Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Obtaining its name from Mountain Rwenzori, Mountain Rwenzori National Park is located along the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with the highest peak/ point Margherita at an elevation of 5,109 metres (16,762 ft) with snow. At about 120 kilometres long nd 65 kilometres wide, the Mountain has various other Peaks and gorges i.e
- Mount Stanley (5,109 metres (16,762 ft)
- Mount Speke (4,890 metres (16,040 ft)
- Mount Baker (4,843 metres (15,889 ft)
- Mount Emin (4,798 metres (15,741 ft)
- Mount Gessi (4,715 metres (15,469 ft)
- Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 metres (15,180 ft)
View Virunga National Park at a distance as well as various streams like the prominent elongated River Nile.
Flora at Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Mountain Rwenzori National Park comprises of Tropical Rain Forest through Alpine Meadows to Snow at the Top of the Mountain. There is Giant groundsel and Giant lobelia as well as a 6 metres (20 ft) tall heather covered in moss in one of the Peaks.
Vegetation Zones at Mountain Rwenzori
There are five different vegetation zones which are distinct to equatorial alpine Africa and these include;
- Evergreen forest zone (up to 2,800 metres (9,200 ft)
- Bamboo zone (2,800 to 3,300 metres (9,200 to 10,800 ft)
- Heather zone (3,000 to 3,800 metres (9,800 to 12,500 ft)
- Alpine zone (3,500 to 4,500 metres (11,500 to 14,800 ft)
- Nival zone (4,400 to 5,000 metres (14,400 to 16,400 ft)
Safari Activities to do in mountain Rwenzori National Park
Mountain Climbing
Mountain Climbing is the most prominent safari activity in the Park along Mountain Rwenzori itself. Hikers/ climbers follow two different routes depending on tastes and preferences and these include; the Central Circuit trail and Kilembe trail offering scenic remarkable views of glacial lakes, gorgeous viewpoints, dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys. These lead you to the highest point on the Mountain i.e Margherita Peak.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Mountain Rwenzori is also a prominent destination for travelers interested in hiking adventures along the various trails i.e Hikes to Lake Mahooma and Buraro Chimpanzee Forest through the Kichamba local communities to the Karangura Ridge through the Bwamba Pass to Bundibugyo. There are also guided nature walks to the communities of Ruboni and Turaco View.
Cultural Encounters
Cultural Encounters at Mountain Rwenzori National Park are also very exciting and they involve transferring on a visit to the Bakonzo local Village homesteads located in the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori where you learn about these rare local people as well as their lifestyle in the Forest since the ancient Days. While her, enjoy Music, Dance and Drama as they present their daily activities which vary from rearing animals, growing crops, to preparing fresh meals.
Bird Watching
Mountain Rwenzori National Park is also a very ideal Birder’s paradise to all birders from all over the worlds as the park inahabits numerous specis which include; Bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds, barbets, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Bearded Vultures, Swifts and Black Eagles.