Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Mt Rwenzori National Park gets her name from a prominent feature in the Albertine rift valley region; the block Mountain Rwenzori worldly known as the Mountains of the Moon. She lies on western side of Uganda forming the border boundary with DR Congo a few kilometres from the Equator line. Top of the Rwenzori; Margherita at 5109m is the third highest in Africa and known world over for permanent snow despite being in African tropics known for hot temperatures.
The steep and rugged sides of the mountain have vegetation of all stages starting with savannah grassland on the floor of the rift valley generating into grassland woodland, moorland, bamboo and rich and moist alpine forest. This is a habitat for lots of mammal, birds, reptile, insects and other species though because of the steep and rugged terrain it is often hard to see mammals save for monkeys atop trees by the trail system. For this reason, the safaris into Rwenzori Mountains are ideal for the adventure travellers seeking to do hiking, nature walks, mountaineering and sightseeing rather than for travelers in search of big herds of mammals roaming anywhere anyhow. The 9 days / 8 nights circuit hike to the snow capped Marghareta peak 5,110m is one of the most beautiful on the planet, does not necessarily need prior mountain climbing experiences and offers a lengthy time to interact with and get very personal with nature and Africa.

Introduction to the Rwenzori mountains.

We love the ambitious well organized landscapes on the top of the mountain, the flourishing, well looking and attractive vegetation, the ice snowcapped peaks mention it all. Mountain Rwenzori is quite an amazing attraction that no one should endeavor to miss at one point in his or her itinerary while having his safari to Uganda.

However amazing this mountain may be, it is also quite tire sum on the other hand because it involves hiking to reach the summit which is not an easy thing just as you hear it.

Mountain Rwenzori has got attractions that have attracted tourists and these include; the green and well looking vegetation, lakes, rocks, cliffs, glaciers ice snow mention it all. All these have rapidly attracted a number of people from whole over the world hence bringing in a lot of income to the government and helping the people around.

Some of the activities done on the mountains include; trekking, hiking, biking and so on.

The Rwenzori mountains are a chain of dormant volcanoes in East Africa. They are located on the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Rwanda to their south. These peaks may not match taller mountains else where in the world but they offer some spectacular scenery and wild life viewing opportunities.

Introduction to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Have a look at the Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains.

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park have got over 2 types of hiking experiences and these include; the high altitude and low altitude. The high altitude trekking can take you over 4 to 12 days to hike to the summit and most of the times, it goes beyond 4000 meters reaching to the peak.

Alternatively, we also have the low altitude which goes for 2 to 4 days to hike to the summit of the mountain. This trek can never go beyond 4000m to reach the peak.

For one to enjoy his or her picnic adventure experience in Uganda, he or she can decide to make a combination of his safari with other safari destinations such as the national parks in the western area. These include; kibale national park, queen Elizabeth national park and finally Bwindi impenetrable national park. All these will make your safari memorable one.

However, still the Rwenzori mountain can be visited alone with out combining it with other safaris and at the end it can make your journey so amazing. Therefore, do not hesitate or be afraid of booking this safari incase it is your favorite.

While on mountain Rwenzori, do not get worried of where you will spend your overnight, a solution has been put up by constructing wooden huts along the trails to the mountain. More to your surprise, the huts are all ensuite with water, toilets and beddings inside all to make these tourists feel comfortable and feel as if they are in homes away from their original home.

Margherita peak with a height of over 5109m is the highest peak of mountain Stanley. This peak has got a habitant known as the Rwenzori mountain. This is an amazing and very impressing peak to one who would like to hike and reach the summit of the mountain. However, it is quite tire sum to hike and reach its summit. Therefore, it needs thorough preparations, equipment’s for one to be successful such as the hiking sticks, water proof shoes, huts, water for drinking, a guide with a first aid kit, a ranger to lift you mention it all. A client who has decided to hike to the summit of this mountain, this requires him or her almost 7 days to each the peak.

A snapshot of the mountains.

In 1994, the Rwenzori mountains were recognized as a world a heritage and also as well as a Ramsar site in 2008.Alternatively, this mountain was also gazzeted as a national park in 1991.Mountain Rwenzori is a very important, amazing and useful mountain in the whole of central Africa. The name mountain Rwenzori simply means rain maker.

Since the Rwenzori mountains were translated as the rain makers, this came up as a proof that the lower slopes received a lot of rain fall over 3 meters of rain fall every year which made the vegetation to look ice, heathering and beautiful attracting every one ho would come to the mountain. More so the rain fall led to an increased ice snow on the summit.

However, the decrease of glaciers still continued for over all the last hundred years. This was all because of the climate change that was taking place in the area. But, still this did not stop the hike lovers from hiking over the mountain during the rainy season despite the sliding slopes, muddy roads to have a glance at the ice walls, snow at the summit.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Things To Know & Might Be Looking For

Which Trek Is Right For Me?

Uganda the pearl of Africa has got several attractions such as the trekking routes and destinations. Among these include hiking mountain Elgon, Kilimanjaro and so many others. However, mountain Rwenzori is always the best mountain and most loved mountain by most clients to hike to its summit. This is because it has got several trekking routes and trails that lead to the summit.

Mountain Rwenzori has been so special among all the mountains that are hiked. This mountain has got longer and several routes that help clients to reach the summit. These longer routes help clients to get used to the hiking and therefore this helps clients to avoid a number of sicknesses while on the mountain.

The trekking packages range from 2 to 12 days. However, you can decide to choose a trek of more days in order to enjoy your safari. The following are the examples of how mountain Rwenzori can fit in your safari to Uganda. These Uganda safaris can either be booked directly or indirectly depending on the choice of the client.

A shortest trek to add on to my safari.

Adventure in the wild safaris has tried to help you out by choosing for you the best treks that you can easily combine with your Rwenzori safari in order to get a perfect safari trekking for you. Since queen Elizabeth national park, kibale national park are the nearest parks to this mountain, we choose to make these combinations to the Rwenzori mountain in order to make a perfect safari destination.

Incase you are looking for small itineraries starting from 2 to 5days to add to your safari to make it a perfect one, the Rwenzori mountain has got several options of these. As the company, we have designed itineraries that will make your safari an amazing one. 2 days, maximum altitude 2,596 m having a look at the Rwenzori mountains. 3 days, maximum altitude 3,174 m 3 days Rwenzori mountains. 4 days, maximum altitude 3,975m climbing the Mutinda lookout. 4 days, maximum altitude 3,174 m waterfalls of the Rwenzori mountain. 5 days, max altitude 4,620 m The trekking to Weismann’s peak.

A challenge.

In case you would like to stretch your legs by making several exercises, here is a chance for hiking the highest mountain with almost the highest altitude and this is none other than mountain Rwenzori. While on this mountain, you will get a chance to see several routes and treks hence making it your best safari.

The hike to the highest point of margherita peak is quite tire sum and requires tackling of snow intruder to reach the summit. Therefore, the total hike to the summit requires technical equipment’s for one to use while hiking and these include; crampons, ropes and so many others.

Since the day we began our trekking’s and hikes, we have managed to make over 98 percent of the hiking and trekking safaris successfully where by during this time, clients have managed to hike and reach to the final destination. In this case, our clients do not even need to use crampons or ropes in order to help them hike, we have got trained guides and rangers who really know what they are doing. Therefore, these guides help out the clients to reach their final destinations of hiking to the summit.

NOTE: Incase you would like to hike up to the summit of margherita peak, you approximately need a minimum of 7 days in order to be satisfied and get your picnic adventure experience. The following are some of the popular high-altitude routes one needs to take in order to get a successful safari. 10 days, maximum altitude 5,109m Four peaks. 10 days, maximum altitude 5,109m Hiking Margherita peak. 12 days, maximum altitude 5,109m Ultimate Rwenzori trekking. 7 days, maximum altitude 4,842m Climbing mountain Baker.

A standalone trek.

Mountain Rwenzori safari is regarded as a standalone trek where by most clients come mainly to hike, up to the summit, trek some primates and this is all they need for their trip to be the best. However, most people prefer combining the safari with other destinations in the western area such as queen Elizabeth, kibale national park and so on in order to make it a perfect safari. Alternatively, people can also decide to move out of Uganda to perform in order to enjoy their weekends.

However, incase you are only interested in visiting mountain Rwenzori only and there is nothing else that you need to add in your itinerary, its your choice and it is very okay. However, may be other destinations you may choose. Remember, hiking needs being healthy, physically fit and so on.

For more information, you need to keep in touch with our company Qash safaris Ltd in order to make the right packages for you.

Rwenzori Mountain FAQs

What is the difference between high and low altitude treks?

The only difference here is that the during the high altitude, we have packages ranging from 5 up wards trekking to the Weizmann’s peak. while for the low altitude, we have packages from 3 to 4 days.

NOTE: All these treks and packages get to margherita, mountain Baker, mountain Speke and so on.

All the high altitude trekking need you to use some equipments in order to hike to the summit.

How long is a typical day trekking?

Once you decide to go trekking in mountain Rwenzori, you approximately need a period of 7 to 8 hours or even more incase the primates are not seen. More so, you will need to cover a distance of 7km to 9.5km every day you wake up to start your safari. The time taken to trek depends on the distance that is between the camps and the trekking area.

In case you would like to continue hiking and reach the summit of the mountain, it will take you too long to arrive there and therefore this will also finally lead to an increase in the time of trekking for example, it will take you over 10 to 14 hours.

Are the treks technical? Do you need to bring any specialized equipment?

No, the treks are not so much technical as such more so the low altitude climbs. Therefore a client does need special equipment’s such as the crampons and ropes for him or her to hike.

For more information about what is needed here in order to get a successful safari, go to our guide for kit list below.

All the hikes on this mountain Rwenzori do not require any technical requirement to hike. However there is an exceptional of the high altitude treks which needs technical climbs and only on the final day because her the clients are too tired and so exhausted with the hike. There fore in this they need something to support them. This technical hike usually happens on the 6th day of the second last day of your safari almost arriving at the peak.

NOTE; Crampons, ropes, sticks are usually the technical requirements that are found in the technical section. Remember, all these are provided for our clients once they arrive on the mountain for trekking and hiking.

How much experience is required?

The experience here is usually required by the clients who are going for a hike on the high altitudes of mountain Rwenzori and are using several routes to reach the summit.

The clients who always make it on the summit more so on the high altitudes, do not need too much experience while on the lower slopes. This is because the hardest part on the hiking is always on the higher altitude.

The Rwenzori mountain trails and routes are too long hence giving a chance to the clients to get used the safari. This will help clients to get used to the journey and hence it will help them to avoid several sicknesses while hiking.

Alternatively, people have also gone for the Kilimanjaro hike which takes them over 4 to 5 days to reach the peak. This is too risky, because the client will not get chance to understand the journey and get used to it. There fore, the risks of sicknesses here is increased because it will be a rapid safari.

Incase you wake up and have a mindset of hiking to the margherita peak, you should be well prepared with all the equipment’s to use while hiking such as the crampons, ropes and so on, you should be healthy and energyetic, physical fitness and so on in order to avoid sicknesses and other challenges while their. We always advice you to get all this because the summit is quite higher and it’s a long journey too.

In case it happens that you do not have the technical equipment’s to help you hike but you wish to hike to one of the mountains, there is an optional of mountain Stanley . This is not too tire sum to clients to hike like the margherita peak. This hike will give you a chance to see the beautiful stunning views of Congo, rides on the mountain Speke, mountain Baker and so on.

What safety precautions are taken? What training do the guides have?

This mountain is located along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic republic of Congo where the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces is located. These people give protection to the park. Alternatively, the mountain has got the Uganda wild life Authority rangers who have continued to protect the park from the poachers that come in.

The guides on the mountain Rwenzori have been trained how to climb several mountains by following all the several routes their. They have also been trained how to give first aid to the causalities on the mountain who have got sicknesses and accidents. These guides have been trained how to rescue people who are in danger and how to save their lives.

More so, the guides have been give a simple course and have been trained some courses such as the birding, rock hiking, how to give care to the clients, nature interpretation and so many others. All these have helped them to deal with several clients who come.

All the guides have acquired first aid training and complete regular re-fresher courses.

Mountain Rwenzori has remained on point and a standalone trek because of its guides and staff who have continued to make more research by finding the new routes in the mountain and also trying to maintain the original ones that were their before hence giving access to the clients coming in.

Our guides on mountain Rwenzori are so experienced in that some of them are specialist doctors, they are trained and so loving in that they can mean to leave business aside and rescue a trek which they see that it is not safe for the clients lives to pass as they hike.

What equipment is provided? Is the equipment safe?

Most of the equipment’s such as the technical gears are imported from the United states of America. These gears include: ropes, ice screws, ice axes, harnesses, and crampons.

Since the crampons are always are very much needed, we advise our clients to carry their own while coming. However, you can also come with money and higher because they are always available.

All the treks reaching the highest point margherita have got gears such as the ropes, harnesses, caribinas, ice axes, ice screws, helmets, rubber boots to mention but a few.

While starting your safari to the mountain, you need to hire sleeping bags which will help you when you are preparing to sleep. These sleeping bags cost over 15 dollars.

Our staff always uses equipment’s know as the diamond strap on the crampons. All these equipment’s work out very well.

Is their electricity in the camps?

No, there is no electricity in the camps. However, the camps have got solar panels that help the clients in charging of their phones and other gadgets. For example, at Sine Camp, Kalalama, Hunwick’s, Kiharo and Margherita camps.

Alternatively, forest view camp has got solar that is only used at night and only lighting outside for security not inside.

As the money increases from the clients who come to trek, all the accommodations and the services, infrastructure will all be improved. So no worries about all this.

How is drinking water carried up the mountain?

When coming at the mountain ranges for a safari, you are reminded to carry your purifiers to purify the water for drinking. This is because the water is just got from the water streams and this means this is not ready for drinking. That’s why you have to carry your own bottle and the purifier to make it pure for you to drink.

NOTE: This does not mean that the park does not boil water for the clients, The water is only boiled at night mainly for coffee and tea but still you can put into your bottles and fill them preparing yourself for tomorrow.

What are the meals like?

The Rwenzori mountain has got hotels around which have restaurants with well trained staff that provides all the needed and ordered nice meals to its clients. All these meals served are filled up with all the vitamins and nutrients that are meant to keep the client safe and provide energy to the clients which energy helps them during the hiking to go for trekking.

Alternatively, the trained staff also has a side catering the looks after those clients with special needs such as those with heart attacks, allergies, heartburns mention it all by providing to them special foods that will make them feel good and prevent those diseases.

As a client, you are reminded and always recommended to carry simple packed snacks with you while on your safari for trekking. This will help you to remain focused and energetic hence perfect work at the end.

Where are the Rwenzori Mountains?

Mountain Rwenzori is located in south western part of Uganda just on the border of democratic republic of Congo. This mountain is also just located near kibale national park, and queen Elizabeth national park. It also covers over a length of 71 miles on the border. This mountain has got a lot glaciers, snow, and ice around its peak which have attracted a number of people.

Why are the Rwenzori’s called the mountains of the moon?

Mountain Rwenzori was named the mountains of the moon simply because of their snowcapped whiteness. This report was put across by the Greek and the roman geographers most notably by Ptolemy who produced maps that showed the locations of the mountains.

What are the highest mountain range in Uganda?

Mountain Rwenzoris are so far the highest mountain ranges in Uganda. Margherita peak of 5109m is the highest point located within the mountain ranges. Alternatively, we also have Mountain Stanley. Mountain Rwenzori has got over 3 notable peaks and these include: Mountain Baker (4,842m), Weismman’s peak and lastly Mountain Speke (4,890m)

Rwenzori Hiking Kit List.

Hiking Kit In Low Altitude

Clothing

Very light shorts and T-shirts, which help you and prevent you from over being burnt by heat while trekking.
Remember to carry your sweater or long-sleeved clothes to help you from the coldness at night and in the morning.
Remember to carry ice and light trousers to help you during trekking.
Remember to carry a warm jacket to also help you during the cold weather.
Remember to carry with you a rain coat to help you when the weather abruptly changes.
Remember to carry water proof trousers.
Carry a hat with you to help prevent you from direct sunlight and the cold weather in he evening.
Carry gloves to keep your hands warm and also protect you from the biting insects and itching branches.

Hiking Kit In High Altitude

Clothing

Remember to carry nice light shirts and shorts to help you during the summer at the beginning of the trekking.
Remember to carry long sleeved shirts or sweaters to help you during the wet season when it gets cold.
Remember to carry long trousers and jeans to help give you warmth during the cold days.
Carry a jacket with you to help you during the cold days.
Remember to carry many thermal under wears with you.
Remember to carry water proof jackets and trousers to help you during the trekking.
Remember to carry warm rain jackets to help you during the rain season.
Carry a hut to help you from the direct sunlight.
Remember to pack and carry a pair of gloves with you to help you from the itching grass and the bad weather such as to much coldness and hotness.

Accommodations in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Accommodation At A Glance

Once you are choosing the best place and hostel where you can begin your trek from, have a look at the Rwenzori trekkers hostel. This is a well renovated copper mining building which is located in Kyanjuki village just 12 km from the kasese city. This has got very beautiful stunning views of the Rwenzori mountains which has got a very attractive climate that is from January to February.

Alternatively, you can choose to stay on the sand ton hotel which is located in kasese city. You will the continue with your journey to Kilembe Trail where you will be arriving by 8 am very early in the morning. Before you go for the trekking, you will first be briefed by the guides and then get to the sine camp where the trekking begins. While on the mountain, do not get worried about the accommodations or where to stay when it gets dark o the way, The mountain has got accommodations which are constructed in form of wooden huts that have got bunk beds inside with toilets outside the huts. Some of these huts are meant to keep the equipments used while hiking very good weather conditions