The Rwenzori Mountains would be the perfect destination for hiking and birding as its home to a wealth of primates and 177 birds including those endemic to the Albertine region. The mountains have 6 main massifs with the highest being mountain Stanley with the highest peaks being Margherita at 5109 m and Alexander at 5083 m high. The park boosts of five different vegetation types like Grassland at 1,000m to 200m, Montane forests at 2,000m to 2,500m, Bamboo Zone at 2,500 to 3,000m, Heather Zone at 3,000m to 4,000m, Afro-Alpine Zone at 4,000m to the peaks
PREPARATION TO HIKE
Those planning to hike the ranges need to prepare adequately. One will be required to carry layered warm clothing as it gets colder towards the top. Be sure to carry hiking boots, waterproof jackets and trousers to protect against insect bites and coldness. Some tour operators offer full board meals while some do not so you need to confirm with your operator before the hike. One should also carry sweets and chocolates for an extra energy boost. People with health complications like heart diseases and breathing complications should not do the hike and do other light activities within the park as there is variety to offer. One should also carry some painkillers to help with the fatigue and headaches that come with the hike. The hike to the highest peak may take between one and two weeks but it is indeed worth it.
HOW TO GET THERE
The park is located in the western region of Uganda bordering DR Congo and can be accessed both by road and by air from Kampala. The park can be accessed by road using the Kampala-Fort Portal road through Mubende or Kampala-Mbarara to Kasese road and it takes between 4-6 hours. The park can be accessed by air using a charter flight from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe airport to Kasese.
WHAT TO DO THERE
- Mountain climbing
Rwenzori Mountain range rewards hikers with the most thrilling adventure and while on a hike, you come across distinct vegetation zones, glaciers and not to forget magical views over its peaks and surrounding areas. Hiking to the peak of this mountain requires one to be physically fit.
- Trekking
As well, you can also take a 7 day trek around the central tourism circuit and a 5 day trek on the Kilembe route to southern parts of the park. The Rwenzori Mountains offer excellent opportunities for mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts. The mountains present a significant challenge due to their steep slopes, dense vegetation, and unpredictable weather. The most popular routes for climbers are; the Rwenzori central circuit, which takes around 8-12 days to complete and then the Kilembe route that takes 7 to 10 days to reach the summit.
Rwenzori mountains comprises of several massifs that provide an excellent mountaineering experience and among these include; Mount Stanley or Ngaliema at 5,109m, Mount Speke at 4,890m, Mount Baker at 4,843, Mount Emin at 4,798 m, Mount Gessi at 4,715 m and then Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4,627 m.
- Nature walks
If you can’t make it up to the Margherita peak, there is a better option for you too and that is nothing other than nature walks. While you take a nature walk, you have a chance to sight a variety of plant species, meet the Bakonzo communities for you to learn more about their cultures and traditions.
- Birding
With 177 bird species that are confined within this park, birders are never left out. Mount Rwenzori National Park boasts of its diverse bird species including the barred long tailed cuckoo, long eared owl, Rwenzori Turaco, slender billed starling, Lagden’s bush shrike, blue headed sunbird, barbets, golden winged sunbird, greenbul, handsome francolin, strange weaver, crimson wings, flycatchers, cinnamon chested bee-eaters and many more.
- Cultural encounter
A safari to Mount Rwenzori National Park does not go without a visit to a nearby local community to experience the African cultures. A cultural tour in the park gets you a chance to learn more about the cultural lifestyles of bakonzo and what they do each day. You get to learn more about drumming and the unique dances among others. You can also head off to Ruboni village to explore more about their lifestyles and other interesting things.
