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+256 704347452 info@paradiseadventurevacations.com

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park it is located in Western Uganda along the Great East African Rift Valley. It straddles also to the Democratic Republic of Congo and its conservation area known as Virunga Conservation area. The mountain is the third highest in Africa rising up to more than 16,700 feet above sea level and its highest peaks rise above the clouds and they are permanently snow-capped.

The Rwenzori Mountains range higher compared to the Alps, they have glaciers which are one of the sources of the longest river on earth, the Nile River. Margherita Peak is the highest peak on the ranges making it the 3rd highest peak in Africa together with its twin peak, Mount Stanley which is within the park. The 4th and 5th highest peaks, Mount Speke and Mount Baker are also within the park. The mountain ranges were first brought to the world’s notice in CE 150 by Alexandrian geographical researcher and photographer, Pletomy when he described a stunning mountain which he christened “ The Mountains of the Moon.” Later in 1899, English explorer, Henry Marton Stanley was as spellbound as Pletomy when he beheld the ranges and christened them the “Clouds Mountains.”

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park which is the conservation area for the mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers almost 1,000 sqkm and strides across the districts of Kabarole, Kasese and Bundibudgo. It includes most of the center and the eastern half of the mountain and its known for its beautiful plant life coupled with waterfalls, glaciers and a lot of other unique mountainous vegetation. The park has glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls and has been portrayed as one of the mainly attractive Alpine areas around the world.

 

Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Mountain climbing 

Rwenzori Mountain  an underrated gem largely undiscovered by many. The scenery on the mountain  called some of the most beautiful on the planet! Mountain Rwenzori is covered in different types of vegetation and climate which will leave you spellbound as you scale its heights. It will not be unlike climbing into heaven.

On the foothills of the mountain is farmland with crops. Such as coffee which is a very important cash crop in the country. From there you will behold beautiful land terrain and plant life of sub-montane vegetation in the Afro-montane zone. Covered by luxurious tropical evergreen forest with a high richness in color and species. When you finally reach the top, you will behold the majestic snowcapped peaks that will leave you breathless and teary-eyed.

Bird watching

Uganda as a nation is teeming with a richness in birdlife and the ranges are no different. The Rwenzori Park is a dwelling to 217 species of birds. And 17 of them  found in Rwenzori which justifies UNESCO labeling it a key Birding Area. At about 1800 meters, the variety will leave you captivated. Including the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson wings, and Flycatchers, Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Hiking

You can also enjoy day hikes through the forests at the foothills as you enjoy unique activities like fishing with your hands in streams akin to Hugh Glass in the revenant.

Cultural Experience

You will have plenty of opportunities to witness the locals at the foothills of the mountain. Of the moon carrying out their cultural lifestyles and activities. Like cultural dances and if you are lucky, you might even get some lessons on drumming and dancing. You will also visit the Ruboni village where you will learn about the lifestyles of old of the forefathers of the mountains of the moon.

Lounging on the foothills 

After a tiring day of awe and wonder, you will be able to cool off in any of the scenic lodgings around the mountains of the moon. Take a soothing shower and behold the beautiful scenery. At night you will be able to hang out in the starlit night sky around a bonfire as you listen to tales of the mountains of the moon.

 

How to get to there

By Road, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is about 5 to 6 hours drive from Kampala.

By Air, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is about 1 hour from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airfield.

 

Rwenzori Entry Gates 

Ruboni gate

Kilembe gate

Mihunga gate

 

Accommodations in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Hotel Margherita is located at the foothills of the mountain some few kilometers from the town of Kasese. They offer commendable customer service and pride themselves in offering a full Rwenzori experience. You will enjoy quality accommodation which ranges from standard single.  And double rooms to executive and family suites which can take up to five people. They also have a very relaxing ambiance. Which includes smooth green gardens with a breathtaking view of the Rwenzori ranges with all its beautiful alpine botany. They also have a fully stocked bar and restaurant. That will serve you all your beverages and foods and if you still have the energy to burn, you can spend the night at club rocky, their night club on the premises.

Rwenzori International Hotel

Rwenzori International Hotel, 3km from the Kasese airstrip is specifically located at the foot of the mountain ranges. It offers a range of accommodation from executive self-contained rooms. To the single non-self-contained rooms and also has camping options. With tents for those who prefer an outdoor affair. All rooms are furnished comfortably and equipped with a telephone and TV, mosquito nets and beddings provided on all the beds. Their restaurant also offers an assortment of affordable local cuisines.

Rwenzori International Hotel also offers its guests a health and fitness center with a gym, steam bath, sauna, and body massage. They also offer touring services to guests like hikes to the Rwenzori Ranges and Queen Elizabeth National Park. They also have a grass badminton court, a concrete tennis court, a laundry service, and parking on-premises.

Katara Lodge

Situated 16km from the Katunguru gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is very keen on environmental conservation that all the buildings in the lodge are built out of renewable material like wood and grass thatch. The swimming pool is of saltwater so as to reduce reliance on chemicals and most of their electrical energy is solar powered. They provide accommodation in grass-thatched cottages, built-in wood, that were handcrafted and woven into the hillside by the local community and have a spellbinding view of queen Elizabeth and the Rwenzori ranges, farmlands and beautiful bird species. The water is heated by solar thermal energy. They provide both regular and family cottages.

Located at the foothills of the mountain, the lodge is an upmarket lodging and is perfect if you prefer the finer things. Below the lodge is the roaring Mubuku River that will act as a soundtrack to your relaxing mind. It has beautiful décor embedded with artifacts from around the country.

Tropical Savannah Guest House

Tropical savannah guest house is based along the Mbarara-Kasese road in Kasese town and is a good option for travelers going to Kasese on a budget. They offer free Wi-Fi and the rooms are equipped with the usual amenities like showers, bathrooms and flush toilets, flat TV screen with satellite channels, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, wardrobe, mosquito net, adequate ventilation, and full-length windows.  Also have a fully stocked bar to quench your thirst with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages plus a restaurant that serves a complimentary breakfast daily and local dishes at lunch.

 

 

 

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