Rwenzori Mountains National Park- Wildlife Safari

Renamed after the Rwenzori Mountains, Rwenzori mountains national park is a national park in Uganda covering an area of approximately 1000 square kilometers. It is positioned in the south western region of Uganda on the east side of the western African rift valley. Rwenzori mountains national park lies along the Uganda – Democratic Republic of Congo borders stretching through the districts of Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Kaseese. It encompasses the third highest mountain peak in the African continent and the highest in Uganda. Rwenzori mountains national park is known for its gorgeous plant life, lakes, waterfalls and glaciers.

Established in 1991, Rwenzori mountains national park is governed by Uganda wildlife Authority and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its stunning natural scenery. The park consists the center and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains which are located north of the equator. The Rwenzori Mountains are snowcapped and have different peaks with Margherita as the highest. Others peaks include mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Mount Speke and others.

Safari attractions in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Wildlife

With over 70 mammal species plus the six endemic to Albertine Rift, the four endemic to the park and the three which are rare species, Rwenzori Mountains is surely one of the best places to go for wildlife viewing. Among the mammals in the park include elephants, leopards, Rwenzori otters and others. Also, the park hosts different primate species including the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and others.

Vegetation

Rwenzori mountains National Park is much known for its beautiful flora than the fauna. Hike to the mountain peaks through the different vegetation zones including the tropical rainforests, African savannahs, montane forests, bamboo forests to the alpine forests.

Bird species

Rwenzori mountains National Park is a home to over 217 bird species including the endemic species from the Albertine rift. The park contains a variety of beautiful and colorful bird species including the handsome francolin, barred long-tailed cuckoo, blue-headed sunbird, long eared owl, Rwenzori batis, slender billed starling, strange weaver, flycatchers, crimson wings and others.

The snowcapped peaks

The Rwenzori Mountains contain six other mountains with permanent snows and glaciers. Among these mountains include Mount Stanley which is the highest with 5,109 meters, Mount Speke with 4,890 meters, Mount Baker with 4,843 meters and others. Reach these snow peaks through trails of the park like Central Circuit trail and Kilembe trail.

Lakes

Rwenzori mountains national park is composed of 20 lakes though Lake Mahoma is the most accessible in the bird-rich forest of the Central Circuit trail. The park also has the splendid Lake Bujuku lying at the apex of the deep and glacier carved Bujuku valley in the shadow of mountains like Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke.

Safari activities in Rwenzori mountains national park

Mountain climbing and hiking

With the third highest peak in the African continent, climbing to the top of the mountains must be one of the most interesting experiences for the travelers. The hikers use different trails to reach to the snowcapped Margherita including the Central circuit trail and Kilembe trail. During the climbing, these trails offer spectacular viewpoints of the features in the park like the glacial lakes, mountains, valleys and rivers.

Bird watching

Rwenzori mountains National park hosts over 217 bird species making it one of the destination paradises for birders. A numerous colorful and beautiful bird species are spotted in the park including the Bearded vultures, montane masked, sunbirds, stripe-breast tit, handsome francolin and others.

Nature walks.

Enjoy the guided nature walks through the vegetation of Rwenzori mountains national park. The walk involves moving through the different trails of the park exposing one to the beautiful creature in the park like Lake Muhoma, Buraro chimp forest and others. Also, spot different bird species like black eagles, montane masked, robins, and others.

Wildlife viewing

With over 70 mammal species, Rwenzori mountains National park offers an excellent view of the wild animals. The park hosts both the endemic species from the Albertine rift and the residential species. Among the animals in the park include elephants, leopards, Rwenzori otters, and others. The park also hosts primate species like the black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, blue monkeys and others.

Other activities in the park include cultural encounters like visiting the Bakozo villagers.