Rwenzori Mountains National Park

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As early as 15OAD, Ptolemy wrote of a snow cappedmountain range deep in the heart of Africa which he claimed was the source of the world’s longest river, The Nile. He called it “Mountains of the Moon.”

Indeed, over the centuries, mountaineers who later explored Ptolemy’s mountains found the high Rwenzori glaciers and snow peaks whose melt waters certainly represent the highest springs of the Nile.

The alpine highland glaciers, snowfields and blue cirque lakes make Rwenzori one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain parks.

The elusive mountains of the moon whose snow capped peaks are often veiled by clouds and mist rises up to 5,109m above sea level. Rwenzori is Africa’s tallest mountain range exceeded in altitude by Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, carrying Africa’s third, fourth and fifth highest peaks that are visible from miles around. Some of its peaks (incomparable, beautiful and mist-shrouded) carry permanent snow.

Activities

Aesthetic values of the Rwenzoris can be put into three categories of trekking, nature walks and peak climbing:

Trekking

This is done along the two routes a 7 day trekking along the central tourism circuit, and a 10 day trekking along Kilembe route through Scenic nine lakes, panoramic view of Virunga National Park, to Kitandara connecting to the central circuit leading to the peaks. Shorter hikes can be arranged.

Nature Walks

Standard Nature walk trails, traverses the forested vegetation zones, to offer back to earth interaction with nature, including bird watching, scenic views, waterfalls, butterflies.

Peak Climbing

The trail loops to the peaks are challenging, but rewarding hikes, taking all vegetation zones and glaciers. There are ascents to major peaks within the Rwenzori ranges along both routes. These include ascents to Margherita (5,109m) on Mountain Stanley, Vittorio Emmanuelle (4,889m) on Mountain Speke and Edward (4,842m) on Mountain Baker. These hikes offer commanding and panoramic views of other peaks within the ranges. However, high peaks should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers