The illustrious Mountains of the moon is known to provide a hospitable climate and fascinating green lush vegetation overflowing with the soothing experience devoid of deafening city disturbances. This park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo next to the Virunga national park. Rwenzori’s proximity to Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Bwindi, and Semuliki makes it easier to connect to these parks after a fun time at Rwenzori national park.
Rwenzori has the highest mountain range in the whole of Africa with the third highest peak and 6 glacial peaks. The scenery of the mountain has a pristine landscape covered in different types of vegetation; the montane forest zone, bamboo, tree heath-bog, Hagenia Rapanea scrub, and the afro-alpine moorland. The park is home to 70 mammals like the Elephants, Buffalo, Golden cat, Servaline genet, chimpanzees, etc. This is the only park in Uganda where the Angola colobus monkeys have been identified.
The park is home to over 217 birds; 17 of the 24 Albertine rift endemics and 59 of the 88 afro- tropical highlands biome. On your birding adventure, make it a point to stop at the 3 saline crater lakes at Kyambura wildlife reserve with innumerable flamingos. The Kyambura gorge formed by the violent waters of the impressive river Kyambura is also home to bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds, barbets, the long-bearded owl, robin-chats and many others. Higher hikers get the chance to sight the bearded vulture, beautiful francolin, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori Nightjars, Rwenzori double collared sunbird swifts, black eagles and the stunning scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird found at higher altitudes.
For hikers, the park provides a world-class hiking experience of about 9-12 days for those skills to get to the summit of Margherita. Trained guides will take you on the 3-day Buhoma trail home to various species like the giant heathers, lobelias, groundsels, possibly elephants, and chimpanzees. Don’t miss the 7-8-hour northern pass mini-hike via the Semiliki valley a perfect scenery of tropical jungles habitats to various birds and animals. As soon as you get to the peak, relish in the sight of the dreamlike snowcapped peaks, magical vegetation, vast farmlands, Virunga ranges, beautiful lakes, and the rivers. The mountaineering services organize short overnight hikes where visitors are offered accommodations in huts. Astoundingly the Park also avails its guests with guides, cooks, and porters to carry their property around.
For inexpert climbers, there is an option of hiking on the mountain slopes, the forest, nature walks, drives, and fishing on some of the streams along the mountain foot. Enjoy the guided walks along river Mobuku trail through the community of Ruhoni, Turaco view until you get to the fascinating barker and portal peaks. During the guided forest walks, make sure to look out for the unusual three-horned Rwenzori chameleons found only in Uganda and Congo. Guests get to enjoy an extraordinary bush experience, they are taught about the wonders of species like the squirrels, Vervet monkeys, and various birds. As you trail to Lake Muhooma through Buraro chimp forest lookout for some chimpanzees.
Visitors have the opportunity to go visit the village of Ruboni the home of the Bakonzo people. What makes an adventure to this community an extraordinary experience is a fact that to date, these people practice the unique culture of their ancestors. Along the famous Bulemba-Ihandiro cultural trail, guides will give educative insights on the interesting lifestyle and history of the Bakonzo. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the traditional healers, local blacksmiths, and traditional museums. Later on, guests get to partake in cultural activities like basket weaving, cooking cultural foods, and even participate in the cultural dances. Every 2nd of September, the Bakonzo gathers to make a pilgrimage to remember their king Isaiah Kibanzanga. The day is filled with festivity, sacred rites, sacrifices, and many other practices that are intriguing to watch.