RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
INTRODUCTION
The Rwenzori Mountains are thought to have been the source of the legend of the mountains of the moon, the snow-capped range seen as the source of the Nile by the Roman geographer Ptolemy. The first European to see these legendary mountains was Arthur Jepson and Thomas Parke, the members of Stanley’s cross continental expedition to rescue the Emin pasha, which passed through the area in 1889.
The Mountain is known for its challenging hikes and climbing possibilities, with a diversity of animals, including 70 mammals and 177 bird species, several of the latter being Albertine Rift Endemics. Rwenzori mountains is the only national park in Uganda where the Angola colobus Monkey has been recorded, though identification of this localised monkey requires careful examination as the similar and more widespread black-and-white colobus monkey also occurs on the mountain.
Just like any other large east African mountain, the Rwenzori range is divided into several altitude zones, which starts at around 1,800m and has the most varied fauna. The only mammals you are likely to see in the forest are the a aforementioned colobus and blue monkeys, though several other large mammals are present, including elephant, golden cat, servalline genet, Chimpanzee, yellow-backed duiker and giant forest hog. At night, listen out for the distinctive call of the southern tree hyrax.
The forest zone is a home to a diversity of birds, including Rwenzori Turaco, hand francolin, cinnamon-chested bee eater, long eared owl, barred long-tailed cuckoo, Archer’s ground robin, white-starred forest robbin, flycatcher, greenbul, strange weaver, crimsonwing, golden-winged sunbird, Legden`s busg shrike, Rwenzori batis, montane sooty boubou and many more.
Rwenzori National Park
Mt Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa with its loftiest peaks, Margarita having 5,109m and Alexandra with 5,083m. The mountains are unique among the East Africa’s major peaks in that they are not volcanic in origin, but they do rise directly from the Rift valley floor and their formation like that of Kenya and Kilimanjaro, was linked to the geographical upheaval that created the Rift. A part from Mt Stanley there is other four glaciers peaks in Mt Rwenzori which include Mount Luigi da Savoi, (4,627m), Mount Emin (4,791m), Mount Gessi (4,715m) and Mount Speke (4,890).
Health tips while on Rwenzori trail
Hikers are advised not to climb the mountain unless they are reasonably fit, should not have heart and lung problems. There is need for hikers to be familiar with the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia and various forms of altitude sickness. Few people climb above 3500m without feeling at least minor symptoms of altitude sickness like fatigue, headache, breathlessness, nausea and swelling of the legs and hands. Incase any of these symptoms become severe, and get worse; you are advised to descend immediately. Even going down 500m is enough to start recovery. Sleeping on a high peak with such symptoms is dangerous; if in doubt descend to sleep low.
When to hike
The best time for hiking is during the dry seasons from mid-December to the end of March and from June through Mid-August.
ACCESSIBLITY
From Kampala you pass through Mbarara to Kasese, and then continue 18 km to Ibanda. Another route is from Kampala through Fort Portal town 75km on the Fort Portal-Kasese road south. The park is 25 km from Kasese. Take a left turn 4km after leaving Kasese on the Kasese-Fort Portal road.
On reaching Kasese, the Nyakalengija trailhead lies off the Fort Portal road, 22km from Kasese. Transport can be arranged through the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS). Secured parking is available at the RMS head quarters.
ACCOMMODATION
Hostel and campsite at the trailhead, basic hiking huts along the loop trail. Kasese town has a midrange hotel, several budget lodgings, and a campsite.