RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Rwenzori Mountains National Park also known as “Mountains of the moon” is UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda and consists of Africa’s third highest mountain peak. The park was generally established in 1991 and designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1994 because of its outstanding natural beauty. This park lies along Uganda’s border with DRC and DRC’s Virunga National Park and shares districts with Kabarole, Bundibugyo and Kasese. Furthermore, the park is noted for its botany which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world. As a matter of fact, there are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to the changes in altitude. Rwenzori Mountains National Park has got over 80 bird species, 15 butterfly species, 70 mammal species and 4 primate species. However, this mountain is not volcanic but was rather formed during the shift of the Rift Valley.
Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Cultural encounters
While here, you will experience the Bakozo culture through enjoying their dances, learn how to prepare their local meal, meet the blacksmith, basket weavers as well as listen to the storytellers. Here, the guide will also lead you to the rocky Mubuku River where you will follow this crystal-clear stream passing through villager’s farm crops and wood. The trail used also points out number of colorful native birds like Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, tiny sunbirds, Rwenzori turaco, etc.
Bird watching
The activity is so amazing here since the park has a very conducive environment for the survival of different birds thereby hosting over 200 of them. Some of the birds to spot here include; Ruwezori olive thrush, Rwenzori turaco, Rufous sparrow hawk, Rwenzori apalis, white-tailed crested flycatcher. Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Long-eared owl, Blue-headed sunbird, handsome francolin, etc.
Nature walks and hiking
The park has got different trails like Lake Mahooma and Buraco Chimp Forest and in both you are able to come across different attractions like birds and primates. The nature walk also leads you to the communities of Ruboni and Turaco view which provides guided forest walks of the various length outside the park. The route used can as well lead you to River Mubuku and great views of Mount Baker as you hike up to 2,300m above sea level. You can as well hike through the communities of Kichamhe to the Karangura ridge and also Bundibugyo area through bwamba pass.
Mountain climbing
Rwenzori mountain can be trekked with a local guide plus potters depending on the duration of your trip and the peaks you are interested in summiting on your mountaineering trip. The mountain offers a stunning view of nine of Uganda’s great lakes within its valleys endowed with floras and fauna along the changing vegetation on every climbing stage. A complete circuit trail to reach the peak generally takes 7 days and it offers some of the most multi day treks in Africa with the longest trek of 10 days trek via Kilembe trail 7 days to the central circuit.
Sections of Rwenzori Mountain National Park
The park consists of different sections and each with unique attractions and experiences and some of these include;
Bamboo zone
As the name suggests, this area is characterized by thick bamboo forests which provide a unique ecosystem for various species of birds, small mammals as well as insects.
Alpine zone
This area is generally characterized by the lack of trees and dominated by unique lobelias and groundsels which are adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of high altitudes. The zone also presents fantastic vistas of the snowy peaks and deep valleys of the Rwenzori range.
Montane forest zone
This lush, evergreen area is dominated by dense rainforests, filled with a wide variety of trees and plants including ferns and epiphytes. Wildlife here includes; primates such as blue monkeys and birds such as Rwenzori turaco.
Heather-Rapanea zone
The area is characterized by giant heather trees draped with moss, creating a stunning landscape. The Rwenzori three horned chameleon is one of the unique specie that can be spotted here.
Nival zone
The zone is characterized by snowfields, glaciers and bare rocks and it a home to the park’s highest peaks including Mount Stanley, Mount Speke and Mount Baker.
