Mount Rwenzori National Park is located in the western part of Uganda at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Park is famous for having the highest mountain in Uganda and the second-highest Mountain in East Africa. Are you looking for the best place to do your Uganda hiking adventure? Look no further, Mount Rwenzori National Park is the best place to be for hiking.
Mount Rwenzori is known for having an all-year-round snow-capped peak known as Margherita. Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains allows travelers to discover some of the hidden treasures of Uganda. They enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas, glaciers, waterfalls, montane vegetation, birds, wildlife, and rivers. It is believed that Mount Rwenzori is the actual source of the River Nile since many of the tributaries of the river have their source from the Mountain.
What to see in Mount Rwenzori National Park
Top tourist Attractions
Planning any African safari can be somewhat challenging, especially for first-time travelers. Uganda in particular has many safari destinations having unique tourist attractions. Pulling one destination out of a pool is quite nagging. However, with the right advice, your Uganda safari can be an easy venture to plan. Below is a list of top tourist attractions in Mount Rwenzori National Park.
Mount Rwenzori
Do you ever dream of being on top of the world? The Rwenzori Mountains also known as the Mountains of the Moon give travelers a chance to step on the highest point in Uganda also known as Uganda’s rooftop. Taking on a 9-day Mount Rwenzori hiking adventure is turning moments into memories.
The snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and rivers make Mount Rwenzori a perfect safari destination in Uganda and the world at large. The mountains have different types of vegetation and each vegetation harbors unique wildlife and butterfly species. The mountain is contiguous with the Virunga Mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some of the rivers flow to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the world’s longest river – the River Nile.
Birds in Mount Rwenzori National Park
Rwenzori National Park is the best birding destination in Uganda. The park harbors several bird species some of which are endemic to the area. Birding tours in the Rwenzori mountains will introduce you to some of the birds of African Rift Valley ancestry.
Here are some of the birds that can be seen in the park; the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Slender-billed Starling, to mention but a few. With the help of an experienced bird guide, spotting birds in Rwenzori National Park is an easy venture.
The Nyamwamba Valley
The Nyamwamba Valley was named after River Nyamwamba which flows from the Rwenzori Mountains supplying waters to areas of the Kasese district. The river draws its waters from the melting glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains pouring its waters to Lake George and the Albertine Rift Valley.
The River is a strong source of water for the local communities and supports economic activities like irrigation around the Mubuku irrigation scheme. Following the Nyamwamba Valley during your hiking adventure you will come close to the melting glaciers. On some days, the river is completely dry until glaciers melt on sunny days and the river flows with large quantities of water. The Nyamwamba Valley is stunning with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes, providing a serene and scenic setting for nature walks and photography.
River Mubuku
River Mubuku is one of the best tourist attractions in Mount Rwenzori National Park. The river cuts across the park and is famous for water activities like white water rafting and kayaking.
Lake Mahoma and the Mahoma Waterfalls
Lake Mahoma is surrounded by lush green vegetation making it a beautiful area for photography and relaxation. At the waterfalls, travelers enjoy a serene experience alongside scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Rwenzori Cultures
The people around the Rwenzori Mountain National Park offer a great experience. the Bakonjo people are one of the shortest people in the world. Taking on a community tour will allow you to interact with these groups of people and have an enthralling adventure. You will also visit the coffee plantations and taste real African coffee right from the source.
Things to do in Mount Rwenzori National Park
Quite several activities can be done in Mount Rwenzori National Park during your Uganda safari. These include among others but are not limited to the following;
Mountain climbing and Hiking
Taking on a trip to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park gives you a chance to hike the glaciers and rugged terrain of Uganda’s highest Mountain. Mountain climbing in Rwenzori is somewhat challenging compared to destinations like Mt. Elgon. It therefore requires some degree of physical fitness. With the help of professional hiking guides, you will make it to the mountain’s highest peak and take a picture of your dream. Mountain hiking in Rwenzori National Park comes with scenic views of the melting glaciers, Rivers, waterfalls, and the surrounding areas.
Camping
If you are looking for the best place to go camping in the middle of nowhere, look no further. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers the best camping sites in Uganda. You will set your camping tent at any of the huts in the Rwenzori Mountains and enjoy the serenity of the night breeze on the highest elevation of Uganda.
Where to stay while on Mount. Rwenzori National Park Safari
Accommodation in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is mainly camping as the park’s main activity is hiking. Following different trails, you will spend a night in a different hut or camping area while you do mountain climbing. Some of the huts in Mount Rwenzori include;
Nyabitaba Hut
Located at an elevation of 2,651 meters, Nyabitaba Hut is the first overnight stop for hikers on the popular Central Circuit route. It offers basic accommodation with dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities.
John Matte Hut
Situated at an altitude of 3,414 meters, John Matte Hut is the next overnight stop on the Central Circuit. It provides accommodation similar to Nyabitaba Hut, allowing hikers to rest and acclimatize before continuing their journey.
Bujuku Hut
Positioned at an elevation of 3,962 meters, Bujuku Hut is a key stopping point on the Central Circuit. It offers more rugged accommodation, with bunk beds and limited facilities, but rewards visitors with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Elena Hut
Located at 4,540 meters, Elena Hut serves as a base camp for those attempting to summit Margherita Peak, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains. It provides basic accommodation and serves as a starting point for the final ascent.
Kitandara Huts
Situated at an altitude of 4,023 meters, the Kitandara Huts are a popular overnight stop on both the Central Circuit and the Kilembe Trail. These huts offer simple accommodation, with bunk beds and shared facilities, amidst the picturesque Kitandara Lakes.
Guy Yeoman Hut
Positioned at 3,261 meters, Guy Yeoman Hut is located on the Kilembe Trail. It provides basic accommodation and serves as a resting point for hikers continuing their journey towards the summits or descending back to the trailhead.
Butawu Hut
Located at an elevation of 2,300 meters, Butawu Hut is situated on the Kilembe Trail and provides overnight accommodation for hikers exploring the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Kabonga Hut
Found at an altitude of 3,474 meters, Kabonga Hut is another resting point on the Kilembe Trail. It offers basic accommodation for hikers on their way to higher elevations or descending from the peaks.
