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Location
and Habitat
The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda
and rise to a height of 5,1OO metres. Here are the legendary
'Mountains of the Moon', a World Heritage Site - and these incomparable,
beautiful, mist-shrouded peaks provide a unique backdrop to
one of our most magnificent national parks.
In the centre of the range, which boasts Africa's third highest
mountain, some of the peaks carry permanent snow and glaciers,
while the lower slopes are covered with dense forest. Walking
trails on the lower slopes do not call for mountaineering experience,
although the higher you go the fitter you need to be. |
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As
early as 150 AD Ptolemy had written of the "Mountains of
the Moon", where snows fed the lakes, sources of the Nile".
The Rwenzori range lies along the western border of Uganda and
represents a true mountain range composed of several massifs;
it includes Africa's third highest summit, Point Margherita
(5109m). These massifs offer great attractions to climbers,
walkers and naturalists. There are several endemic species of
birds including the brilliant Rwenzori turaco, also monkeys,
red forest duiker, hyrax and leopard. Some elephant and buffalo
live in the lower valleys. Though the flora is similar to other
East African mountain ranges it is exceptionally luxuriant mainly
as a result of the high rainfall in the area; however, from
mid-December to the end of February and from mid-June to mid-August
there is little rain and good climbing weather.
The Rwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with
its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation,
and surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty, wonder
and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park contains
6 snow-capped peaks, covering 996 sq kms that provides a magnificent
environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers.
These legendary mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty
and provide a unique habitat for many rare and indigenous plants
and animals. The Highest mountain in the range, Mt. Stanley,
is the third highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt.
Kenya. Its highest peak, Margharita, rises 5109 m above sea
level. The giant lobelia and the groundsell are hallmarks of
the Rwenzori. All of the above make this park an unforgettable
visitor destination.
Excellent walking routes, including the Bujuku circuit, are
provided through wonderful and unique scenery. For those who
want to attempt a climb, several peaks provide challenges that
match those in the Alps.These fabled mist-covered "Mountains
of the Moon," 120 km in length and 48 km in width, were
formed from a block which was thrust up during the creation
of the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley. At
the centre of the range, there are six peaks carrying permanent
snow, three with glaciers. The highest of these peaks, and the
third highest peak in Africa, is Mt. Margherita rising 5100
metre above sea level.
The Rwenzori Mountains were gazetted as a National Park in 1991.
The Park covers 996 km2 of rugged mountain terrain. Whether
they are experienced climbers or casual day-hikers, Rwenzori
Mountain National Park offers visitors a unique experience of
an Afro-Montane rainforest. The main attraction is the luxuriant
vegetation found above 3000 m which includes the giant forms
of Lobelia, Heather and Groundsel. Rwenzori Mountains National
Park is also home to the hyrax, blue monkey, chimpanzee, giant
forest hog and many unique bird species such as the Rwenzori
touraco, the handsome francolin and the olive pigeon.
Access
By Road: From Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese, then continue 18km
to Ibanda. Also from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75km
on the Fort Portal/Kasese road south. The Park is 25 km from
Kasese. Take a left turn 4 km after leaving Kasese on the Kasese-Fort
Portal road.
Rail: From Kampala to Kasese and then by road.
Wildlife
Elephant, Genet, Chimpanzee, Golden Cat, Forest Hog, Rock Hyrax,
Sitatunga, Mongoose, Duiker, Vervet, Monkey, Rwenzori Colobus.
Hiking
The best time for mountaineering is during the dry seasons from
mid-December to the end of March and from June through mid-August.
Accommodation
Hotels in Kasese and Fort Portal See the Kabarole Tourism Association
for a range of Inns, Guesthouses and camping sites in this district.
Support the local Community Tourism Development Projects and
stay in one of the local guesthouses. These provide an interesting
insight to local life and at the same time help the community
benefit from the resources that surround them. Rwenzori Mountaineering
Services provides guides and porters to climbers. Climbers in
the park stay in a series of simple bandas along the main route.
Remember to bring very warm, waterproof clothing as well as
a good sleeping bag.
Activities
The park has an established trail, which loops around the hot
springs. Visitors are also welcome to arrange hikes to other
parts of the forest. |
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