Reasons to Visit Mount Rwenzori National Park
There are quite many reasons why you should visit Mount Rwenzori National Park. Given its snow-capped peaks yet it’s on the Equator makes Rwenzori mountains more magical like nowhere on Earth.
There are many snow-capped mountains over the world but nothing really matches the beauty that the surreal Rwenzori mountains can ever offer. So, here are top five (5) reasons why it should be on your bucket-list:-
The Rwenzori Mountains are a natural wonder
The Rwenzori mountains are one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Imagine a now-capped mountain on the equator, with an ocean of lush forest blanketed by dry savannah. Climbing to the peaks of the Rwenzori mountains is like walking from the Equator to the north pole in just 9 days, characterized by significant changes in flora and fauna. Due to its diverse ecosystem, this natural wonder was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.
Fascinating Wildlife
As if the scenery and captivating experiences are not enough, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to some of the most fascinating animals on the planet. It boasts of over 70 species of mammals including four species that are endemic to the park and three rare species. What’s even more captivating is because of its high altitude yet you will find chimpanzees, leopards, elephants and otters on its lower slopes.
It is in this park that you will find the famous three-horned chameleons.
Paradise for photographers
Visit Mount Rwenzori National Park to understand that it is a fantastic paradise for photographers as well as nature lovers. The park rewards visitors with spectacular sceneries, outstanding flora as well as stunning fauna. So, whether you are aiming at capturing the birds, wildlife, trees, unique plants or thrilling vistas, the Rwenzori Mountains have it all.
From the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, crater lakes to waterfalls, the mountains deliver scenic wonder for photography.
World-class climbing or hiking trails.
Feeling energetic and ready for some adrenaline-packed adventures? Then visit Mount Rwenzori National Park. There are many options for enthusiastic climbers to try. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a casual hiker, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park has you covered.
A number of hiking or climbing trails were designed in this park to cater for the needs for every climber or hiker. Some of these trails include the Rwenzori Central Circuit and the Kilembe Trekking route, for hikes to the peaks of the Rwenzori mountains.
All you need is to give yourself ample time to adjust to the changing altitudes, drink enough water and wear strong waterproof hiking boots. If a leisurely stroll or simpler hikes are more of your thing, how about hiking through the Bwamba Pass?
Extraordinary birding experience
Many attractions in Mount Rwenzori National Park will delight in every way but the birding experience here is extraordinarily magical. The different vegetation zones of the park shelter different species of birds that include the Slender-billed starling, Barred long-tailed Cuckoo, Lagden’s Bush shrike, Rwenzori batis, and Rwenzori Brown woodland warblers among others.
More about Mount Rwenzori National Park
Established in 1991, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is now a UNESCO world heritage site within western Uganda, extending for almost 1,000 square kilometers. The park was named after the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains lying on the Uganda – Democratic Republic of Congo border.
Rwenzori mountains National Park is characterized by varying vegetation zones across different altitudes. This changing altitude range is responsible for the rich diversity of the park, with over 70 species of mammals including 4 primate species. There are over 100 species of birds and extraordinary reptile species such as the three-horned chameleons that are only found in this park.
Sumptuous Safari Lodges in and around Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Comfort and luxury in and around Mount Rwenzori National Park is provided while staying at different accommodation facilities around Rwenzori mountains. These include the Equator Snow Lodge, Sandton Hotel Kasese and Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge.
How to get there
Rwenzori Mountains National Park in western Uganda is about 7 hours’ drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The park can be reached through both air and road transport. Flights are chartered from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese then a short drive to the park through tarmacked and murram roads. Visitors entirely using road transport use Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese-Rwenzori road.