Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects the Rwenzori Mountains — the fabled "Mountains of the Moon" described by Ptolemy in 150 AD. Straddling the Uganda–DRC border, the Rwenzoris are Africa's third-highest mountain range, with Margherita Peak reaching 5,109 m on Mount Stanley. The park is renowned for its unique alpine vegetation, including giant lobelias, groundsel, and heather that create a surreal, otherworldly landscape.

The park covers 996 km² and is one of Africa's premier mountaineering destinations. The standard trek to Margherita Peak takes 7–10 days and traverses five distinct vegetation zones from montane forest to glacial peaks.

By Plane

The nearest airstrip is Kasese Airport, 25 km from the main park trailhead at Nyakalengija. Chartered flights from Entebbe land at Kasese.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to the park.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 5–6 hours via Kasese (good paved road). The park trailhead at Nyakalengija is 25 km north of Kasese on a marram road.

All exploration is on foot with experienced guides and porters. Treks range from day hikes to multi-day summit expeditions.

• Margherita Peak (5,109 m) — The highest peak in the range, on Mount Stanley

• Ruwenzori glaciers — The only glaciers in Uganda, though rapidly receding

• Giant lobelias and groundsel — The park's iconic giant plants, found nowhere else in this abundance

• Lake Bujuku and Lake Kitandara — Alpine lakes at high altitude

• Omurubora viewpoint — Views of the entire range

• Multi-day trekking expeditions to Margherita Peak (7–10 days)

• Shorter guided hikes (1–3 days) to lower elevations for spectacular scenery

• Birdwatching — the park has over 200 bird species including the Rwenzori turaco and francolin

• Photography of the unique alpine flora

All food is carried and prepared by trekking expeditions. The Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) and private operators provide fully catered treks.

Water from mountain streams should be treated or purified. Carry bottled water. RMS huts provide basic hot drinks.

• Budget: RMS huts along the trekking route (basic, from US$10 per night)
• Mid-range: Ruboni Community Camp (from US$40, near the trailhead)
• Upscale: Trekking expeditions with full porterage and luxury camping

Mountain gear, maps, and souvenirs are available in Kasese town. Stock up on supplies before entering the park.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (40 km north-east) — Game drives and boat cruises
• Kasese (25 km south) — Base town
• Fort Portal (75 km north) — Crater lake region
• Bundibugyo (80 km north-west) — Semuliki Valley