Rwenzori Mountains National Park

A Uganda Safari that features the Rwenzori Mountain National Park provides a memorable and rewarding experience but in order to have a smooth flow it should be Well planned and every tour must be well prepared. Rwenzori Hiking Safaris is what tourists come for during their visit to the great Mountains of the Moon. Following the central hike circuit can take about six nights/seven days and then reaches an altitude of 14,000ft(4,267m) above the sea level.

Conditions on Rwenzori Mountain National Park are quite challenging even to an experienced hiker as mountain Rwenzori is well known for its steep, un-engeneered, and slippery trails with frequent rainfall and cold temperatures, fog, muddy, steep terrain with a high altitude.
Despite this its worth a try due to the exciting experience you will attain. Its dry period includes July-August, December-February and so its relatively dry for inexperienced hikers.
At all seasons its recommended that one should have a raingear, a good sleeping bag,a warm hat,pairs of gloves, heavy socks, gum boots, gaiters and a walking stick for easy balance and support are plus a basic first aid kit.

Porters stay around the mountain thus help visitors carry their heavy equipments and food, leaving one with a small pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera, water and any other light luggage for an enjoyable experience.

The interest for Rwenzori is also on the vegetation, which is divided into several altitude zones: the forest zone (between 1.800 and 2.500 m), the bamboo forest (up to 3000 m), the heath and Alpine zones (3000-4.500 m), with forests of giants heath plants, giant lobelias and groundsels. There are 70 mammal species recorded (elephants, golden cat, chimpanzee, yellow – backed duiker) and 177 birds, especially Albertine Rift endemics (Rwenzori Turaco, cuckoo, owl, francolin, robin).

By road: Mountain Rwenzori lies a few kilometers north of the equator, rising over 4000m above the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park trailhead at Nyakalengija can be reached from Kampala from the north via Fort Portal (375km) or the south passing through Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park (450km). Nyakalengija is 17km off the Kasese-Fort Portal road and 25km north of Kasese town.

By Air: Scheduled flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip. 2 X flights take on for the morning session and the afternoon session

Located in Ibanda village 4 kms from the National Park. Rwenzori Basecamp offers single, double and twin accommodation in comfortable surroundings. Some rooms are self-contained, DSTV, fully stocked bar, meals to order. Safe secure parking for vehicles left whilst on the mountain.

Most of visitors undertake the excellent “central circuit” trial, which takes 9days-8nights to complete and takes you to the main peaks. However, other shorter hikes are possible in the central area and in the North of Rwenzori. High mountain equipments are required, as the trials reach an altitude of 4.000m above.

Several Mountain’s huts on the ‘Circuit’ route are provided, huts of Nyabitaba, John Matte, Guy Yeoman and Elena, Kitandara and Bujuku hut. Camping on the mountain would be preferable however the terrain resembles a floating bog.

Rwenzori Mountaineering Services Bunkhouse: Located at RMS’s offices next to the National Parks Headquarters at the entrance to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Meals are available through a local women’s group.

Community project of the Ruboni Community Tourism Association supported by UCOTA (Uganda Community Tourism Association). There is a booking office in Kasese town where a special hire taxi can be arranged for you or alternatively take a matatu to Ibanda from Kasese and walk the short distance to Ruboni Camp. Follow the signposting for the RMS offices and continue up the trail to the camp situated just outside the park gate

Other accommodation facilities are somehow distant in the nearby towns like Kasese and Fort portal.