Rwenzori Mountains National Park Guide, History, Peaks & More
History And Formation Of The Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda
Rwenzori mountains in Uganda are popularly known in East Africa as “the mountains of the moon” and locally known as “Ruwenzori” meaning ‘rainmaker’ or ‘cloud king.’ It was after they were christened by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. Mountain Rwenzori National Park ranges are a range of six block massifs bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among these is Mount Stanley with the highest peak Margherita standing at 5,109meters high. This Margherita peak was first climbed in 1906 and was named after Queen Margherita of Italy. It is known to be the third highest mountain point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Mount Speke is the second highest peak after Stanley with an elevation of 4,890meters.
This is followed by Mount Baker which is locally called Mountain Kiyanja by the Bakonjo who leave on the foothills of the ranges, with a height of 4,844meters. Mount Emin stands at 4,715meters high while Mount Gessi is at an altitude of 4,578meters, and Mount Luigi di Savoia at a height of 4,537meters. This kind of altitude is high enough to keep the ranges glaciated permanently and as a result, they are snow-capped throughout the year. These ranges are separated by deep narrow valleys some of which are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and lowland growing vegetation.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park Peaks
The Rwenzori range is composed of six major mountains, each with its own distinct features: Our Rwenzori Kilimanjaro trekking and climbing experts are available to guide you through which trek to opt for in order to summit Rwenzori mountains in Uganda
- Mount Stanley (5,109 meters)
- Mountain Speke (4,890 meters)
- Mt Baker (4,844 meters)
- Emin mountain (4,715 meters)
- Mount Gessi (4,578 meters)
- Mountain Luigi di Savoia (4,537 meters)
These Rwenzori peaks, along with deep gorges and glacial valleys, form the iconic snow-capped summits of the Rwenzori.
WHY SHOULD ONE VISIT MOUNTAIN RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK FOR THE BEST RWENZORI TREKKING SERVICES
- Snow-Capped Peaks: These Rwenzori mountains boast snow-capped peaks, creating a stunning contrast against the lush jungle below. Imagine trekking through this unique landscape of mount Rwenzori with our best Rwenzori trekking services!
- Biodiversity: The Rwenzori Mountains National Park park is home to rare wildlife species
- Glacial Valleys and Waterfalls: Explore glacial valleys, cascading waterfalls, and fast-flowing rivers of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This is yet another kind of trekking experience that tourists visit Uganda for.
- Highest Point in Uganda: The Rwenzori Mountains house Uganda’s highest point known as the Margherita Peak (5,109 meters) on Mount Stanley.
Contact us for any inquiries about our Rwenzori Trekking services and here is a mountain Rwenzori hiking guide well crafted by the best Rwenzori Trekking Experts to make your Rwenzori hiking adventure in Uganda a memorable one.
Getting to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park: From Kampala to Kasese
Rwenzori Mountains National Park ranges can be accessible in Uganda and through the neighbouring country Democratic Republic of Congo. Considering Uganda, specific routes connect to the destination in relation to where you are coming from. Two routes connect from Kampala, the capital city, to either Kasese or Fort Portal; the longest one being taken from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi-Kasese (about 427km).
This takes you through Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Equator line. And also, experiments are made evidently for those who desire to make a stop, and have a more venturesome experience. It takes about 7-8 hours to reach the destination via this route. The shortest route is from Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal (about 315km). It takes about 5-6 hours. These routes are suitable for travellers who prefer using road transport and for a more adventurous experience. Air transport is another option as it takes about an hour and a half from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip. There is a morning and an afternoon flight which provides a scenic view through the varying landscape.
Best Time to Visit Rwenzori
The best time to visit/climb and trek the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is during the Dry Season that is from December to February and June to August, providing the best conditions for trekking and Rwenzori peak ascents.
