Mountain Rwenzori National park is one of those fascinating places in Uganda that pulls in travelers effortlessly without noise. Very hard to dismiss. The park is home to the majestic Rwenzori mountain, also known as “mountains of the moon” the highest in the country. Its highest point is Margherita on Mount Stanley, rising up to 5,109 meters high, making it the third highest peak in Africa.
The park covers about 996 square kilometers forming a natural border between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
HISTORY.
For a long time, the Rwenzori Mountains have always drawn the attention of travelers across the globe. In 1888, Henry Morton Stanley became the first European explorer to spot and document the snowcapped peaks of Mountain Rwenzori. He then named the mountain “Rwenzori” from the local Bakonzo language to mean “rainmaker.” The area was first protected as a forest reserve in the 1930s, and later gazetted in 1991.
By 1994, due its unique abundance in biodiversity the park was already recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its peculiar natural beauty and rich biodiversity. As of today, the combined efforts of both local communities, park staff and the Ugandan government through the Uganda Wildlife Authority have seen several developments not only in the tourism sector of the country, but also in and around the tourism hub in the form of improved infrastructure and friendly rates.
WHERE IS MOUNTAIN RWENZORI LOCATED.
The tourism hub is situated in the western part of Uganda, not very far from the mighty Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kasese town acts as a pathway to the Rwenzori mountains. It also acts as a natural border for both Uganda and Congo. It is about 400 kms from Kampala to the destination. There are 6 main peaks that make up Rwenzori range, and these include Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi, and Mount Luigi di Savoia.
WHAT MAKES THE RWENZORI MOUNTAIN STAND OUT.
It’s how hikers can pass through multiple vegetation layers in a shortest period of time, and the natural blend of how quickly the landscapes change as climbers maneuver through that makes the whole Rwenzori area a unique one. Hikers can go from montane forest, to bamboo zone, heather zone, or afro alpine moorland in just no minute. The Rwenzori area is also home to abundant wildlife including over 200 bird species, buffaloes, impalas, bush bucks, and elephants, along with chimpanzees and other small primates.
The cultural encounters in surrounding communities around the mountain especially with the Bakonzo people are one of a kind, they connect with the mountain and see it as a natural endowment.
MOUNTAIN RWENZORI MAIN ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES.
Of course, there are so many thrilling activities while at Mountain Rwenzori apart from reaching Margherita, there are travelers who prefer less-demanding activities like community visits, scenic nature walks in the lower slopes of the mountain, are satisfying tourism activities every visitor can enjoy.
HOW TO CLIMB RWENZORI MOUNTAIN?
It takes about 7 to 9 days to reach the highest Margherita point using the central circuit scenic trail, the most used and popular hiking trail used by many hikers. Another popular hiking trail kicks off from the Nyakalengija village near Kasese. Trails nature may vary as some can be muddy or slippery especially at the lower part of the mountain that attracts more rains.
At just a small tip or incentive, porters are available to assist and make the whole experience an effortless one, they may help visitors in carrying their hiking gear, drinking water, or cooking tools. The staff tour guides are often praised for their professionalism, experience and their knowledge on hiking routes, easily knowing which one is more scenic and less challenging.
Reaching the Margherita Peak demands extra strength from the climbers, some can choose to stay at some satisfying points, but not so many make it to the peak. Climbers are therefore advised to first seek health guidance in case of any chronic diseases for a smooth hiking experience.
WHEN TO GO HIKE MT. RWENZORI?
Like many hiking spots, the best time for smooth hiking Mountain Rwenzori are the 2 drier seasons of the year. The short dry season from February to December is favorable when it comes to convenient and calm weather. Upper slopes attract less rain, easing the way for smooth climbing.
The long dry season from June to September is the most convenient window to visit and climb the mountains of the moon. The period comes with passable dry trails, and short vegetation for clear views. March to May and October and November is the wet season of the year. The months bring much rain making hiking routes very muddy and slippery, hence making the whole hiking experience a stressing one. The lush vegetation also covers most of the parts paving way for poor visibility.