Things to do and see in and around Rwenzori Mountains Park
Discover the Wonders of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon
Top Things to do and see in the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, are a range of mountains in eastern equatorial Africa, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The highest peak of the Rwenzori reaches 5,109 meters (16,762 ft), and the range’s upper regions are permanently snow-capped and glaciated. Rivers fed by mountain streams form one of the sources of the Nile.
The name “Mountains of the Moon” comes from a Greek merchant, Diogenes, who traveled to East Africa and claimed to have found the source of the Nile – which the natives called the Mountains of the Moon due to their snow-capped peaks.
The Rwenzori Mountains are popular for hiking, mountaineering, and safaris. The varied vegetation of the mountains ranges from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows, and the wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards.
Top Things to do and see in the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon
Factoids about the Rwenzori Mountains!
- Africa’s highest Mountain Range: The RDwenzori Mountains are the tallest mountain range in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountains are more towering than the Alps of Europe.
- Highest Peaks in Uganda: Six of the ten highest peaks in Uganda are in the Rwenzori Mountains. Mount Stanley is the third-highest peak in Africa.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Rwenzori Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more here.
- Mountains of the Moon: The name “Mountains of the Moon” comes from a Greek merchant, Diogenes, who traveled to East Africa and claimed to have found the source of the Nile – which the natives called the Mountains of the Moon due to their snow-capped peaks.
The Rwenzori Mountains are a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, the Rwenzori Mountains are a great option. The mountains offer stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a variety of hiking trails to choose from.
Things to do and see – the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains -Hitting the Peaks:
The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A good nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak. Shorter Climbs on other peaks can be more non-technical Treks.
The word Rwenzori “means “Rainmaker or Cloud “Maker.” Alluding to the fact that trails can be pretty muddy during the rainy seasons of the year in Uganda.
Climbing the Peaks involves a mountaineering service with skilled guides and porters that will safely get you up and down. Something that we arrange for you if you are on safari with us.
The scenic wonders that await Climbers are beyond description and can only be experienced first-hand.
3-Day Mahoma Trail:
It is a relatively new trail that does not need to use a Mountaineering Service but can be handled by expert guides from Ruboni. You can also use Porter services to lighten your load since many will find this a strenuous hike into the Rwenzori Mountains. This Trail is within the park, and the entrance is close to Ruboni.
You stay in huts used by those climbing the Rwenzoris’ peaks. You will reach the Afro-Montane plant region, where you will see giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsel. You might even see an Elephant while on the Trail or some Chimpanzees.
The three days of the Mahoma Trail expose you to the Rwenzori Mountains – you are right in them with all their splendid scenery. Read more here about his hike.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Northern Pass Mini-Hike:
This one Trail is not a foothill hike but ascends to the 3000-meter level – It is in the Northern Areas of the Mountains of the Moon – the difficulty level is from moderate to challenging.
The actual hike is seven to eight hours long, and you are guided by mountaineering specialists working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Rwenzori Mountains – Semliki Valley Hiking Safari, you combine the tallest Mountain Range in Africa with one of the most scenic wonders of the Western Rift – the Semliki Valley.
The Rwenzori Mini-Hike is 7 to 8 hours over Bamba Pass with elevations up to 3000 meters. The Semliki Valley is one of the lowest, with its tropical Jungles spilling over from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more here about this hike.
Birding-Wildlife and Primates:
Rwenzori National Park is home to 70 mammal species, including six Albertine Rift endemics; four are endemic to the park, and three are rare species. Other mammals include the elephant, chimpanzee, Rwenzori otter, and leopard. Though wildlife is challenging to spot in the dense forest, look out for primates such as colobus and blue monkeys, small antelope such as bushbucks, and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned chameleon.
Birding enthusiasts will delight in the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, home to 217 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Among these are 17 species endemic to the park making Rwenzori a critical birding area.
The forest zone at 1800m contains a diversity of birds, including the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-Archers’rchers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty BLagden’sagden’s Bush-Shrike, Slender-billed Starling, Blue-headed Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Strange Weaver and several varieties of Barbets, Greenbuls, Apalises, IIladopsis, Flycatchers and Crimsonwing.
Cultural Activities in the Rwenzori Mountains Foothills:
There are many opportunities for interactive cultural visits in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. From village visits to drumming and dancing lessons, learn the ways of old from the keepers of the Mountains of the Moon on village walks, visit,s and village stay in the Village of Ruboni.
The Ruboni Community is one example where tourists can have genuine cultural encounters with the Bakonzo People.
A particular time is meeting with one of the Elders of the community. Hear the stories of old from the area. Accounts that are passed down from generation to generation.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon can readily be seen from a distance from many spots in Western Uganda – get a closer look by exploring the foothills and beyond of the Mountains of the Moon – the Rwenzori Mountains Yet is one of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Uganda.
Getting to the Rwenzori Mountains:
Getting to the Rwenzori Mountains by driving from Entebbe:
Getting to the Mountains can quickly be done by going from Entebbe via Fort Portal to the Kasese area, which is the best place for those that want to climb the peaks of the Rwenzori |Mountains. This is the best route for those that are bringing climbing equipment with them.
This is also the route one would take to reach the village of Ruboni, where you can do foothill activities.
Getting to the Rwenzori Mountains with Aerolink Safari Airline.
You can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese every day. We arrange all the details, including the flight on an Aerolink Cessna-Grand Caravan. Short daily flights to and from Kasese connect you with Entebbe International Airport.
Read more about Aerolink here.
Contact us about the Top Things to do and see – the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon that you want to include in your safari.
