Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rising from the heart of western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains—often called the “Mountains of the Moon”—are a mystical realm where jagged peaks pierce the sky and glaciers cling to equatorial ridgelines. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of otherworldly beauty, hidden high above the savannahs and tea plantations.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park isn’t your typical safari—it’s a trek into a dreamscape. Here, travellers don’t just see nature—they climb into its wildest, most dramatic forms. From moss-draped forests to alpine meadows and icy summits, this is one of Africa’s most thrilling and unforgettable adventures.

The Ultimate Mountain Trekking Experience

At the core of the park lies Mount Stanley, the third-highest peak in Africa (5,109m), topped by Margherita Peak, a glacial crown only the most daring climbers will reach. Trekking in the Rwenzoris is not for the faint-hearted—it’s a multi-day journey through diverse climate zones, each more surreal than the last.

But for those who take the challenge, the rewards are immense: turquoise alpine lakes, hanging valleys, rare plants like giant lobelias and groundsel, and a silence so deep, it almost hums.

Trek for a few days or take on the full 8- to 10-day Central Circuit—every step is an immersion in raw wilderness.

A Botanical Wonderland

The Rwenzori Mountains are famous for their Afro-alpine vegetation, a fantasy-like world of twisted heathers, giant groundsels, and plants that look like they belong in a science fiction film. The combination of mist, moss, and ancient trees gives the impression of walking through a prehistoric garden.

Rare Wildlife and Birds

Though more difficult to spot than in the open savannah, the park is home to elephant, chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, and Rwenzori duiker. For birders, Rwenzori is a treasure trove, with over 217 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, and strange weaver.

Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Multi-day trekking (Central Circuit or Kilembe Route)
Mountaineering to Margherita Peak (Mount Stanley)
Nature and forest walks
Birdwatching
Community and cultural visits (Ruboni and Mihunga villages)
Landscape and glacier photography

How to get there

By road: The park is accessible via Kasese, roughly 6–7 hours’ drive from Kampala.

By air: Scheduled domestic flights are available from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip, which is about 45 minutes from the park headquarters.

Climate

The Rwenzori region has a cool, wet climate. Rainfall is common throughout the year, especially from March–May and September–November. Temperatures vary with altitude—from warm lowlands to freezing alpine peaks. Waterproof gear and cold-weather layers are essential for trekkers.

Best Time To Visit

June to August and December to February are considered the best times for trekking, with clearer skies and less rainfall. That said, weather in the mountains is always unpredictable, and preparation is key year-round.

Facts

Rwenzori is a place of mystery and majesty, where misty forests meet sky-high glaciers. It’s not the easiest park to reach—but that’s what makes it so special. If you dream of wild places, unspoiled trails, and the triumph of reaching high-altitude summits, this is your park.

Established in 1991 – Recognised for its global ecological significance and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994.
Size: 996 square kilometres (385 square miles)
Elevation: From 1,600m to 5,109m (Mount Stanley, Africa’s 3rd highest peak)
Ecosystems: Tropical rainforest, bamboo zone, alpine meadows, glaciers
Unique feature: The only glacier-capped mountain range in Uganda and one of only three in Africa.
Top experiences: Multi-day treks, alpine scenery, Afro-alpine plants, and high-altitude adventure.