Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazette in 1991 and was recognized as a world heritage site in 1994. The park is home to 18 mammal species, 217 bird species, 9 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians. Large mammals include elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bush bucks, chimpanzees and rare leopard commonly found in the forest zone but rare to see. Mountain Rwenzori hiking is one of the unique adventure experiences in Africa that interests every adventure traveler visiting Africa, the wide variety of plant and wildlife species in the Rwenzori Mountains and the hike through the different vegetation zones creates the unique experience and lifetime memories. The plant life varies from heavy tropical rain forests, Bamboo forests, and montane forests to alpine vegetations creating breathtaking sceneries, the wildlife range from mammals, primates and reptiles which you will have a chance to see along your hike up to the Rwenzori mountain peaks.
The Rwenzori Mountains are said to have been formed three millions years ago. It is composed of a group of mountains commonly referred to as massifs; these are separated by deep gorges and valleys which have lakes in between and vegetations. The massifs include Mount Stanley (5,109 metres), Mount Speke (4,890 metres), Mount Baker (4,843 metres), Mount Emin (4,798 metres), Mount Gessi (4,715 metres) and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 metres). Rwenzori Mountains is about 120 Kilometers long and 60 Kilometers wide.
The reference to Mount Rwenzori as Mountains of the Moon came from Greek explorers trying to locate the source of the Nile. A merchant called Diogenes reported that the source of the Nile came from a group of mountains which the indigenes of the land called Mountains of the Moon because of their snow-capped whiteness. Unfortunately this snow-capped whiteness has been reducing and is likely to stop existing.
Where are Rwenzori Mountains located?
Rwenzori Mountains are located in Rwenzori Mountains National Park and this is tagged as “The Mystical Challenge” Africa’s highest mountain range, the 5,109m Rwenzori or mountains of the moon is the snowy source of the Nile referred to by early geographers. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in the western Uganda; it lies along the Uganda-Congo boarder protecting the highest parts of Rwenzori of 120km long and 65km wide. The national park is home to 70 mammals and 217 bird species including the 19 Albertine Rift endemic species. Apart from hiking mountain Rwenzori there is much more attractions to see and activities to do including the Bakonzo village walks, bird watching, sightseeing, nature walks where you will experience the local culture and day to day life of the Bakonzo.
How long does it take to hike to the highest peak of Rwenzori Mountains?
The highest peak of Rwenzori Mountains is Margherita peak at 5,109 meters above sea level; this is located on Mountain Stanley and it takes between 7 to 10 days to hike to this peak.
Rwenzori Mountains has various peaks where you have a chance to see its four mountains that is Magherita peak, Savoia, Great Tooth, and Elena peak to see the Mountain Stanley located on the left. In the middle is Mt. Speke and Mt Baker that can be seen at Weismann’s Peak.
How much does it cost to trek Mountain Rwenzori?
This will depend on your budget and number of days you plan to trek Mountain Rwenzori. We do have all inclusive and tailor made packages for trekking Mountain Rwenzori, the TEN DAY TREK that is the long trek to Mountain Rwenzori to four peaks, Margherita Peak, Mt Speke, Mt Baker plus Weismanns Peak on the way back, this costs $1,640 One or 2 persons, 3 or more persons $1,520 plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $35 per day which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain. The shorter trek to Mountain Rwenzori is a one day trek which is a forest walk along the Munyamubuli River for sightseeing, bird watching and learning about the tree species, this costs One or 2 persons $40 each, 3 or more persons $35 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $35 per day which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters and food (meals). For more packages on trekking Mountain Rwenzori contact us and we will book for you accordingly.
How to book Rwenzori trekking
Happy Lion Safaris will help you book for you the Rwenzori trekking safari, Contact us about your planned hiking to Rwenzori Mountain and we tailor a package that suits your budget, time and interest we will need you to send us your planned dates of travel so that we check availability of accommodation and all services after we will let you know to move to the next step of booking. Once you confirm you’re booking with us, we shall send you an invoice for payment so that we secure all the services for you trip in advance. We shall pay for hiking and entrance fees at the park headquarters for you to be allowed to go on the hike to one of best peaks of Rwenzori Mountains.
When to book a hiking expedition to Rwenzori Mountains
A Hiking expedition to Rwenzori Mountains can be booked any time throughout the year. Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is tough especially those climbing the main peaks like Margherita peak the highest peak of Rwenzori Mountain, apart from the steep sections and the bogs, at the lower levels of the glaciers these are becoming more hard as they are melting and changing faster than in the past probably due to climate change. But the guides are well trained and experienced in the use of ropes that will help you all through during the trek up and down the mountain.
Best time to visit Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountain can be visited throughout the year, given the fact this is located along the Equator which experiences wet and dry weather the mountain still has the ice glaciers on top making it one of the unique attractions along the Equator. located in the tropics and with this they all experience tropical and montane climate and weather throughout the year, both national Parks Bwindi Forest, Virunga, Volcanoes and Volcanoes national parks are prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week, good months to visit are dry season months which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August and September during these months it always easy to walk through the trails which are drier compared to the wet months then as well the vegetations is not fully grown and this makes sighting of gorillas easy and more clear. Other months which are slightly wet that is March, April, May, October and November most travelers avoid visiting gorillas during these months because the vegetation is fully grown and trails are much slippery making the trekking much harder.
When to book a hiking expedition to Rwenzori Mountains
A Hiking expedition to Rwenzori Mountains can be booked any time throughout the year. Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is tough especially those climbing the main peaks like Margherita peak the highest peak of Rwenzori Mountain, apart from the steep sections and the bogs, at the lower levels of the glaciers these are becoming more hard as they are melting and changing faster than in the past probably due to climate change. But the guides are well trained and experienced in the use of ropes that will help you all through during the trek up and down the mountain.