One of Uganda’s alluring destinations and arguably Africa’s most beautiful alpine region, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, nestled in the south western region of Uganda covering the districts of Kasese, Kabarole and Bundibugyo offers amazing mountaineering, hiking, birding and safari opportunities with visitors treated to stunning views from the top of any of the 6 distinct mountains that make up the Rwenzori ranges also commonly referred to as “Mountains of the moon”, as named by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. These are; Stanley, Speke,
Baker, Emin, Gessi and Saviola with Mt Stanley’s 5,109m Margherita peak the third highest point in Africa. Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers one of Africa’s greatest mountaineering adventures with a chance to ascend snow peaks and walk on equatorial glaciers that represent the highest and most intriguing source of the Nile. The largely unspoiled Rwenzori is a rhythmic euphony of colorful mosses, extremely rare giant Senecio and Lobelia, dense tropical rain and moist montane forests, bamboo woodland and the permanently snow-capped high altitude ranges with glorious peaks and an astounding horizon that encapsulates the entire Albertine Rift Valle and its many attractions; from the snaky, hippo-littered Kazinga Channel as it links the giant Lake Edward to Lake George, or the expansive Queen Elizabeth that is home to Africa’s most exquisite and diverse wildlife range to as far as the impenetrable forests of the Bwindi firmly set against a backdrop of the Virunga ranges. It is indeed a sight to
behold. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1994 for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance, Mt Rwenzori National Park harbors within its dense vegetation a unique variety of mammals including elephants, hyrax bushbucks, duikers, chimpanzees, Rwenzori otters, and primates including the rare L’Hoest’s and Angola black and white colobus monkeys. This, in addition to the Rwenzori Forest zone sheltering over 220 bird species, 17 of which are endemic Albertine Rift species such as the Long-eared owl, Rwenzori Turaco, White-starred robin and so
many more.
With over 20 lakes scattered across its vast peaks and valleys, Mt Rwenzori National Park probably fronts the breathtaking Lake Bujuku, situated at the apex of the glacier-formed Bujuku Valley which sprawls from beneath the shadows of the towering summits of Mounts Stanley, Baker and Speke.
Unlike most traditional national parks, Mt Rwenzori National Parks stands heads and shoulders above the rest in cultural richness by offering the hair-raising, fascinating Bulemba Bulemba houses; revered historical and spiritual sites located within the park and said to be final resting places for the first king of the Rwenzururu Kingdom and other great leaders like the largely prominent Isaiah Mukirania Kibanzanga who has attained godlike status among traditional Bakonzo communities, having fought to save them from oppression by the neighboring Batooro of the famed Tooro Kingdom during the reign of monarchies across the land. Such is their profound significance that an annual feast dedicated in honor of the leaders whose bones decorate the venerated sites is celebrated and attended religiously by all and sundry. Yet this is only a tip of the iceberg that is a complex tapestry of rich cultural heritage expeditions through the many ethnic tribes within and around the Rwenzori region including Bakonjo and Bamba communities and their deep-rooted beliefs in the mighty god ‘Kitasamba’ who dwells within the Rwenzori Mountains.

Whatever trail you choose to follow when you dare come face to face with the mysteries of the Rwenzori, from the Kilembe hiking trail, a daring ascent navigating through Nyamwamba valley via stunning glacial lakes and joining the Central Circuit Trail at Lake Kitandara to the latter trail’s week-long trek from Mihunga through the enchanting Bujuku Valley enroute to jaw-dropping views atop any of the Rwenzori’s 6 peaks, or the refreshing nature walk through Buraro chimp forest, Karangura ridge and via River Mobuku, a visit to this paradise will not leave you the same.
It is a paradise to which access must be attained through valiant displays of resilience, physical endurance and emotional alertness in a daring faceoff between man and nature at both its most testing and yet also most rewarding and undoubtedly, most beautiful.

Visit Rwenzori National Park today!