Rwenzori National Park, Mountains with snow? You mean there are glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine woods in Africa? Yes, this is Rwenzori National Park, which has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Even stranger, it’s only a few kilometers from the equator.

The famous “mountains of the Moon” are a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their stunning natural beauty. They are home to Mt. Stanley, which is the third highest hill in Africa at 5,109 meters (16,761 feet), and they are where the famous River Nile gets its water.

The highest plants in Africa can be found in these mountains, which are a colorful wonderland. The huge lobelias, groundsels, and heathers that cover these hills are called “Africa’s botanical big game.” They add even more color to the mountain lakes, rivers, and sparkling waterfalls in the area.

When it comes to “big game,” these high woods are home to 70 species of mammals, including 4 species of monkeys and chimpanzees. It is very rare to see an L’Hoest’s monkey or an Eastern chimpanzee.

You might also see a forest elephant, hyrax, duiker, buffalo, giant hog, or a black and white colobus monkey in these wooded hills.

The park is famous for its 217 kinds of birds, many of which are only found in this area. Look for the Rwenzori Turaco, the long-eared owl, and the long-tailed cuckoo as you walk along these beautiful trails. Look for the more than 15 kinds of butterflies that live in the park. They will add even more color.

The higher parts of the park are cold, white, and frosty, but the lower parts are a mix of moorland and dense bamboo woods. Large tree heathers, bright mosses, and flowering plants in this beautiful setting will enchant visitors.

The adventurer Henry Stanley called the Rwenzori range “Cloud-King” or “Rain Maker.” It is famous as a great place to hike and climb mountains. There are all kinds of trips, from technical 12-day climbs to the top of Mt. Stanley to six-day treks and even one-day trips along the trails and through the woods.

You can also go on outdoor walks with the people who live in Bakonzo. In the foothills of the Rwenzoris, visit their homes and learn about their traditional customs.

About Rwenzori National Park

The park is in western Uganda, close to the equator. It covers almost 1000 square kilometers (386 square miles) and most of the Rwenzori Range, which is Africa’s tallest mountain range.

Climate: Even though the park is close to the equator, it is cooler there because it is higher up. The temperature changes from 15°C (59°F) during the day to 2°C (35°F) at night at 4,000 m (13,123 ft.). The temperature can drop to -2°C (28°F) at the top. April and October are the two rainiest months in the park, which makes the paths slippery.

The park is open all year, from 7:00 am to 18:00 pm. (7 am to 6 pm)

The best times to go are during the dry seasons, from late December to March and from mid-June to mid-August. Best for hiking. At higher elevations, however, the park’s mist is always visible, even during the dry season. It does burn off for a short time every day.

The best way to get there is to take a trip from African Safari Kenya in Kampala. It takes about two and a half hours to drive there.

It takes about an hour and a half to fly from Kampala to Kasese.

Things to see and do

Trekking—Go on day hikes through the forest in the foothills of the Rwenzoris. Take a look at the country around you that has coffee plantations. At low levels, you can enjoy the scenery of tropical evergreens and lots of birds.

Mountain climbing: The Rwenzoris can be hard because the tracks are steep and often muddy. But there are treks for people of all skill levels. Technical climbs and six-, ten-, and twelve-day treks will give you something to talk about. All of this happened over some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

Watching birds: the park is home to 217 kinds of birds, and 17 of them can only be found here. This is why UNESCO named Rwenzori a key birding area. Birds like the long-eared owl, the cinnamon-chested bee-eater, the strange weaver, and the slender-billed starling are very bright.

Cultural Walks: Visit the Ruboni Community Camp and spend some time with the people who live in Bakonzo. You can see how the people there spend their days by watching them take care of their animals and crops. People who heal, make baskets, and tell stories will be there, and you can enjoy their dances with exciting drumming. You might even learn something.

Check out Rwenzori Park

There are lush tropical rainforests, flower-filled alpine fields, and stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and icy peaks. Rwenzori National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key birding area for a reason. Your African tour will never be the same after you’ve been to this famous park with its world-class peaks.

African Safari Kenya takes you to Rwenzori National Park.

Come with us on safari to Uganda’s very special and unique mountain park for a trip into the wild at a high elevation. African Safari Kenya can make a personalized plan for you that includes this park and other top Ugandan parks. Our trips leave from Entebbe, Rwanda, and Kigali.