Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Rwenzori Trekking Tours
Rwenzori Mountains national park was established in 1991 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, the park was inscribed on UNESCO s list of world heritage in danger between 1999 and 2004 because it was insecure and lack of resources in the park. It is located in southwestern Uganda on the east side of the western (Albertine).
It lies along Uganda s border with the democratic republic of Congo and in the Rwenzori mountains almost 1000 km squared in size, the park is known for its beautiful plant life, it also has the 3rd Africa s highest mountain peak and many waterfalls in the south-western corner of the country and next to the Virunga National Park in Congo.
Although climbing the Rwenzori Mountains is the key attraction, the park is also known for the birds, animals, and remarkable botany. When planning a unique trek to Rwenzori the 14 Days gorillas & Rwenzori trek via Virunga Parkside is the best experience.
A combination of heavy rains, cold weather, and sunshine has led to the growth of rare vegetation commonly seen in cold countries. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to several primates and mammals like Colobus monkeys, buffaloes, chimpanzees, forest elephants and Leopards, and many others.
Over 216 species of birds can be found in the park as well as rare reptiles like the three-horned chameleon. Other activities include nature walking and visits to one of the local Bakonzo tribe.
Hiking Trails on the Rwenzori Mountains.
There are only three hiking trails that trekkers can select to use one of the two during the trip to the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda has two Trails and Congo has one trail.
Rwenzori Trekking Services manages the Kilembe Trail that is considered as the most challenging trail while trekking the Rwenzori Mountains from Uganda Side. This route was opened in 2009, Kilembe trail that rises in the southern slopes of the Rwenzori from a trailhead at the Kilembe just near the town of Kasese. This route is along the Nyamwamba Valley that goes through the glacier lakes and the spectacular viewpoints before joining the central circuit at Lake Kitandara.
Rwenzori Mountaineering services that manage Rwenzori Central Circuits that is considered as the simplest compare to the other two trails for climbing Rwenzori. The shortest route to conquer Margherita peak in the Rwenzori Mountains. This trail is the traditional one and the oldest within the national park that has been used by various trekkers who visited Rwenzori before 2009. with all its trek starting from Nyakalengija, 22 Km from Kasese off the Fort portal Road.
The Virunga Foundation that manages the Rwenzori Trail in Congo which is not complicated as Uganda’s side but the security of the area is not good compared to the case in Uganda.
Car Rental Congo works with the three organizations to make your Rwenzori trip a life time experience while on Africa Safari holiday.
Things to do & See
- Rwenzori Trekking tours
- Chimpanzee
- Butterfly watching
- Nature walk
- Cultural Experience
- Peak watching
Nearby tourists Attractions to Rwenzori Mountains National park
There are a number of national parks that are close to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park that include Queen Elizabeth national park known for Wildlife Safaris in Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park for Gorilla Safaris.
Rwenzori Trekking: Climbing Rwenzoris
Car Rental Congo partners with most trusted Tour operators that are offering Rwenzori Trekking tours via Uganda ‘s two routes for hiking Rwenzori Mountains National Park ( Central Circuit and Kilembe Trails) and the only one route in Congo.
The Most popular Rwenzori Trekking tours are 7 Days Mountaineering & 9 Days Rwenzori Climbing all starting from Kasese Uganda. Read More Rwenzori Trekking tours.
These trips are both available for Travelers on Uganda Guided tours or Self drive Uganda that has been extended to Independent Travelers in Uganda.