Rwenzori Mountains National Park is situated along the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori. It is a snow-capped mountain in Uganda also known the Mountains of the moon, it straddles along the equator in a tropical hot temperature, the forest lies at an altitude of 5109m high above sea level its highest peak being Margarita. The national park was founded and first discovered by a geographer Alexandrine in 150 AD who managed to name it on the world map first, the national park was gazette in 1991 and recognized a UNESCO world heritage site in the 1994 as a way of protecting the different animal species that call this home, it is elevated at 5,109m above sea level, straddling along the country’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the equatorial mountain is the third highest peak in East Africa, the national park covers an area space of approximately 996 square Kilometers.
The different vegetative angelic zones range from the farms lands of the local communities, montane forest, bamboo under shed by mimulopsis, a heather zone, characterized by the giant tree heathers, together with beautiful forms of the giant lobelia these act as homes to wildlife species like elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, primates like the black and white colobus monkey, blue monkeys are also seen, the hyrax is a rare species to see, it should be noted that animals in this park are very shy and are rare to find. It boasts with over 200 species of birds most of which are restricted to living around then Albertine rift valley for example the malachite sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, great blue turaco, black collared apalis.
Most popular activity of Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the Rwenzori climbing, this can be explored on any number of days you would like to take on the trail but most recommended is a 7day trail, the central circuit trail is normally organized through the Rwenzori mountaineering services starting the adventure at the Nyakalengija, they provide guides and porters to carry heavy equipment in case one needed help. The Rwenzori region is cold it is advisable to carry raingears, spare clothes, water prof covers for phones and cameras, sleeping bag or mat, water, hand gloves and any other material you may need for the trip.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park has other several activities that can be participated in these include bird watching, hiking, mountain climbing, guided nature walks presented on an opportunity of the presence of the mountains of the moon, despite the area not being well developed with facilities, the central circuit is provided with the basic huts, camping rooms and the Rwenzori mountaineering guestrooms, the Rwenzori backpackers hostel serves the Kilembe trail. More accommodation can be accessed in the nearby fort portal and Kasese towns close top Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The national park is managed by the Uganda wildlife authority, accessing the park requires to pay $35 for foreign non-residents, $25 for foreign residents, and 15,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is best visited during the dry season.