Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was established in 1991. The protected area covers 996 sq. km and contains 6 major block mountain peaks, of which 3—including Mount Stanley’s Margherita peak (5,109 meters), Africa’s 3rd highest peak, Mount Speke (4,890 m), and Mount Baker (4,843 meters)—contain permanent equatorial alpine glaciers. Nicknamed the Mountains of the Moon by the Alexandrian geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD, Mount Rwenzori is among the most beautiful mountains due to the glaciers and a unique array of 5 vegetation zones with rare flora and fauna.
The snowcaps on Mount Rwenzori, among other high-altitude equatorial mountains of East Africa, which include Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, are reportedly shrinking due to global warming. As such, the Mount Rwenzori Conservation and Development Project was developed to promote sustainable practices among the adjacent communities. Uganda safaris and community tours that align with the objectives of the project are available for booking through a responsible tour operator.
Vegetation zones and plant species in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Due to the varying altitudes, Rwenzori National Park boasts a unique array of 5 vegetation zones, which include, in ascending order, Afro-montane forest, bamboo forest, tree heather (Abyssinica mixed forest), Afro-alpine, and glacial zones as described below: –
Afro-montane forest (1,800-2,500 m)
This zone is characterized by dense tropical montane forest with unique hardwood tree species such as Podocarpus milanjianus, red stinkwood (Prunus africana), Olea hochstetteri, a species of wild olive trees, Symphonia globulifera, and Aningeria adolfi-friederici. There are common epiphytes: those that grow on the branches of trees, such as ferns and orchids. The forest floor is covered with ferns and mosses and moist due to a relatively cool and humid climate and abundant rainfall above 2,000 mm per year throughout the year.
The montane forest zone supports a variety of wildlife, including forest elephants. Among other primate species are the common chimpanzees, L’hoest monkeys (Cercopithecus lhoesti), and black and white colobus monkeys. A plethora of bird species also inhabit the montane forest zone, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Rwenzori batis, and mountain double-collared sunbird.
Bamboo zone (2,600 to 3,000 m)
The bamboo forest occurs above the montane forest and contains different bamboo tree species like Arundinaria alpina and Yushania alpina. The bamboo zone in Rwenzori Mountains National Park plays a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Bamboo forests help regulate water flow and prevent soil erosion.
Heath zone (3,000-4,000 m)
The heath zone (Hagenia Abyssinica), locally known as the “Bakonjo Zone,” features low-growing heath trees and scrub vegetation, including Erica spp., P. keniensis, Helichrysum spp., Rapanea rhododendroides, and Philippia excels. Usnea lichens drape beautifully among trees.
Afro-alpine zone (4,000-4,500 m)
This zone consists of five tropical plant communities, including rare high-altitude species of dendrosenecios, giant lobelias (Lobelia wollastonii), groundsels (Senecio spp.), Helichrysum stuhlmanni scrub with white everlasting flowers, tussock grassland, the ladies mantle (alchemilla), and Carex sedges. It is one of the most spectacular vegetation zones of the Mount Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
The glacier zone
The glacier zone in Rwenzori National Park, located at the highest elevations, is characterized by several distinct physical features, which include alpine tundra vegetation that survives on barren rock, such as moss and lichens. The 3 mountain peaks often covered in glaciers and permanent snowfields include Margherita, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker. The glaciers and snowfields are of hydrological importance, providing water resources to the lower elevations and surrounding communities.
They act as natural reservoirs, releasing water gradually throughout the year, which led to the formation of several rivers and glacial features, including glacial lakes surrounded by lush afro-alpine vegetation such as Bugata Lake found below Weisman’s peak (3,990 m), peat bogs around Lake Kopello, Kachope and Bujuku lakes below Mount Speke, and the wild lake Kitandara in the heart of the Rwenzori mountains.
Fauna
The higher slopes starting at 1,600 m are essentially undisturbed by human activity and designated a Ramsar Site as indicated by the presence of lush primeval forests and wetlands of international importance that contain a macrophyte ecosystem. Each vegetation zone contains unique fauna, making for rich biodiversity, including over 217 species of birds, 70 mammal species, and over 5 primates.
There are 21 Albertine rift endemic smaller mammal species, of which 6 are endemic to the protected area, including the Rwenzori duiker (Cephalophus rubidus), Rwenzori hyrax (Dendrohyrax arboreus), the moon-striped mouse (Rwenzori hybomys), Montane Shaggy Rat (Dasymys montanus), Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophidae), and Rwenzori Shrew (Ruwenzorisorex suncoides). Among other large mammal species found in the park are the African elephant and the Rwenzori leopard (Panthera pardus Ruwenzori). Primate species in the Rwenzori include chimpanzees and L’hoest monkeys.
Birds
Among the bird species, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is famous for harboring 17 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which include the Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori turaco, bamboo warbler (Bradypterus alfredi), Stuhlmann’s double-collared sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni), and golden-winged and sunbird (Nectarinia reichenowi). Among other globally threatened species are Shelly’s Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza shelleyi), Rockefeller’s sunbird (Nectarinia rockefelleri), and the White-Collared sunbird (Nesocharis ansorgei), the only Lake Victoria biome species in the Rwenzoris.
Fish species
The freshwater rivers, lakes, and swamps at varying altitudes within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park host a variety of endemic Cyprinid fish species, such as the East African red-finned barb, ray-finned Labeobarbus rwenzorii, Barbus alluaudi, Labeobarbus somereni, Barbus prince, marbled mountain catfish (Ampilius jacksonii), swamp catfish, and Allauadi’s catfish (clarias alluaudi), among other Haplochromine cichlid species.
Activities
Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers mountain climbing, forest walks, bird watching, and cultural encounters. Activities start from 3 Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) centers that serve as entry points and bases for different experiences within the park. Nyakalengija is the main starting point for most treks up the Rwenzori Mountains. It’s located near Kasese and is where most visitors register, organize guides, and begin their trekking adventures.
Mountain trekking
Climbing to the Margherita peak (5,109 m), the highest peak on Mount Stanley, takes 6 to 9 days, depending on the route used and the skill of the climbers. The Central, Kilembe, and Bukurungu trails are the trails available, each offering unique attractions, the nature of the terrain, and accommodation. For instance, on the Bukurungu route, one can go wild camping, while on the other two, there are fixed huts.
Packing list and equipment
Trekking in the Rwenzoris can be challenging due to the nature of the terrain, and peak climbers require technical equipment, including head-mounted torches, ice axes, ropes, crampons, sleeping bags, gloves, and waterproof bags to separate wet and dry clothing. In addition to the right gear, climbers must be accompanied by well-trained and certified guides and porters. UWA, in partnership with the Rwenzori climbing operators, ensures the highest safety standards and proper rescue mechanisms, assuring climbers of safety.
Shorter hikes
Shorter hikes ranging from 1-3 days are available, including a 2-day hike to Lake Mahoma in the bamboo zone along the Nyakalengija trail. Hikers can reach some of the peaks, such as Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627 m), in the Afro-alpine vegetation zone. From there, the snow-capped peaks of Margherita on Mount Stanley, Mount Alexandra, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker can be seen in a clear sky. Hike the new Kazingo trail for a whole day as you follow the northern Rwenzori Mountain with stunning views of Lake Albert and the Semliki Valley. The Kazingo Trail enables a day-long traverse of the north Rwenzori ridge between the Fort Portal plateau and Bundibugyo town in the Semliki Valley on the west side of the mountain.
Forest walks
Forest hikes, which require going to the Afrotropical forest zone, can take a few hours or a full day. These are recommended for visitors hoping to spot some of the 17 Rwenzori endemics, which include chimpanzees, Rwenzori turacos, and Rwenzori colobus monkeys.
Cultural tours
Mount Rwenzori trekking routes wind through the Bakonzo communities, which offer an opportunity for trekkers to explore their traditional culture. The Bantu-speaking people have a long history of inhabiting the mountain. They have a strong connection to the snowcapped peaks, which they believe are home to Kitasambira, a benevolent deity who protects and provides for them. According to UWA, there are over 18 sacred sites of the Bakonzo within the park, of which some can be accessed along the trails.
Village walks in the Ruboni community
Some of the local homes are in a position to host visitors for short days or overnight stays. Among other activities, visiting a traditional healer for his stunning metaphysics. Taking an agrotour to explore a coffee farm and take part in indigenous tree planting, harvesting, processing, and roasting the Robusta beans. These initiatives promote sustainable tourism and community development in Kasese. There’s also a farm affiliated with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, a movement that links visitors with organic farmers and promotes a cultural and educational exchange.
Getting there
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is 398 km west of Kampala, the capital city, via the Fort Portal-Kasese route and 450 km via Mbarara-Bushenyi. Kasese municipality can also be reached by air via the Kasese airstrip. Being also closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors can combine both trekking and wildlife safaris. The town offers a wide range of accommodations from where it is easier to drive to the trailheads by car. Situated at Mihunga in the Mubuku river valley, the Central Circuit starting point is 25 km north of Kasese. The Kilembe trailhead in the Nyamwamba river valley is 15 km west of the town. The Bukurungu trail can be reached 6 km from Nyakigumba between Kasese and Fort Portal.