Rwenzori Mountains National Park - The Ugandan Alps

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.

This is one of the most fabulous places in Africa...Who would expect Glaciers and Mountains in Uganda, well let me assure you that they are here...and you can climb them and hike through them, experience Africa in a most unusual manner...High above it all...also referred to Mountains of the moon--in ancient times to be thought to be the source of the Nile...but it was not source...but the name sticks...

Mountaineering and Hiking- Rwenzori Mountains Uganda, 6 Days of pure Adventure:

Discover the Mountains of the Moon - UN Heritage Site

Whether you're an experienced climber or just a casual hiker, you'll find these legendary mysterious "Mountains of the moon" an unforgettable experience.

There are six peaks with permanent snow and three glaciers. The highest of these peaks is the 3rd highest point in Africa - Mt.Stanley's Margherita peak rising 5,109 meters above sea level.

The park has 996 sq kms of rugged mountain terrain, ranging from rain forest to Afro-alpine and moorlands. Here you'll get the best flora diversity in the region with the unique vegetation growing above 3000m, like the giant forms of lobelia, heather and groundsel.

This Park is also home to the hyrax (rock rabbit), blue monkey, chimpazee, giant forest hog, smaller antelope species and many bird species like the Rwenzori turracco, the handsome francolin and olive pigeon.

Getting there :  Drive from Kampala to Trailhead and stay Hotel and prepare for the hike on the next day.

DAY 1: Nyakalengija (1615m) to Nyamitaba Hut (2651m) Morning, transfer to Nyakalengija on to Ibanda to start your 5-6 hour Climb into the Mountains. You climb through the thick vegetation arriving at the Nyabitaba Hut in the late evening for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Nyamitaba Hut to John Matte Hut (3505)Breakfast Early, then start a morning hike through the Kurt Sharfer Bridge to marvel at the Mobuku River Confluence. A Climb through the Open Patches and Lobelia and the Heath Moss Forest before proceeding up to the John Matte Hut( for overnight)

DAY 3: John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut (3962m). Depart early through the Giant Lobelias and the Heath trees. You ascend to the Bigo Bog and Scenic Landscape of Lobelias, Giant Groundsels. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.

DAY 4: Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut (4023m). Leave the Valley and the Beautiful Vegetation consisting of Giant Groundsels and Lobelia and head on an ascent to the highest point on the loop trail, Scott Elion Pass (4372m), before descending to the two beautifull Kitandara lakes for an overnight stay at the hut.

DAY 5: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut (3505m)A five hour descent starting with an ascent to Freshfield Pass (4282m) then descent to Bujongolo Cave (3730m). Further down trail, we encouter the Kabamba Cave with an attractive waterfall before reaching Guy yeoman Hut for dinner and Overnight.

DAY 6: Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyakalengija. Descend to Nyabitaba Hut via Lake Mahoma, before proceeding to Nyakalengija and finally to Margherita Hotel for Overnight.

Back to Kampala during the next day...return to one of our Guesthouses...

The video below is in Norwegian...but it is fantastic for the feel of the Mountains...

It shows you the mountaineering challenge in Uganda