RWENZORI Mountains National Park
The 120km Rwenzori chain is regarded to be the legendary snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, described by Ptolemy in AD150. Reaching an elevation of 5,109m, it is also Africa's tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The distinctive glacial peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers, who rate the Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of all African mountains.
Rwenzori mountains National Park is excellent for mountaineering and hiking. The park covers an area of 996 sq kms and contains 6 snow capped peaks, 3 with Glaciers If you like mountaineering, then the (5,119 m) high, snow covered Rwenzori Mountains - also known as the 'mountains of the moon' and protected as Rwenzori Mountains National Park which is also a World Heritage site - will offer you the unique experience you've been looking for. The mist-shrouded peaks provide stunning back drops to this magnificent mountain. Ever since the Rwenzori became known to the World, its features have been changing. Today, the most visible and probably preventable, A variety of large mammals inhabits the lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation. The trails lead through rainforest rattling with monkeys and birds, then tall bamboo forest, before emerging on the high-altitude moorland zone, a landscape of bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by black rock and white snow, looking for all the world like the set of a science fiction film.
Size: 998 sq km Location: On the Congo border close to Kasese.
How to get there:
By road there are two routes; from Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese or from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75 km South on the Fort Portal / Kasese road. The park is 25 km from Kasese town, then turning left inside to reach Ibanda and Nyakalengija, following the sign post on the Kasese Road. It can also be reached by air from Kampala/ Entebbe using chartered planes which are available from Entebbe /Kampala to Kasese and then by road.
What to do : A trip into the Rwenzori Mountains is a rewarding experience, which allows you to see the main peaks of the largest mountain range in Africa. The most common trial, the so called central circuit, starts at the National Park Head Quarter in Nyakalengija and lasts on average 7 days six nights, hut after hut, reaching at an altitude of up to 4.372 metres at Scott Elliot Pass. You experience five different vegetation zones, from the tropical and bamboo forests up to the alpine zones. The hike does not require any specific climbing experience or training, but it is easy to whoever likes mountaineering. It is possible to complete the trial by ascending the main peaks, like Margherita on Mount Stanley (5.109 m), Mount Speke (4.890 m.), Mount Luigi di Savoia (4.627 m.). The high peaks should be attempted only by experienced mountaineers.
The key to an enjoyable visit is 'be prepared!' and our excellent guides will be there to add flavor to your experience. The few who have climbed this mountain have promised to come back, if you are an excellent hiker, looking for a lifetime adventure, please make your reservation now.
When to visit: Any time, but the best advisable time is the dry season from December to February and from May to August.