Mountain Rwenzori National Park Derives its name from its main attraction, which is the great Mountain Rwenzori. It is also known as Rwanjura and the Mountains of the Moon. Parts of it are located in Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo and Kabarole district, along the border of Uganda and Democratic Republic Of Congo. Mountain Rwenzori National Park stretches upto Northern DRC and Central Africa. It sits on 996 square kilometers. The national park boasts the highest mountain in Uganda and third highest in East Africa. Mountain Rwenzori National Park is a premier destination for peak climbing and mountaineering, offering one of the most challenging yet most rewarding hiking experiences. It is a towering testament to the country’s natural wonders.
History
Mt. Rwenzori National Park was named by an American explorer called Sir Henry Murton Stanley. The highest peak which is 5109 metres above sea level was named after the Queen of Italy, Magherita. She sponsored the first climbing of the great Rwenzori, led by Prince Luigi Amadeo in 1901. This “heaven on earth” is snow capped throughout the year. The snow keeps on melting from the heat of the sun forming various rivers like the Nyamwamba, Nyamugasani, Mobuku and Mpanga. These rivers pour their water in Lake Victoria. Mt. Rwenzori is the most permanent and efficient source of the great River Nile. That makes the Greek scholar Ptolemy’s statement right. He is the one who named the mountains, “Mountains of the Moon.”
Peaks of Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Mountain Rwenzori National Park has six massifs separated by deep gorges, these are; Mount Stanley which has the highest peak, Magherita. Mount Speke, Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia, Mount Emin and lastly, Gessi. Mountain Rwenzori National Park was gazetted in 1991 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site In 1994. It was also recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2008. It was formed as a result of faulting where massive rocks burst upwards in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley.
The park has so far one of the richest and varying biodiversity. From equatorial forests, alpine meadows, bamboo woodlands to montane forests. Hence making Mt. Rwenzori is a habitat for different wild animals, a unique feel of the wilderness! As altitude increases, the landscape transforms into paradise. It showcases glacial lakes, unique flora like the Hagenia and Lobelia. It is also a birdwatching haven with about 217 species; the Queen Turaco, Rwenzori collared birds, strange weaver, kivu ground thrush, purple breasted sunbirds etc. Animals like forest elephants, bushbucks, Rwenzori otters, various monkey species among others also roam freely in this wilderness. In Mountain Rwenzori National Park, you can also find the rare three horned chameleon, it is only found in places of altitude not lower than 3000m above sea level.
Activities
The most popular activity that tourists take part in is trekking the summit. However trekking expeditions can range from one day hikes to multi-day to summit attempts. Moving with guides is a must!. Visitors immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and at the same time, testing their physical and mental limits. There are designated trails to follow. The central circuit which takes 7-9 Days starts at Nyakalengija. It offers a full Rwenzori experience. It is the most popular and established route, with huts to stay for overnight at every point of rest.
The Kilembe Trail takes 6-12 Days. It is the best alternative to the Central Circuit. It starts at Kilembe and offers better scenery compared to the latter. The Mahoma Trail takes 3-4 Days. It’s a short non-technical trail with no summit hike. The Bakurungu trail is the less traveled route great for wildlife spotting with lakes, waterfalls with great views of the peak. Lastly, the Weismann’s Peak Trail offers moderate trekking for summit views. It showcases a 360-degree view of Mount Stanley, Baker and Speke. Short but rewarding. Other activities can be nature walks, snake tracking, camping etc.
Communities around Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Mt. Rwenzori National Park holds a wealth of cultural, ecological and economic significance. The Bakonjo have long been the custodians of the surroundings of Mt Rwenzori. Their rich cultural heritage is worth diving in. From their day to day lifestyle to their cuisine and their historical background. Mt. Rwenzori has contributed heavily to the well-being of these people. They work as potters and support personnel to the tourists who come for hikes. These same tourists buy different things from the locals and hence sustainable tourism.
Mt. Rwenzori is located near the most visited national park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth, and a few kilometres away from the tourism city of Uganda, Fort Portal. A visit to these awesome destinations would be ideal too! Accomodation options in and around the park are too many to choose from. Properties range from budget, this has just the basic needs. Midrange properties offer you a relatively enhanced experience, while luxury satisfies you with high-end facilities and pampering.
Like we’ve seen, Mountain Rwenzori National Park is not a mere destination, but a unique gem of unexplainable beauty and abundant nature that you must not miss!
