Trek Rwenzori Mountain “mountain of the moon”
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a Uganda National Park was gazetted in 1991, became UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 as well as a ramsaar site in 2008, in the Rwenzori mountains. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda, and has Margherita peak, which is Africa’s third highest, for which it is famous of the six peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Stanley towers over south western Uganda. With a height of 5,109m, Mount Stanley is the third highest mountain in Africa, after Kilimanjaro (5,895m) andMount Baker (4,842m), Mount Speke (4,890m), and Weismann’s Peak (4,620m).
Rwenzori mountain peaks
(1) Margherita Peak: 5,109m
(2)Mount speak: 4,890 m .
(3) Mount Baker (4,842m)
(4)Weismann’s Peak 4,620m
(5)
The Rwenzori mountains National Park in southwestern Uganda, was gazetted in 1991, became UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 as well as a ramsaar site in 2008.
The Park also provides great opportunities to seeing nature at its finest. Its plant life diverges from dense tropical rain-forest, bamboo woodlands, montane cloud forests to high-altitude vegetation and the decor is correctly outstanding. Beyond 4,500 meters, the snow and glaciers complement that special element to the astonishing views throughout this unspoiled mountain range. This park is mostly famous for mountaineering, trekking, hiking and climbing excursions or safaris with or without summiting the Margherita.
Rwenzori mountains national Park Guide offers you all you need to know about the magnificent Mountains of the Moon, how to get to the Park, the Best time to Visit the Park, Trekking routes/trails (Kilembe, Central circuit or Burungu), attractions, Rwenzori mountain peaks, lodge and hotel accommodations within or outside the park, Suggested Rwenzori Trekking , as well as what to wear/what to pack?(Rwenzori mountaineering gear/equipment).
Rwenzori chain, 120 km in length, is also known as the legendary snow-capped ‘Mountains of the Moon’. With its highest peak at 5,109m, it is Africa’s tallest mountain range. It is exceeded in altitude only by the free standing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.
The distinctive glacial peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are only accessible to hikers. They rate Mount Rwenzori to be the most challenging of all African mountains.
What is the largest mountain in Uganda?
The tallest of the six peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Stanley towers over southwestern Uganda. With a height of 5,109m, Mount Stanley is the third highest mountain in Africa, after Kilimanjaro (5,895m) and Mount Kenya (5,199m).
A variety of large mammals inhabit the lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are even more known for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation.
The trails lead through dense rainforest, rattling with monkeys and birds. Climbing steadily up, tall bamboo forest follows, before emerging on the high-altitude moorland zone. This landscape is covered with bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by black rock and white snow, giving the impression like being on the set of a science fiction film.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains
If you like mountaineering, the 5,109m high snow covered Rwenzori Mountains offer you the unique experience you’ve been looking for. Also known as the ‘mountains of the moon’, they are protected being part of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, which is added to the World Heritage List in 1994.
The mist-shrouded peaks provide a stunning view. Ever since the Rwenzoris became known to the World, their features have been changing. Today, the most visible changes in the Rwenzori are in the fragile vegetation along the trails.
A trip into the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Is has to be carefully planned though. The key to an enjoyable visit is: ‘be prepared!’ You can do the Central Circuit Trail in just six nights and seven days, with our excellent guides at hand to add flavor to your experience. The few who have climbed this mountain, promised to come back once again. So if you are an excellent hiker, looking for a lifetime adventure, please make your reservation now. to Xaviersafaris.
Looking for more information about the Rwenzoris?
Would you like more information about climbing the Rwenzori Mountains? Please contact xavierSafaris. We will immediately provide you with an extended day-to-day schedule
How long does it take to climb Mount Rwenzori?
6-7 days
Rwenzori Central Circuit Route:
It’s the shortest trek to reach to the peak of the mountain in Rwenzori Mountains. Though there can be some variations on the route, the trail will take typically 6-7 days to reach the peak and descend back.
The best time to Trek Mount Rwenzori
From June to August and from December to February is the perfect time to visit/climb/hike/trek Rwenzori Mountains National Park, otherwise, it can be visited throughout the year. For mountaineers the climbing window from June to August is the best times to attempt an ascent to Margherita Peak of Mountain Rwenzori.
From mid-June to August, the dry months may sound like the ideal time to visit the Rwenzori Mountains. The small window of opportunity opens up for mountaineers, eager to glimpse Mountain Rwenzori at it’s best, yet it is a season during which the mountains can receive less amounts of rainfall.
During the dry months, the Rwenzori Mountains national Park is, more visited than the colder months from March to May and from September to November, shrouded in mist. However, it is very cool in this season in Rwenzori mountains national Park, where climbers/trekkers can enjoy fine weather in the region.
From December to February, after the cold months from September to November, the weather tends to be relatively stable with mild to warm days and cold nights. The small window of hiking/climbing Rwenzori Mountains National Park opens up opportunities to mountaineers eager to glimpse the Rwenzori Mountains at its best.
These dry months of December, January and February are also the peak time for climbers, with many more climbers seeking to reach the Margherita.
March-May & September-November- When to Visit Rwenzori
On the other hand, the cold months from March to May and from September to November are usually low seasons because of the heavy rains, muddy trails and slippery rocks in the Rwenzori Mountains. During these months, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is very empty, and serene, which makes it suitable for solo mountaineers, who would want to climb the Rwenzori mountains by individually, at their own time schedule and convenience.
In a nut shell, a visit to the Rwenzori Mountains national Park doesn’t require a permit but prior booking through trusted and reliable tour operators in Uganda. At this time we can customize your safari, according to the number of days, additional activities, as part of a package tour that includes hiring a vehicle, a driver and a guide.
Lastly, the rains are unpredictable and may fall early or extend beyond their typical months. It is possible to experience dry weather conditions during the rainy season, just as it is possible to experience rain during the dry season.