Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Location: Western Uganda
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a protected area in western Uganda that is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, the third highest mountain range in Africa. The park is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several endemic species, as well as its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The park is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering, with several trails and peaks to explore.
Prominent Features: The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to several notable features, including:
Mount Stanley: The highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Stanley has several subsidiary peaks, including Margherita Peak, which is the third-highest peak in Africa.
Equatorial Glaciers: The Rwenzori Mountains are unique in that they are one of the few places near the equator where glaciers are found. Rwenzori Turaco: This colorful bird is endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains and is known for its distinctive red and green feathers.
Bamboo Zone: The park is home to a dense bamboo forest, which is a unique habitat that supports a variety of plant and animal life.
History: The Rwenzori Mountains have long been a site of fascination for explorers and adventurers. In the early 20th century, several expeditions attempted to reach the summit of Mount Stanley, but it wasn't until 1906 that the peak was successfully climbed. The area was designated as a national park in 1991.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the park and learn about its unique flora and fauna, or hike one of the shorter trails, such as the Mahoma Trail, which is a 4-hour trek through the bamboo zone.
Fun Fact: The Rwenzori Mountains are known locally as the "Mountains of the Moon," and were believed to be the source of the Nile River by early explorers.
Entry Fees: Entry fees to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park vary depending on the activity and duration of stay. For example, a one-day hike to the Nyakalengija trailhead costs $35 per person, while a 7-day trek to the summit of Mount Stanley can cost up to $1,400 per person. Additional fees may apply for camping and park ranger services.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport to the park is the Entebbe International Airport, which is located in Kampala, Uganda's capital city. From there, visitors can take a domestic flight to the Kasese Airport, which is the closest airport to the park.
By Road: The park is also accessible by road, with several buses and taxis available from Kampala and other major cities in Uganda. You can take a bus from Kampala to Kasese, which is the nearest town to the national park. Buses leave from Kampala's main bus station and take approximately 7-8 hours. From Kasese, you can hire a taxi or take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around the park, including lodges, guesthouses, and campsites. Some popular options include the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, the Sandton Hotel Kasese, and the Rwenzori Backpackers.
Next Stop: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a protected area in western Uganda that is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, the third highest mountain range in Africa. The park is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several endemic species, as well as its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The park is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering, with several trails and peaks to explore.
Prominent Features: The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to several notable features, including:
Mount Stanley: The highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Stanley has several subsidiary peaks, including Margherita Peak, which is the third-highest peak in Africa.
Equatorial Glaciers: The Rwenzori Mountains are unique in that they are one of the few places near the equator where glaciers are found. Rwenzori Turaco: This colorful bird is endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains and is known for its distinctive red and green feathers.
Bamboo Zone: The park is home to a dense bamboo forest, which is a unique habitat that supports a variety of plant and animal life.
History: The Rwenzori Mountains have long been a site of fascination for explorers and adventurers. In the early 20th century, several expeditions attempted to reach the summit of Mount Stanley, but it wasn't until 1906 that the peak was successfully climbed. The area was designated as a national park in 1991.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the park and learn about its unique flora and fauna, or hike one of the shorter trails, such as the Mahoma Trail, which is a 4-hour trek through the bamboo zone.
Fun Fact: The Rwenzori Mountains are known locally as the "Mountains of the Moon," and were believed to be the source of the Nile River by early explorers.
Entry Fees: Entry fees to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park vary depending on the activity and duration of stay. For example, a one-day hike to the Nyakalengija trailhead costs $35 per person, while a 7-day trek to the summit of Mount Stanley can cost up to $1,400 per person. Additional fees may apply for camping and park ranger services.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport to the park is the Entebbe International Airport, which is located in Kampala, Uganda's capital city. From there, visitors can take a domestic flight to the Kasese Airport, which is the closest airport to the park.
By Road: The park is also accessible by road, with several buses and taxis available from Kampala and other major cities in Uganda. You can take a bus from Kampala to Kasese, which is the nearest town to the national park. Buses leave from Kampala's main bus station and take approximately 7-8 hours. From Kasese, you can hire a taxi or take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around the park, including lodges, guesthouses, and campsites. Some popular options include the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, the Sandton Hotel Kasese, and the Rwenzori Backpackers.
Next Stop: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park