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 of the Moon are the tallest mountain range in all of Africa. The elevation of the Rwenzori Mountains exceeds that of the Alps in Europe.
The Rwenzori Mountains are used by some world-class as a training ground in preparation for climbing Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. According to skilled mountain climbers, the Rwenzori Mountains are in a class of their own.
Unlike Kilimanjaro, you climb here without the crowds as you take the round journey to the highest peaks depending on the route taken and activities done along the way.
The fabled Rwenzori Mountains have a legendary history going back to Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and father of geography. He called the 120-kilometer-long Rwenzori range the Mountains of the Moon.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO calls the mossy zone above “Africa’s Botanical Bi” Game.”
The Rwenzori Mountains offer a variety of things to do and see. Activities in or near the park for those who like to be off the beaten tourist path. Many do not come here since they think that the Rwenzori Mountains are only for those climbing the Mountain Range’s peaks. They do not realize that many things to do and see here do not involve climbing the peaks and can be done in the foothills.
The rugged Afro-Montane beauty of the mountains is something that visitors to Uganda need to behold; simply breathtaking. Below are the things to do and see when visiting the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. You can spend time in the mountains’ foothills, enjoying the park’s wonders, and stay in the surrounding communities, such as the village of Ruboni. Despite the description you just read, The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Remain off the Beaten Track in Uganda is something you may like.
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 that are used by those that climb the peaks of the Rwenzoris. 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 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 species of mammal, 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, do 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 lots of 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 easily 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. There are short daily flights to and from Kasese, connecting 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.
