Rwenzori Mountain National Park – “The mystical Challenge”

The fabled ‘ Mountain of the moon’ lie in western Uganda along the Congolese boarder.

Conservation Importance: A World Heritage Site whose vegetation cover ranges from tropical rainforest through alpine meadows to snow. The range supports its own species and varieties of Giant groundsel and Giant lobelia. Six small mammals are Albertine Rift-valley endemic including Rwenzori Otter Shrew and Rwenzori Red Duiker. The mountain supports 19 endemic bird species including the Rwenzori Turaco, and the Blue-headed sunbird. Endemic reptile includes the great Lakes Bush Viper and the Strange Horned Chameleon.

Specie diversity: 217 bird and 77 mammal species have been recorded in the Rwenzori’s.

Tourist attraction: Unlike other national parks in Uganda that offer excellent viewing opportunities, Rwenzori is better known for its spectacular sceneries and unique plant life. Mountain climbing is the major activity with trekking along the Rwenzori Central Trail Circuit taking up to 7 days.

Size and accessibility: Gazetted in 1991, covering an area of 995km². The six mountain ranges of the Rwenzori include, Mt. Stanley (5,109m), Mt. Speke (4,890m), Mt. Baker (4,843m), Mt. Emin (4,798m), Mt. Gessi (4,715m) and Mt. Luigi di Savoi (4,627m) separated by deep gorges. Mt. Stanley is the largest with Margherita (5,109m) as the highest peak. Highest Rwenzoris are permanently snow-caped. No roads within the park, the Rwenzoris can only be explored by foot along established trails.

Elevation: 1700m to 5109m atop, margherita peak on Mount Stanley.

Timing: January- February and July – August.