Highlights
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the east side of the western (Albertine) African Rift Valley. It lies along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and borders the DRC’s Virunga National Park.
The national park was first established in 1991 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its outstanding natural beauty.
Almost 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles) in size, the park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and many waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. The park is known for its beautiful and diverse plant life and comprises most of the central and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains. Africa’s highest mountain range contains 6 glacial peaks, Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, Mount Gessi, Mount Emin Pasha, Mount Luigi da Savoia and Mount Baker; the main peaks can becompared to those of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The park has glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, and lakes and is one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain areas.
Known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ the Rwenzori Mountains National Park plays host to approximately 70 mammal and 217 bird species, including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
There is a huge diversity of ecosystems ranging from equatorial snow-covered peaks down to thelower slopes which 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 Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination and can be enjoyed by all depending on fitness and experience. 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 some of the lower peaks and foothills.