Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a Uganda National Park, in the Rwenzori mountains. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda and has Margherita Peak, which is Africa’s third highest, for which it is famous.

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park in southwestern Uganda was gazetted in 1991, became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 as well as a Ramsar site in 2008.

The Park also provides great opportunities to see nature at its finest. Its plant life diverges from dense tropical rainforest, bamboo woodlands, and montane cloud forests to high-altitude vegetation and the decor is correctly outstanding. Beyond 4,500 meters, the snow and glaciers complement that special element to the astonishing views throughout this unspoiled mountain range.

This park is mostly famous for mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and climbing excursions or safaris with or without summiting the Margherita. Rwenzori mountains national Park Guide offers you all you need to know about the magnificent Mountains of the Moon, how to get to the Park, the Best time to Visit the Park, Trekking routes/trails (Kilembe, Central circuit or Burungu), attractions, Rwenzori mountain peaks, lodge, and hotel accommodations within or outside the park, Suggested Rwenzori Trekking Tour Operators, as well as what to wear/what to pack? (Rwenzori mountaineering gear/equipment).

All you need to know about this park

Climbing the magical Rwenzori Mountains is a truly fanciful and exceptional experience.
The extensive diversity of vegetation and wildlife with several environments as you rise through dissimilar flora zones creates the definitive experience for hiking. Never before has this exceptional and stunning trek been offered, completely untouched and unquestionably one of the most attractive treks in the world.
Rwenzori is the wonder of the high glaciers, the splendor of the valley of nine lakes, and the bristly lichen hanging from giant heather with a backdrop of rocky cliffs, crags, and snow-capped mountaintops.

BEST TIME TO VISIT RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

When is the best time to visit, Climb, Hike, and trek Rwenzori Mountains National Park? A guide to the best time to visit, Climb, Hike, and Trek Rwenzori Mountains N. Park.

JUNE- AUGUST & DECEMBER-FEBRUARY

From June to August and from December to February is the perfect time to visit/climb/hike/trek Rwenzori Mountains National Park, otherwise, it can be visited throughout the year. For mountaineers, the climbing window from June to August is the best time to attempt an ascent to Margherita Peak of Mountain Rwenzori.

From mid-June to August, the dry months may sound like the ideal time to visit the Rwenzori Mountains. The small window of opportunity opens up for mountaineers, eager to glimpse Mountain Rwenzori at its best, yet it is a season during which the mountains can receive less amounts of rainfall.

During the dry months, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is, more visited than the colder months from March to May and from September to November, shrouded in mist. However, it is very cool in this season in Rwenzori mountains national Park, where climbers/trekkers can enjoy fine weather in the region.

From December to February, after the cold months from September to November, the weather tends to be relatively stable with mild to warm days and cold nights. The small window of hiking/climbing Rwenzori Mountains National Park opens up opportunities to mountaineers eager to glimpse the Rwenzori Mountains at its best.

These dry months of December, January and February are also the peak time for climbers, with many more climbers seeking to reach the Margherita.

March-May & September-November- When to Visit Rwenzori

On the other hand, the cold months from March to May and from September to November are usually low seasons because of the heavy rains, muddy trails, and slippery rocks in the Rwenzori Mountains. During these months, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is very empty, and serene, which makes it suitable for solo mountaineers, who would want to climb the Rwenzori mountains by individually, at their own time schedule and convenience.

In a nutshell, a visit to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park doesn’t require a permit but prior booking through trusted and reliable tour operators in Uganda. At this time we can customize your safari, according to the number of days, additional activities, as part of a package tour that includes hiring a vehicle, a driver, and a guide.

Lastly, the rains are unpredictable and may fall early or extend beyond their typical months. It is possible to experience dry weather conditions during the rainy season, just as it is possible to experience rain during the dry season.

Accommodations

Accommodations Out Side The Park

Apart from the huts in the Pack, Rwenzori Mountains National Park also has other accommodations around the park, which range from basic to mid-range and luxury. These include Ruboni Community Camp, Geolodge Equator Snow Geo Lodge, Rwenzori Trekkers Hostel, Rwenzori Turaco Campsite, Hotel Margherita, Bunga Community Tourism Campsite, Elephant Plains Lodge, Rwenzori International Hotel, and Tropical Savannah Guest House.

Ruboni Community Camp

Ruboni Community Camp is placed in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, close to the Park gate. The camp is a great pioneer of community tourism among the local people. The camp is owned and managed by the Bakonzo who have lived in the Ruboni community for over 300 years.

The camp is strategically positioned for mountaineers who want to explore the nearby villages and hills at their own leisure pace. The lodge is situated in a tranquil and serene environment, which makes it an ideal base to kick start any Rwenzori mountains trekking adventure.

The camp offers a number of activities that completely cover the nature and culture of the Rwenzori, including a traditional dance performance, ancient stories, and an overnight hill trek.

Geolodge Equator Snow Lodge

Equator Snow Lodge is located nearby the gateway of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The lodge is a famous mid-range lodge within the central circuit region, offering quality and reliable accommodation to experienced and first-time mountaineers.

The Equator snow lodge works closely with the Ruboni Community and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services to offer various outdoor activities ranging from guided mountain hikes to low endurance hikes to climbing technical peaks. The lodge has 4 wide rooms which can accommodate a double bed and two single beds, exclusively designed for comfort and relaxation.

Trekkers Hostel-Kilembe Trail/Route

The Rwenzori Trekkers hostel is placed 12 kilometers from Kasese, in Kyanjuki village. The hostel is the famous point, where all treks along the Kilembe trail kick start and end.

The Rwenzori trekkers hostel also showcases the scenic views of the Nyamwamba River and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The property offers various accommodation options, like camping, dormitories, single rooms, and double rooms. The environment is breathtakingly green as it transforms into snow-capped peaks.
Camping – including breakfast
Dormitory – including breakfast
Single room -including breakfast
Double room (not self-contained) including breakfast

Hotel Margherita- Accommodations in Rwenzori

Hotel Margherita is strategically located in Kasese along the Kilembe highway and prides itself on providing its esteemed guests with the best value, and reliable accommodation available in the region.

The hotel is positioned at the centerpiece within easy reach of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. The Hotel has 36 spacious rooms, comprising Executive suites, standard Double and single rooms, as well as Family rooms, which can accommodate up to 5 individuals. All rooms are furnished with a private bathroom, comprising floor-to-ceiling windows with access to a private balcony where the guests can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, gardens, and golf course.