Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Top Activities to Try and Visit in the Moon’s Rwenzori Highlands. More than twice as tall as the Alps in Europe, this mountain range is the highest in all of Africa. Despite Kilimanjaro, few people travel here to climb the peaks since it requires a strenuous eight-day journey, depending on the trip and the adventures one chooses to partake in. The Rwenzori Highlands National Park’s titular peaks lie on the boundary between Uganda and the Democratic Congo. These highlands are one of Uganda’s least seen natural marvels, but they are a must-see for seasoned hikers and voracious birders. They are continuously snowy peaks and host to a broad range of alien habitats.

Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and founder of geography, is credited with creating legends about the famous Rwenzori Mountains. He said that the 120-km-long Rwenzori range is the Mountains of the Moon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rwenzori Peaks of the Moon. The mossy region over 3,500 meters is known as “Africa’s Botanical Big Game” by UNESCO.

With fewer tourists than Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzori Mountains provide Areas of tropical Trekking & Climbing without the crowds. The Rwenzori Alps are unique, according to experienced mountaineers.

The Rwenzori Mountains, a little-known 120 km long range with six massifs, are located on the boundary between Uganda and the Republic of the Congo.

They are undoubtedly unearthly and are also referred to as the Peaks of the Moon. The vegetation is varied and frequently outsized, while the topmost mountains are constantly coated in snow, protecting glaciers and housing one of the Nile’s origins. Moorland, bamboo, and wet mountain woodlands cover the lowest slopes. The foggy, soggy, glacier-carved regions of the upper Rwenzori are an evergreen tree bizarre paradise where bizarre, triffid-like big lobelias tower 6m into the air, substantial tree heathers cover the slope, and moss covers the trees in curtains of brightly colored lichen.

You can climb Margherita Peaks on Mount Stanley with the help of small hiking excursions. Mountain Stanley, Africa’s third-highest mountain after Kenya and Kilimanjaro, is the tallest mountain in the group at 5,109 meters. However, you can still view it, cloud allowing, even if you do not climb in the Rwenzori Mountains. The route from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park goes along the eastern extent of the range, as the little settlement of Fort Passageway, which serves as the starting point for chimp hiking in Kibale Forests, is nestled in the base of these hills. 

 The range is visible in the background of Queen Elizabeth Nature Reserve, providing a spectacular perspective for the elephants, millions of hippos, and tree-climbing lions who call this area home.

Here are several activities and sights to see in the Rwenzori Highlands. Events for individuals who enjoy venturing off the usual tourism path in or surrounding the Park. Many people choose not to visit because they believe you must be compatible to do anything here. They are unaware there are several activities and sights to see in this area other than scaling the peaks.

Visitors visiting Uganda must experience the untamed splendor of the highlands; it is beautiful. The activities and sights to see when touring the Rwenzori Highlands of the Moon are listed below. Invest some time taking in the Park’s beauty on the slopes of the Alps. Stay in the neighborhood areas, like the Ruboni village. 

Trekking

You must put on your walking shoes and trek if you want to properly experience the area and its countless layers of habitats, including montane forests, bamboo, tree heathers, and Afro-Alpine. This is an excellent but somewhat difficult hiking location with clearly designated trails kept up by Rwenzori Hiking Services. The highest mountain, Margherita, can be reached during an 11-day guided journey, but you may also go on shorter, less strenuous walks or day treks to discover the nearby mountains and slopes. The starting point for mountain trekking is Kasese town.

You will be staying in basic mountaintop huts while on the entire summit hike, escorted by experienced advisers in the local wildlife, birdlife, and unusual plants you will encounter. The bottom levels of mountains are home to a variety of lovely birds, the possibility of spotting chimpanzees or blue monkeys darting through the forest, Rwenzori red duiker foraging, and rocky hyrax lounging beyond their tunnels.

To make the ascent to Margherita Peak, you must be physically fit. You’ll need strong balance to reach the mountain because the terrain can be treacherous, rocky, and uneven.

The last hike to the Margherita glacier is challenging, and the final part of the Path is classified as a challenging scramble toward the summit. Until you can reach the ridge leading to Margherita Peaks’ crest, you must first climb over an area of exposed rock fastened and roped near the edge of the glacier. Vertigo should not be discovered in this environment.

Rwenzori Mountains Hiking & Nature Walks

Follow the routes up to Lake Mahooma and the Buraro chimpanzee forest, via the Kichamba settlements to the Karangura ridge, and through the Bwamba passage to the Bundibugo area. Beyond the Park, the towns of Ruboni and Turaco Views also have various-length directed woodland hikes.

Within the core circular zone of the Park, there are opportunities for ecological walks. These encompass routes leading to Lake Mahooma and the Buraro Chimpanzee Forest, strolls through Kichamba settlements to approach the Karangura Ridge, and trails leading to the Bundibugo region via the Bwamba Summit.

Beyond the reserve, the towns of Ruboni and Turaco Views also have numerous organized woodland hikes. As they trek up to 2,300 meters above sea level, tourists can trace the River Mubuku and catch the sights of Baker and Portal Peaks. It is also possible to see the snow-covered Margherita Peak on a clear day, a fantastic scenery. Watch out for chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys, and various birds as you travel.

Bwamba Pass: Before a highway was constructed in 1938 to connect Fort Portal with the far-flung village of Bundibugyo, locals used the most precise route among these communities, which required a strenuous 1,500-meter hike over the north Rwenzori range. Visitors are guided by the Abanya Rwenzori collaborative group up the hill through remote mountain communities to explore the bamboo jungle and take in the breathtaking views of the river valleys. Book this excursion by contacting Sight View Safaris for more information.

Gorilla trekking

Although gorillas cannot be found in the Rwenzori Hills, few visitors to Uganda do not travel to see the country’s mountain gorillas. A distinctive delight of a trip to Uganda is tracking them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla tracking is frequently included in organized, compact group tours that involve a thorough climb to Mount Stanley’s top. As chasing the gorillas can take you up and down steep, treacherous routes, investing an hour with these enormous, magnificent primates in their native mountain range is a fantastic encounter. You’ll also get a warm-up for additional hiking in the Rwenzori region.

Volcano Climbing in the Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzoris are a top-class hiking destination. This is a nine to twelve-day trek that will get skilled climbers to Margherita. Shorter Climbs on other peaks could be less technical trips.

Meaning od Rwenzori is “Rainmaker or Cloud Maker.” we are Alluding to the fact that trails could be pretty muddy on wet days in Uganda.

You will be needed our skilled guides for Climbing the Peaks because it involves mountaineering services and skills. 

The Central Circuit Trail offers a circumnavigation of the upper Rwenzori on a strenuous, seven-day hike. Before approaching the mountains, the trail climbed the Bujuku Valley through Nyabitaba for acclimatization from the terminus at Mihunga. Following Bujuku, customers who follow the Central Circuit will go over the Scott Elliot and Freshfield before descending into the Mubuku Valley. The snowy peaks are climbable, but many people think the breathtaking landscape is enough reward for their efforts.

Kilembe Trail: Starting at a trailhead in Kilembe, close to the town of Kasese, the freshly rebuilt Kilembe Trail climbed the southern ranges of the Rwenzori.

Before connecting to the Central Circuit at Lake Kitandara, the Path in the picturesque Nyamwamba Valley through glacial lakes and numerous breathtaking vistas. Although the landscape makes shorter journeys satisfying, the typical Path climbs Mount Baker.

See our Tour Organizers page to make reservations with Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) and Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS).

3Day Mahoma Trail:

The 3Day Mahoma Track is a comparatively new route that knowledgeable Ruboni rangers can complete without the aid of a mountaineering agency. Since many people will find this journey into the Rwenzori Mountains difficult, you can also utilize porter facilities to lessen your load. The entry to this trail is near Ruboni, and it is located inside the Park proper.

You spend the night in shelters that peak-climbers in the Rwenzoris utilize. When you go to the Afro- Huge lobelias, groundsels and heathers can be found in the highland plant area.

On the Path, you could even encounter some chimps and elephants.

The three-day Mahoma Trail puts the Rwenzori Mountains in front of you with their breathtaking splendor.

The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon North Pass Mini-Hike:

This is not a foothill hike but ascends to the 3000-meter level and is in the North of the Mounts of the Moon. The difficulty level is from mild to challenging. The actual hike is almost 8 hours long. You will reach safe because You are guided by mountaineering specialists working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. 

In the Rwenzori Mountains, Semliki Valley Hiking Safari, you combine the highest Mountain Series, Western Rift. The Semliki Valley is Africa’s most scenic wonder.

The Rwenzori Mini-Hike is almost 8 hours over Bamba Pass, with elevations of up to 3000 meters. The Semliki Valley is the lowest, with its tropical Jungle spilling over from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cultural Encounters in the Rwenzori Mountains

There are several options for engaging cultural trips in the Rwenzori Mountain ranges of the Moon, from rural tours to rhythmic drum music and dancing classes. You can also learn about the ancient ways from the highland keepers at the Bakonzo countryside walk, visits, and farmsteads in the Community of Ruboni hills of the Rwenzoris as they illustrate their everyday exercises, such as tending to their living creatures and crops and cooking with the quality ingredients. Take in their unique folklore, ethnic dances, and attire.

The Ruboni Civic is one example where tourists can see the authentic culture of the Bakonzo people. Hear the folk stories of old from the community. 

Ruboni Community Camp

Visit the tranquil Bakonzo rural settlement of Ruboni, which has a population of about 2,000, in the foothills of the Rwenzori Hills. Please tour with the locals as they demonstrate their everyday activities, such as caring for their farms and cattle and preparing their food using the best ingredients. Discover the handyman, a natural healer, basket makers, and tellers while taking in a colorful dance performance accompanied by dynamic drumming.

Your counselor has advised you to take the stony Mubuku River as your Path. You will pass through villages where people carry crops and wood as you follow this clear creek. Ruboni means “clear blue water” in Lukonzo, the language of origin.

The Rwenzori Turaco, tiny sunbirds, and cinnamon-chested bee-eaters are some of the beautiful native birds that your rangers will point out along the walk. Vervet monkeys and species of squirrels are also found.

Keep an eye out for Baker and Portal Peaks to appear from the foliage. On sunny days, it’s possible to see Margherita Peak covered with snow, which is an amazing sight. When you make a reservation with Sight View Safaris, we’ll set up a cultural interaction for you in the Rwenzori Mountains.: Contact:

• Email: syrillkizza@gmail.com
• Phone: +256 705152084/ +256 775152084
• Website: www.sightviewsafari.com

The campground at Rwenzori Turaco View

The Rwenzori Mountains, which are rugged and covered in snow, are seen from the tiny settlement of Mihunga. Without power or running water, the Bakonzo people have resided here for almost 300 years. This group has modified its way of life to fit the temperature and rocky, verdant slopes of the Rwenzori foothills.

Turaco Sight, a local tourism organization in Mihunga, gives tourists a trip to the village’s culture. This contains a presentation by a conventional healer whose herbal mixtures are said to be effective treatments for various diseases. A visit to the local school, a craft show, and an energetic dance display is also included.

Another option for visitors is to take a guided walk thru the woods.

They might be fortunate enough to see colorful turacos in the forested canopy. Other creatures like bee-eaters, sunbirds, and joyful black-and-white colobus monkeys can be spotted thanks to experts.

Bulemba-Ihandiro Cultural Trail

Take this intriguing six to seven-hour hike into the sacred region and other locations that are extremely important to the Bakonzo tribe’s culture. You will be introduced to the regional blacksmith, who will describe the mystical importance of the traditional Bakonzo stool, and the conventional healer, who will explain his Mahima powers. Along the way, demonstrations of fire-making and basket-weaving techniques are also provided.

The following cross the Kamusonge River, which is reputed to provide pleasant water that can quench thirst quickly. Before beginning the final hour-long hike to the museum, which is covered in the ancient Konzo style, there is a respite at a hut where you can take in the stunning mountain views and get some relief from the blazing sunshine. Tools used in the Rwenzururu conflict, traditional clothing, and other objects significant to Rwenzori history and culture are on exhibit.

Rwenzori Highlands National Park in Uganda is responsible for protecting the Rwenzori Mountains. It is home to an astounding 217 bird varieties, many of which are exclusive to the Albertine Rift. Rwenzori is an excellent birding habitat because 17 of these varieties are indigenous to the parks. A variety of birds can be found in the woodland area at 1800 meters, such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Good-looking Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Slender-billed Starling, Blue-headed 17 kinds that are unique to the Park are also included.

Be on the watch for the stunning cinnamon-chested bee-eater, the jewel-colored Rwenzori turaco, and different sunbirds, robins, and barbets.

Six Albertine Rift endemic mammal species, four of which are unique to Rwenzori Nature Reserve and three of which are amazing creatures, are among the 70 lifeforms of mammals found there. The elephants, chimpanzees, Rwenzori otters, and leopards are examples of other species. Do keep an eye out for species like colobus and blue monkeys, tiny antelope-like bushbucks, and unique reptiles like the three-horned chameleon, even if it might be challenging to identify wildlife in the thick Jungle.

The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon are one of Uganda’s off-the-beaten-path attractions, but they are easily seen from a mile from many locations in Western Uganda. Explore the foothills and outside of the Alps of the Moon to get a better look.

Please contact our tourism squad to figure out the right time to attend Uganda and celebrate your unforgettable rides in Uganda and East Africa. Suppose visitors also would prefer to go mountain trekking, visit the Rwenzori Hill of the Moon in Uganda, or require assistance finding a Safari Uganda Weekend getaways holiday that suits you. In that case, we are more than happy to assist you.