Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park In Uganda
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the second tallest mountain in Africa after mountain Kilimanjaro. Also known as the Mountains of the Moon. It is Africa’s world-class hiking, mountaineering and trekking tour destination with some of the world’s rarest vegetation and the third highest point in Africa. This snow capped mountain is located along the border of Uganda bordered by Democratic Republic of Congo.
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 colourful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range.
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.
The Rwenzori Mountains also known as 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 Rwenzori Mountains reach heights up to 5,109 metres (16,762 ft). The highest Rwenzori peaks are permanently snow-capped. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Virunga National Park are located in the range.
Unique Attractions
- Wildlife (Various animal species)The park is also home to 18 species of mammals, 217 species of birds. 9 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians, Large mammals that include: elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bush buck, chimpanzee and leopard are present but rarely seen, however in the forest zone, droppings of elephants are frequently seen, while noisy chimpanzee, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys are common. In the Rwenzoris there are also some unique and rare animal species like the three horned chameleon, the Rwenzori colobus, Rwenzori Turaco and the Rwenzori double collared sunbird.The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also a cultural heritage for the neighboring communities. Eighteen charismatic sacred sites have been identified, mapped and protected as worship areas.
- Mount Rwenzori Mountain snow Peaks.
- Lake Bujuku
- Birds
- Mountain Rwenzori Vegetation.
- Mountains of the MoonMountain climbing is the most attractive activity on the legendary “Mountains of the Moon” that ties between altitudes 0° 06′ South and 0° 46′ North and longitudes 29° 47′ West and 30° 11′ East. Its diverse heavily snowcapped peaks are one of the few pristine and spectacular landscapes of the world The ranges are scenic with pristine and spectacular landscape that comprise of waterfalls, blue cirque lakes, snow clad peaks and stratified vegetation which is an attraction not only for visitors, but also creates potential for research as well as resources for the nearby communities.
Activities:
- Mountain Trekking
- Game Drive
- Cultural Walks
- Mountain Biking
- Birding
The unique landscape of the Rwenzori mountain range is outstanding, with still by far the biggest glaciers in Africa, incomparable beautiful, and of very different character to the high single standing volcanoes of Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya. The Congolese side, which are a lot drier, gives an easy and beautiful approach off the beaten track to reach the summit range.
Rwenzori Mountains is a free-standing, snow-covered, block mountain located with in Uganda, Congo and in Uganda its known as Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Packing for Rwenzori Mountains will be easy with this equipment list and packing tips. A comprehensive checklist will be send to you as soon as your hike is confirmed. You can also get a comprehensive packing list of what to bring when going for climbing Rwenzori Mountains .
Find there large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. Best Trekking Months. There are two distinct trekking seasons which constitute the best time to climb Rwenzori.
- They are January-March and June-October. January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit. These are considered to be the best times to climb in terms of weather, and correspondingly are the busiest months (high season). Our group climbs are scheduled to correspond with the dry season.