Mt Rwenzori national park
Mt Rwenzori national park is located in south western Uganda, in the district of Kasese covering the area of over 995 square kilometres and it is named as mountains of the moon for its mist-, snow-capped peaks .mt Rwenzori national park is one of Uganda’s best parks because its snow -capped peaks. It was gazetted in 1991.it was designated as aunesco world heritage site in 1994. Mt Rwenzori national park has number of beautiful bird species it has over 217 bird species recorded in the park making it a birders haven also on a Uganda wildlife safari to mountain Rwenzori national park, one can encounter animals like elephants, antelopes, chimpanzee, three horned chameleons among others.
Attractions in mt Rwenzori national park
On a Uganda hiking tours to mt Rwenzori national park, there are a lot of attractions to sight in the park.
Birds;
Mt Rwenzori has rare bird species that attract tourists like famous Rwenzori turaco, long eared owl, Rwenzori batis, crimsonwingsblueheadedsunbird and more can be spotted during birding in mt Rwenzori national park.
The Rwenzori snow peaks;
Mt Rwenzori national park has 6 ranges, which are located a few miles north of equator, with the highest peak of mount Stanely or margherita at5109m, then Speke at 4890m, and baker at 4890m each containing snow and glaciers
Animals;
The park is a home of 70 mammals such as elephants, leopards, white colobus monkeys there are also unusual reptiles like the three horned chameleon that are not seen or found in any other national park in Uganda.
What to do in mountain Rwenzori national park
There is quite number of adventurous activities that can be done inside Rwenzori Mountain national park,
Mountain climbing
Mountain Rwenzori national park is a mountaineering and hiking destination where hiking is done everyday for 7days until you get to the peak of the mountain which is margherita which is believed to be third highest mountain in Africa at 5,109m, after Kilimanjaro and mountain Kenya.
Bird watching;
The fact that this park is within the Albertine rift, it has a conducive environment for the survival of different bird species and over 217 bird species are living in this area and some of these birds are long eared owl, Rwenzori batis and the white starred robin, among so many others which can be watched from montane forest.
Nature walks;
Mountain Rwenzori national park gives visitors an opportunity for guided nature walks especially in these trails like mahooma and buraco chimp forest which will take in the communities of karangura and then hike to bundibugo. while on this nature walk the tourist will also be able to see river mubuku and also see baker portal peaks as they hike see other mammals and primates like monkeys, the squirrels and many more.
Mountain hiking;
During the hiking tour to mountain Rwenzori National Park, you will follow the trails up to Lake Mahooma and buraro chimp forest through the communities of kichamba to karangura ridge and on clear day as you hike up to 2300m above the sea one can be able to even see the snow.
Community walks;
It involves visiting the local people who are the baknzo also known as the mountain keepers. these people were first inhabitants of the mountain and watch them do their things locally like cooking, basketweaving, making fire wood locally and others.
Exploring waterfalls and lakes;
The Rwenzori region is known for its beautiful waterfalls, lakes and rivers making it an attractive destination for those who appreciate water features. Like mahoma falls, lake Katandra, Rwenzori rivers and stream.
Camping
Immerse yourself in nature with camping where you can enjoy the park after light and relax your minds with camping where stories are being told may be about the park or anything else.
Best time to visit mountain Rwenzori national park
Mountain Rwenzori national park can be visited all year round though the best time to visit mountain Rwenzori national it is in these months, from June, august December and February and for those willing to do mountain climbing it can be done from June to august because in those months their seems to be less coldness for mountaineers.
Costs of climbing to mountain Rwenzori national park
The mountain hiking costs for trekking the along the central circuit tail includes park guides, porters, food and park entrance, accommodation inside the camps climbing equipment’s like crampons, ice axe, rubber boots and warmer gears, gloves, hiking shoes among others
What to pack or wear while going for mountain climbing;
Shoes carry enough pairs but with mid-weight and good ankle support.
Socks
Carry thick ones that prevent coldness
Binoculars
It enables one sight those beautiful birds and other things that are not clearly seen.
Insect repellent.
Pack your repellent to prevent so many insects’ bites during the trek.
How to get mountain Rwenzori National Park
By Road
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park can be reached by road which about 4-to-6-hour drive from Kampala via masaka Bushenyi then Kasese or Kampala Mubende fortprtal to Kasese.
By Air
Use chattered flights to Kasese airstrip then one can access the park by road from Kasese.
Where to sleep while in Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Ruboni community camp;
It is in the foothills of Rwenzori mountains close to the park gate. And it is owned and managed by bakonzo who have been there for over 300 years.
Geo lodge equator snow lodge
It is one of the famous accommodations in mountain Rwenzori which works closely with the Rubini community and offers out door activities like low endurance hikes to climbing peaks.
Hotel margherita
This hotel has 36 spacious rooms, comprising of executive suites, standard double and single rooms as well as family rooms and visitors can enjoy the view of the mountains in all angles.
Trekkers hostel kilembe.
Rwenzori trekkers is 12 kilometres from Kasese, kyanjuki village and it is famous known point, where trekking begins from and ends, and camping per head is $8including breakfast, dormitory is $ per head with breakfast, single room is $15 per head with breakfast, double rooms are $25 per person with breast fast. to mention but a few and good places where one has a peace of mind while in mountain Rwenzori national park.
