Rwenzori Mountain National Park

As early as 150 AD, Alexandrine photographer, Photolemy wrote of a snow capped mountain range deep in the heart of Africa, which he claimed was the source of the world’s largest river, the Nile. He called it mountains of the moon. Over the centuries, mountaineers who later explored Photolemy mountains found the high Rwenzori glaciers and snow peaks whose melt waters certainly represent the highest springs of the Nile. The Alpine highland of glaciers, Snow fields, hot springs and blue cirque lakes make Rwenzori one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain parks.

Reading an elevation of 5,109m, Rwenzori is Africa’s tallest mountain range exceeding in altitude by mountain Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, carrying Africa’s third, fourth and fifth highest peaks that are visible for miles around. Some of its peaks incomparable, beautiful and misshrouded carry permanent snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forest. The mountain slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers who rate the Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of all African mountains.

A variety of large animals inhibit the lower slopes. But the Rwenzori are notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation. Its five distinct vegetation zones Montane forest, Bamboo forest, tree health-bog, Hagenia-Rapanea scrub, and Afro- Alpine moorland provide a unique back door to one of the most magnificent national parks in the world.

Several Endangered species and very unusual cloud forest Flora like giant healthers, groundsels and Lobelias, characterize the ranges as Africa’s botanic big game. In 1991, Rwenzori mountains were gazetted as a natural park and is both a world heritage and RAMSAR SITE.

Activities: Trekking, Nature walks, Peak climbing.