Lying along the western border of Uganda and covering an area of over 995 sq kms, named “Mountains of the Moon” for its mist-shrouded, snow-capped peaks. The mountain range has six peaks, carrying permanent snow and glaciers and offering spectacular scenery. In the centre of the range is Africa’s third highest mountain, Mt. Margherita reaching a height of 5,109 meters.
Located in Western is a beautiful Rwenzori Mountains National Park, one of the 10 Uganda National Park. The park occupies an extensive area, about 1000sq.kms of land area and hosts the legendary Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Established in 1991, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is an excellent destination for keen hikers and climbers, although the higher slopes are demanding and require some mountaineering skills than for the first and second highest mountains of Africa (Kilimanjaro and Kenya). The best time of the year for hiking the Rwenzori Mountains is during the dry seasons from mid December to end of March and from June to mid August. Wildlife encountered in this park includes, elephant, genet, Vervet Monkey, Rwenzori Colobus, Chimpanzee and Duiker.
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern equatorial Africa located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While the Rwenzori Mountains are primarily associated with Uganda, they do extend into the DRC as well and are famous for their stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique flora and fauna.
At a height of 5,109 meters, the mountain stands as the height point of Uganda and Congo and then the third highest on the African continent after Kilimanjaro of Tanzania and Mount Kenya. Its upper regions are permanently snow-capped and glaciated and the rivers fed by the its streams form one of the sources of the Nile. Due to this, European explorers linked the ranges with the legendary Mountains of the Moon as it was claimed as the source of the Nile by Greek scholar – Ptolemy.
Park at a Glance
Size: 996km2
The park was gazetted in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and Ramsar site in 2008.
Highest point: 5,109m above sea level on Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak. Mt. Stanley is bisected by the border with the DR Congo.
The Rwenzori Mountain is not volcanic like East Africa’s other major mountains but is a block of rock upfaulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley.
The Rwenzoris were christened the “Mountains of the Moon” by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150.
The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map on 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”
The oldest recorded person to reach Margherita Peak was Ms Beryl Park aged 78 in 2010.
Importance of Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
Forests in the Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains, located in East Africa on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are known for their rich and diverse forests. These forests are an integral part of the unique ecosystem of the region, which includes both montane and afro-alpine vegetation zones. Here are some types of forests found in the Rwenzori Mountains:
Montane Forests: These forests are found at lower elevations of the Rwenzori Mountains, typically between 1,800 to 2,500 meters above sea level. They are characterized by a diverse array of tree species including hardwoods such as mahogany, red cedar, and olive. Montane forests are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of plant and animal species.
Bamboo Forests: Bamboo forests are common in the mid to upper elevations of the Rwenzori Mountains, typically between 2,500 to 3,500 meters above sea level. Bamboo species such as Yushania alpina are prevalent in these forests, providing habitat for various wildlife including primates like the endangered mountain gorillas.
Hagenia Forests: At higher elevations, above 3,500 meters, Hagenia forests dominate the landscape. These forests are characterized by the presence of Hagenia abyssinica, a large tree species endemic to the East African highlands. The Hagenia forests are often interspersed with giant lobelias and other afro-alpine plants.
Afro-Alpine Moorland: As you ascend further in elevation, the landscape transitions into afro-alpine moorland, characterized by tussock grasses, giant lobelias, and heathers. While not forests in the traditional sense, these moorlands are an important component of the Rwenzori Mountains ecosystem.
These forests in the Rwenzori Mountains are not only ecologically significant but also provide various ecosystem services including water regulation, carbon sequestration, and habitat for a multitude of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the region. However, they are also under threat from deforestation, climate change, and other human activities, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in the area.
Rwenzori Mountain Hike
The Rwenzori Central Circuit trail has several huts including Nyabitaba hut at 2652m, John Matte hut 3414m, Bujuku hut 3962m and at 4430m trekkers can sleep at Elena hut. Others include Guy Yeoman hut at 3261m, Kitandara hut and this is one of the places you will have a night when descending from the Margherita peaks.
The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.
Mountain Rwenzori is the third highest mountain in Africa, with Margherita ( 5,109m – 16,762 ft) as its highest peak. It is a permanently snowcapped peak covered in glaciers and it’s the only glaciated mountain in Uganda. Its slopes are covered with moorland, bamboo, rich moist montane forest on the lower slopes in mist thus “The Land of Mist”.
Mountain Rwenzori is found in the Western arm of the grate east African rift valley at the Uganda –Democratic Republic of Congo border. The Rwenzori ranges have spectacular scenic beauty harboring a variety of indigenous flora (plant species) and fauna animal species / primates).
Its flora is designed along the slopes according to the different levels of altitude along the mountain slopes, and it is such a great view / sight for the explorers, scientists ,as well as tourists. Its with no doubt, The Mountain of the Moon with its ranges, is a number one tourist destination in Uganda for mountain climbing, hiking, biking and so much more.
What to Pack
Looking to hiking the Rwenzori Mountains? Here is the necessary gear and equipment needed to enjoy your Rwenzori trek;
Backpack:
A comfortable and properly fitted backpack with padded straps and hip belt to carry your gear and supplies during the trek.
Sleeping bag:
A warm and lightweight sleeping bag suitable for the expected nighttime temperatures in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Sleeping pad or mattress: An insulated sleeping pad or mattress to provide cushioning and insulation from the ground while camping.
Trekking poles:
Adjustable trekking poles to provide stability, reduce strain on your joints, and assist with balance on uneven terrain.
Headlamp or flashlight:
Essential for navigating trails and campsites in low-light conditions or after dark.
Water purification system:
Water filter, purifier tablets, or UV sterilization device to treat water from natural sources and ensure safe drinking water during the trek.
Accommodation
For those looking to climbing the Rwenzori mountains, there are huts that have been developed to offer accommodation during the ascension to higher peaks. When planning a trek to the Rwenzoris, where you are to spend a night matters a lot. Interestingly, each trail has numerous huts for trekkers camp before they connect to the next stage and at the base or around the Rwenzori Mountains, there are a number of comfortable camps/hotels/lodges. Around Kasese and Fort Portal city, the available places to stay in include Hotel Margherita, Mihunga Safari Lodge, Equator Snow Lodge, Ruboni Community Camp and others.
There is a range of inns, guesthouses and camping sites in the area, and hotels are available in Kasese and Fort Portal for your stay before the Rwenzori trek.
The huts and rock shelters are available on the mountains for climbers. in the community at the base camp you will find community quality accommodation facilities which include Ruboni community camp at www.rubonicamp.com at the gate 26K from Kasese and 82 Km from Fort portal, Rwenzori Turaco view campsite, all on the foothills of the National Park.