Tourist Attractions  In Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Tourist Attraction in Rwenzori: Like any other Uganda National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, on the other hand has tourist attractions: Birds like the famous Rwenzori Turaco; wildife; primates including blue monkeys, black & White colobus monkeys & the rare chimpanzees; 6 vegetation zones;  Lake such as Irene, Kitandara; and the Snow Peaks of Baker, Stanley & Speak.

Tourist Attraction in Rwenzori mountains National ParkWildlife in Rwenzori

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a home to large number of approximately 70 mammal species, out of which 6 are endemic to the Albertine rift, 4 to the park while 3 are rare species. There also other rare mammals such as elephants, chimpanzees, the Rwenzori otter as well as Leopards.  Although the mammals in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are hard to find, chances are high that the hikers might encounter the black & White Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, tiny antelopes including brushbacks and unusual reptiles like the three horned chameleon.

Vegetation- Tourist Attractions of Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park has an extensive and diverse vegetation zone beautifully classified into 6, from the savannah zone(680m-1800m) through the Afromontane Forest zone(1800m-2600m), Bamboo Forest Zone(2600-2900m), heather/Rapenea Zone(2900-4000m), Afro-alpine moorland zones (4000-4500m) and rocky/glacier zone (4500-5109).

The afro-alpine zones is characterized by the emblematic big forms of groundsel and lobelia which is one of the world’s unique botanical communities, which is only found in the mountains beyond 3800m in East Africa.

Vegetation-Tourist Attractions
The Vegetation of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Birds- Tourist Attractions Of Rwenzori Mountains National Park

About 217 bird species inhabit the Rwenzori mountains National Park, from which 17 are endemic to the Rwenzori mountains National Park which makes it an important birding area.  The forest Zone at 1800m comprises includes anumber of birds like  the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue headed Sunbird, Long eared Owl, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Rwenzori Batis, Archers’ Robin chat, White-starred Robin with even the rare Montane sooty Boubou, Greenbuls, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, slender-billed starling, Strange Weaver,  not forgetting the Golden winged Sunbird, , barbets, Apalises, Illadopsis, Flycatchers & crimson wings.

The Rwenzori Snow Peaks

Rwenzori mountains National Park has 6 ranges, which are located are located a few miles north of the Equator, with the highest peak  on Mount Stanley (Margherita at 5109m), then followed by speke(4890m) & Baker (4890m), each containing  snow & glaciers. These peaks can be reached through both routes of the central circuit & the Kilembe trail.

Snow Peaks-Major Attraction in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Snow Peaks-Major Attraction in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Lakes

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park contains about 20 lakes. Lake Mahoma (at 2651m) along the central circuit can easily be reached, while the Bujuku Lake lies at the Apex of the deep glacier curved Bujuku valley, in the shadow of Mount Stanley, speke and Baker. In the Nyamwamba valley, the ascent through the Kilembe trail where the glacial moraine deposited in the man-made dam, which has for a long time formed a string of 8 enjoyable lakes. Several River streams start from the mountain, forming lifelines for a number of plant & animal species in the fllod plains and supporting the local communities.

Lake Kitandara-Attractions in Rwenzori mountains national Park
Lake Kitandara-Attractions in Rwenzori mountains national Park

RESUMPTION OF HIKING TO MARGHERITA PEAK IN RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is pleased to announce the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Following a temporary suspension due to safety concerns, UWA has successfully implemented safety enhancements to ensure the well-being of all hikers.
Key among these improvements is the construction of a bridge across the crevasse in the Margherita glacier. This bridge, along with additional climbing ropes installed in collaboration with our partners in the park, will enable safe passage through the challenging sections of the trail. With these safety measures now in place, hiking to Margherita Peak can safely resume. We are confident that these enhancements will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors seeking to summit one of Africa’s most iconic peaks.
We continue to encourage visitors to explore not only Margherita Peak but also the other stunning peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, including Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range. Each of the routes to these peaks offers a unique adventure, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Rwenzori Mountains.
UWA will maintain close monitoring of the hiking routes to ensure ongoing safety and will provide updates as needed.

We look forward to welcoming adventurers back to the heights of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.