The Rwenzori (also known as the Ruwenzori, Rwenzururu or Rwenjura) are a range of mountains in eastern equatorial Africa, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The highest peak of the Ruwenzori reaches 5,109 metres and the range's upper regions are permanently snow-capped and glaciated. Rivers fed by mountain streams form one of the sources of the Nile. Because of this, European explorers linked the Ruwenzori with the legendary Mountains of the Moon, claimed by the Greek scholar Ptolemy as the source of the Nile. Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo and Rwenzori Mountains National Park in southwestern Uganda are located within the range.
Short in history, The mountain in the early times, was called ''Rwenjura'' a local word meaning rain maker. The locals believed that the Mountain was the source of rain due to the melting of snow on the mountain peak that formed water.
The Ruwenzori are known for their vegetation, ranging from tropical rainforest through alpine meadows to snow. The range supports its own species and varieties of giant groundsel and giant lobelia and even has a 6-metre tall heather covered in moss that lives on one of its peaks. Most of the range is now a World Heritage Site for its unique flora and fauna, and is covered jointly by Rwenzori Mountains National Park in southwestern Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the eastern Congo. Mount Rwenzori plays a significant role in the tourism of Uganda, attracting nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is a popular destination as detailed below;
Mountaineering and trekking; This mountain, is a famous destination for mountaineering and trekking, it offers various trekking trails like the kilembe trail which is a luxury route to Margherita peak.
The park is home to Margherita peak which is the highest point in Uganda and third in Africa.
Trekking routes cater to different skill levels, from less technical hikes on shorter peaks to challenging ascents to the summit.
Biodiversity and nature; The mountains are a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a wide array of plant and animal species, including endemic bird species.
The park's diverse vegetation zones, ranging from dense rainforests to high altitude moorland ,provide habitat to various species.
Birding, nature walk and wildlife sightings.
Cultural significance; The culture of the local people around the Rwenzori mountains which showcase the region's traditions and way of life.
How to reach there ? To reach Mount Rwenzori from Kampala the capital of Uganda, you have main options. The road trip via fort portal about 300 km is shorter, while the route via Kasese is about 350km and this Kasese route includes a stop over at the equator. Or, you can also consider a charter flight from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi air strip to Kasese.