RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
OVERVIEW
Rwenzori National Park is located in the Rwenzori Mountains. Rwenzori National Park is a national park in Uganda. Situated in southwest Uganda, the park is well-known for its Margherita summit, Africa's third-highest summit.
In southwestern Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1991, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and designated a Ramsar site in 2008.
Additionally, the park offers fantastic chances to witness nature at its best. Its vegetation ranges from high-altitude vegetation to lush tropical rain forests, bamboo woodlands, and montane cloud forests, and its décor is appropriately exceptional. The snow and glaciers above 4,500 meters add a unique touch to the breath-taking views of this pristine mountain range.
Mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and climbing trips or safaris, with or without summiting the Margherita, are the park's most well-known activities.
Everything you need to know about the stunning Mountains of the Moon, how to get there, when to visit, trekking routes and trails (Kilembe, Central Circuit, or Bukurungu), attractions,
Rwenzori Mountain peaks, lodges and hotels inside and outside the park, recommended Rwenzori trekking tour operators, and what to pack and wear is included in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Guide. (Equipment for Rwenzori mountaineering).
Accessing Rwenzori Mountains National Park:
From Kampala/Entebbe, the best routes to Rwenzori Mountains National Park are by road and air.
How can I travel to the National Park of the Rwenzori Mountains?
Road transport or plane travel are two ways to get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. You won't have to spend many hours travelling to the park, as is the case with road transport, thanks to the fastest and most convenient option, which usually entails a direct charter aircraft from Kampala/Entebbe to Kasese airfield in 90 to 120 minutes.
BY ROAD: go to Kasese from Kampala
Depending on the route, it takes between four to six hours to drive from Kampala to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The road is reasonably well-maintained and tarmacked. In Uganda, fuel is never an issue, and all car rentals come with clear maps.
There are two routes from Kampala to Kasese that go to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The shortest route begins in Kampala and travels 300 km in a 4x4 through Mubende to Fort portal, whereas the longest route starts in Kampala and travels 350 km via Masaka, Mbarara, Bushenyi, and Kasese.
To experience the differences between the northern and southern hemispheres, the second route to Kasese offers an incredible stopover near the Equator.
How to Travel to Rwenzori Mountains National Park via Air
From Entebbe International Airport, a scheduled chartered flight can be arranged to Kasese Airstrip. From there, it's a 40-minute drive to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
There are two timetables for chartered flights to Kasese airstrip: the first one leaves at 7:00 am, and the second one leaves at 12:00 pm.
Keep in mind that: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is another location from which to reach the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. From Kigali, Rwanda, it takes a 4x4 drive to Gisenyi. From Gisenyi, it continues to Beni, from whence it takes another 13 km to Mutwanga, the starting point for all Rwenzori Mountain climbs.
HIKE TO MARGHERITA PEAK IN RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK SUSPENDED
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) declared on May 14, 2024, that trekking to Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park would be temporarily suspended. Following a thorough evaluation by the team in response to reports of a crevasse forming in the Margherita glacier, this decision was made as a precaution.
The possibility of erecting a permanent ladder in a key location on the Margherita glacier's right side to improve hiking safety is still being investigated. Hikers will be able to reach Margherita Peak more safely via this alternate path.
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: HIKE TO MARGHERITA PEAK SUSPENDED
On May 14, 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) announced a temporary halt on trekking to Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This decision was taken as a precaution after the team conducted a thorough assessment in response to reports of a crevasse emerging in the Margherita glacier.
To increase hiking safety, the option of installing a permanent ladder in a strategic spot on the right side of the Margherita glacier is still being researched. This alternative route will allow hikers to get to Margherita Peak in a safer manner.
We advise tourists to visit other stunning peaks in Rwenzori Mountains National Park in the interim. Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range are noteworthy substitutes. In the middle of the park's spectacular scenery, these paths provide unique experiences and breath-taking vistas.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority places a high priority on everyone's safety and wellbeing. They are dedicated to making sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time while visiting Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and they will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates on the state of hiking activities to Margherita Peak as events develop.
The ideal time to visit and explore Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
What time of year is ideal for visiting, climbing, hiking, and trekking in the national park of the Rwenzori Mountains?
The ideal time to visit, climb, hike and trek the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is explained in this guide.
From June to August and December to February.
The best times to visit, climb, walk or trek in Rwenzori Mountains National Park are from June to August and December to February; however, you can go at any time of year. The optimum months for mountaineers to try ascending to Margherita Peak on Mount Rwenzori are June through August.
The dry months of mid-June through August would seem like the best times to visit the Rwenzori Mountains. Although it is a season when the mountains may receive less rainfall, mountaineers who are keen to see Mountain Rwenzori at its best have a brief window of opportunity.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park receives more visitors during the dry months than during the misty, colder months of March through May and September through November. But in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, where climbers and trekkers can take advantage of the pleasant weather, it is extremely chilly during this time of year.
Following the chilly months of September through November, December through February often sees mild to warm days and chilly nights. Mountaineers who want to see the Rwenzori Mountains at their best have the opportunity to do so within the limited time that they can walk or climb in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Climbers are most active during the dry months of December, January, and February, when many more climbers are attempting to reach the Margherita.
Reasons to Visit Rwenzori in March, May, and September with November
However, due to the Rwenzori Mountains' muddy pathways, dangerous rocks, and excessive rainfall, the cold months of March through May and September through November are typically considered low seasons. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is relatively deserted and tranquil during these months, making it an ideal destination for lone climbers who wish to ascend the Rwenzori Mountains on their own, at their own pace and convenience.
The Central Circuit: Roads and trails in Rwenzori
Both seasoned and novice hikers frequently utilise the central circuit trail, which is the oldest and most historic, to reach the summit of Margherita Peak. Following the 1000-meter tropical valleys and gorges, this amazing trek gives breath taking views as it crosses the granite summit of Mount Stanley and passes through the five vegetation zones of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
In contrast to the marshy path following John Maate camp, the Central Circuit Trail is the quickest and most straightforward way to reach Margherita Peak. It passes across both the lower and upper Bigo Bogs.
The Kilembe Path.
The Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS) owns and operates the Kilembe Trail, sometimes referred to as the southern circuit. Although this trail was first found by Professor Scott Elliott in 1895, it was only recently made accessible to tourists following the construction of new cabins within the National Park.
The Kilembe track provides the best climbing experience of the stunning peaks, lakes, and glaciers, as well as the flora and fauna. It is the longest route and enables ample time for acclimatisation.
The professionalism, high-quality gear and safety precautions, and the recently installed cosy shelters along the trail have earned this trail amazing praise. The hike to Margherita Peak, which is comparable to the Bukurungu wilderness camping track, takes seven to eight days.
The Bukurungu Trail: Routes and Trails in Rwenzori
Following the main routes of Kilembe and the Central Circuit was the Bukurungu trail. The trail is perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors because it passes by mountain rivers, waterfalls, and verdant surroundings while offering breath taking views of four lovely lakes (Mughuli, Bukurungu, Bujuku, and Irene).
Similar to Kilembe, this trail requires eight days of trekking to complete, with Margherita Peak being a must-see destination.
In contrast to the Central Circuit and Kilembe paths, the Bukurungu route is an open camping area that is administered and maintained by Bujuku Eco Tours under the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. It does not have shelters.
With combined expertise ascending Mount Rwenzori, Rwenzori Mountains National Park introduces Rwenzori Mountain Trekking Safaris. Climbing the ranges is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, particularly for tourists hoping to reach the magnificent Margherita peak on their trekking journey. The park provides numerous chances for nature pathways within the park to ensure a successful and pleasurable climb of the Ruwenzori.
The Rwenzori Mountains are around 65 km wide and 120 km long. It consists of six summits, including Mount Stanley at 5,109m, Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Baker at 4,843m, Mount Emin at 4,798m, Mount Gessi at 4,715m, and Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4,627m, which are separated by deep valleys. Margherita is the highest summit on Mount Stanley, with several smaller peaks.
An excellent place to do trekking and mountaineering is the Rwenzori Mountains. Both skilled and novice hikers can finish the journey to the summit and out of the park in 7–12 days.
However, for shorter and easier hikes, there are the 28km Mahoma Nature Trail, which takes two to three days, as well as nature excursions through Bakonzo Village, farmhouse visits, cultural performances, and other traditional activities.
In summary, a permission is not needed to enter the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, but reservations must be made in advance with reputable Ugandan tour companies. As part of a package tour that includes renting a car, a driver, and a guide, we can now tailor your safari based on the number of days and extra activities.
Finally, the rains can come earlier or last longer than usual because they are erratic. Just as it is possible for rain to fall during the dry season, dry weather can also occur during the wet season.