15,000 for East African nationals
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a unique place where tourists can connect with nature, offering exceptional experiences and breathtaking views.
