Things to do and see in and around Rwenzori Mountains Park
Discover the Wonders of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon
Top Things to do and see – the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon – the tallest mountain range in Africa – taller than the Alps of Europe – unlike Kilimanjaro, not many come here to ascend the peaks – it is a long journey of about eight days depending on the route and the activities one engages in.
The fabled Rwenzori Mountains have a legendary history going back to Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and the father of geography. He called the 120-kilometer long Rwenzori range the Mountains of the Moon.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO calls the mossy zone above 3.500, “Africa’s Botanical Big Game.”
The lesser-known by travelers Rwenzori Mountains are Afromontane Hiking and Climbing without the crowds that you find on Mount Kilimanjaro. According to skilled mountain-climbers, the Rwenzori Mountains are in a class of their own.
The Rwenzori Mountains offers a variety of things to do and see. Activities in or near the park for those who like to be off the beaten tourist path. Many do not come here since they think that you have to fit to do anything here. They do not realize that there are many things to do and see here that do not involve climbing the peaks.
The rugged beauty of the mountains is something that visitors to Uganda need to behold, simply breathtaking. Below are the things to do and see when visiting the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. You can spend time in the foothills of the mountains, enjoying the wonders of the park. Stay in the surrounding communities, such as the village of Ruboni. Despite the description you just read, The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Remain off the Beaten Track in Uganda, something you may like.
Things to do and see – the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains -Hitting the Peaks:
The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A good nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak. Shorter Climbs on other peaks can be more non-technical Treks.
The word Rwenzori means “Rainmaker or Cloud Maker.” Alluding to the fact that trails up can be quite muddy during the rainy seasons of the year in Uganda.
Climbing the Peaks involves a mountaineering service with skilled guides, porters that will safely get you up and down. Something that we arrange for you.
The scenic wonders that await Climbers are beyond description and can only be experienced first-hand.
It is a relatively new trail that does not need to use a Mountaineering Service but can be handled by expert guides from Ruboni. You can also use porter services to lighten your load since many will find this a strenuous hike into the Rwenzori Mountains. This trail is within the park itself, and the entrance is close to Ruboni.
You stay in huts that are used by those that climb the peaks of the Rwenzoris. You will reach the Afro-Montane plant region where you will see giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsel. You might even see an Elephant while on the Trail or see some Chimpanzees.
The three days Mahoma Trail exposes you to the Rwenzori Mountains – you are right in them with all of its splendid scenery before you.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Northern Pass Mini-Hike:
This one trail is not a foothill hike but ascends to the 3000-meter level – It is in the Northern Areas of the Mountains of the Moon – the difficulty level is from moderate to challenging.
The actual hike is seven to eight hours in length. You are guided by mountaineering specialists working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Rwenzori Mountains – Semliki Valley Hiking Safari, you combine the tallest Mountain Range in Africa with one of the most scenic wonders of the Western Rift – the Semliki Valley.
The Rwenzori Mini-Hike is 7 to 8 hours over Bamba Pass with elevations up to 3000 meters, and the Semliki Valley is one of the lowest with its tropical Jungles spilling over from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Birding-Wildlife and Primates:
Rwenzori National Park is home to 70 species of mammal, including six Albertine Rift endemics; four are endemic to the park, and three are rare species. Other mammals include the elephant, chimpanzee, Rwenzori otter, and leopard. Though wildlife is challenging to spot in the dense forest, do look out for primates such as colobus and blue monkeys; small antelope such as bushbucks; and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned chameleon.
Birding enthusiasts will delight in the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, which is home to 217 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Among these are 17 species that are endemic to the park making Rwenzori a critical birding area.
The forest zone at 1800m contains a diversity of birds including the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Slender-billed Starling, Blue-headed Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Strange Weaver and several varieties of Barbets, Greenbuls, Apalises, IIladopsis, Flycatchers and Crimsonwing.
Cultural Activities
There are lots of opportunities for interactive cultural visits in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon – from village visits to drumming and dancing lessons, learn the ways of old from the keepers of the Mountains of the Moon on village walk, visits and village stays in the Village of Ruboni.
The Ruboni Community is one example where tourists can have genuine cultural encounters with the Bakonzo People.
A particular time is meeting with one of the Elders of the community. Hear the stories of old from the area. Accounts that are passed down from generation to generation.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon can readily be seen from a distance from many spots in Western Uganda – get a closer look by the exploring the foothills and beyond of the Mountains of the Moon – the Rwenzori Mountains, Yet is one of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Uganda.
Contact us about the Top Things to do and see – the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon that you want to include in your safari.
