Rwenzori Mountains: The Legendary “Mountains of the Moon”
The Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon,” rise majestically in western Uganda along the Uganda-DR Congo border. This 120km-long and 65km-wide mountain range is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in Africa, from equatorial snow-capped peaks to lush montane forests and moorlands.
The park was gazetted in 1991, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and later designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2008, highlighting its global ecological significance.
The Roof of Uganda: Margherita Peak (5,109m)
The highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains is Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mount Stanley, making it Africa’s third-highest peak. Unlike East Africa’s volcanic giants such as Kilimanjaro and Mount Elgon, the Rwenzoris were formed by tectonic activity, with massive rock blocks thrust upward from the Western Rift Valley floor.
The Rwenzoris were first documented by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150, who referred to them as the “Mountains of the Moon,” believing them to be the source of the Nile River. Later, on May 24, 1888, the explorer Henry Stanley officially placed the Rwenzoris on the world map, recording the name “Ruwenzori,” which he documented as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King” in the local language.
In 2010, history was made when Ms. Beryl Park, at the age of 78, became the oldest recorded climber to reach Margherita Peak, proving that the Rwenzoris continue to challenge and inspire adventurers of all ages.
A Landscape Like No Other
The Rwenzoris are a mystical wonderland, with their lower slopes covered in rich montane forests, bamboo woodlands, and vast moorlands. As altitude increases, the landscape transforms into an otherworldly botanical paradise, where giant lobelias, tree heathers, and “everlasting flowers” thrive among moss-draped rocks, creating a scene that feels almost magical.
The park protects the highest parts of the Rwenzori range, sheltering over 70 mammal species and 217 bird species, including 19 Albertine Rift endemics and some of the world’s rarest vegetation. The diverse ecosystems make it an important conservation area and a haven for biodiversity.
A World-Class Hiking & Mountaineering Destination
The Rwenzori Mountains are among Africa’s premier hiking and climbing destinations, offering some of the most rewarding treks on the continent.
- Summit Climbers: Reaching Margherita Peak requires a 9- to 12-day technical ascent, best suited for experienced mountaineers.
- Mid-Level Treks: Shorter, non-technical treks allow climbers to explore the stunning landscapes and reach lower peaks without the extreme challenge of summiting.
- Cultural & Nature Walks: For visitors who prefer a less strenuous experience, the neighboring Bakonzo villages offer:
Guided nature walks
Homestead visits
Traditional cultural performances
Authentic home-cooked cuisine
Why Visit the Rwenzoris?
The “Mountains of the Moon” – A legendary and historic range
Africa’s third-highest peak – A true mountaineering challenge
UNESCO World Heritage Site – A globally significant conservation area
Rare flora and fauna – Unique species found nowhere else
Hiking for all levels – From summit climbs to easy nature walks
Rich cultural experiences – Discover the traditions of the Bakonzo people
The Rwenzori Mountains offer a truly unique experience, where snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and rich cultural traditions blend into one extraordinary adventure. Whether you’re an experienced climber, a trekking enthusiast, or a traveler seeking cultural encounters, the Rwenzoris will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
A complete guide to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Also known as the Mountains of the moon, Mount Rwenzori National Park is an interesting safari destination in Uganda famous for mountaineering safaris.
This website provides you an opportunity to go on a Uganda safari and visit one of the most pristine and unspoilt mountains on Earth. The Lonely Planet, publishers of world travel materials classified the central circuit of the Rwenzoris as the 9th best in the world for 2012, thus effectively making the same the best in Africa! Join the joy, with the guidance of tour operators in visiting this mountain and, join an exclusive club that has conquered its fastness.
You are dearly welcome to experience the courtesy of the local guides, the beauty offered by Rwenzori. Read through the website to get the basics.
Why Go Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains
For bizarre vegetation and the chance to straddle the Equator atop the highest mountain range in Africa, the mist-shrouded and jagged Rwenzori Mountains are definitely worth a visit. The 120km range spans the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike East Africa’s other large mountains, the Rwenzori are not volcanic; rather they were formed during the shift of the Rift Valley.
Often overshadowed by the likes of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ (so called by Ptolemy!) offer you the chance to marvel at some astonishing flora and fauna, a variety of forest mammals and over 170 species of birds. If you’re lucky, listen out for the chorus of chimpanzees, and forest elephant crashing through the undergrowth as well while on your lifetime safari in Uganda.
Trips to the Margherita Peak (5,401 metres) on the snowy summit of Mt Stanley will take trekkers through tropical jungle, sci-fi landscapes dotted with giant lobelia, alpine savannah and glacial fields, not to mention hopping from tussock to tussock in knee-deep bogs! Just don’t forget to pack your wellingtons…
Things to See in the Rwenzoris
There are lots of things to see in the Rwenzori Mountains. From rare plants and animals to unique formations, there is a rich biodiversity to see within the Rwenzori Mountains.
Flora and fauna of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges
Mt. Rwenzori is endowed with diversity of fauna and flora. It boasts of its distinct vegetation variation ranging from African savanna at 1676-2286m, tropical forest to Alpine meadows, heath, bamboo and snow. These harbor a range of Rwenzori Mountains National Park’s diverse wildlife including 70 mammal species especially bush bucks, hyrax, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, 3 horn chameleons, duikers, elephants etc.
Lots of Birds
Over 217 bird species range within the varied habitats of Rwenzori Mountains including the Rwenzori Turacos, blue headed sunbird, montane sooty boubou, Rwenzori batis, Archers’ robin chat, long eared owl, barred long tailed cuckoos, slender billed starling. Others important birds include tiny sunbird, greenbul, apalis, golden winged sun birds etc.
Things to Do in the Rwenzoris
Hiking is the major holiday activity to undertake in the park. The hike takes you though all the vegetation zones and finally ends on the glacial peaks. Shorter hikes can also be arranged though the hike usually takes seven days. Nature walks on which different animals can be seen as well as birds.
Mountain climbing
The Rwenzori Mountains are among the most challenging mountains of Africa.
Birding
Birding-217 bird species make Rwenzori National Park one of the best birding safari destinations in Uganda and East Africa. The park has incredible birding trails to start your birding expeditions to sight birds such as the Western green tinker bird, golden winged sunbird, montane masked apalis, stripe breast tit, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, Crimson wings, white starred robin, scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, African lammergeier, black rough wings, Abyssinian ground thrush, Ruwenzori hill babblers, illadopsis, white necked raven, African cuckoo shrike.
Cultural Encounters
Mountaineering safari experiences in Rwenzori Mountains are never complete without a cultural encounter. After a thrilling trek to Margherita peak, don’t miss the exciting cultural dances, music performances at Ruboni as you also interact with the Bakonzo community.
Observe this!
The high peaks should be attempted only by experienced mountaineers.
Places of Interest
There are several places of interest that are worthy visiting in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Lakes
In Rwenzori Mountains National Park, over 20 picturesque Lakes are all available for visitor exploration. Lake Mahoma is considerably the easiest to reach at 2651m, an area that is also endowed with bird species. Lake Bujuku is the other magical Lake that Rwenzori Mountains prides itself and this is found along the deep, glacier carved Bujuku Valleys at the Baker, Speke, Mt. Stanley shadow. The Nyamwamba valley which is accessible on the Kilembe trail has dams with glacial moraine and these have formed a string of 8 beautiful water Lakes. Besides Lakes, the block mountain range is also blessed with numerous streams and rivers that originate from summits of the mountain.
Ruboni
Located on the South-eastern foothills of Mount Rwenzori, Ruboni is another interesting place worth visiting on Rwenzori safari. The Ruboni trailhead is an ideal place to start trekking through the 7-day central circuit trailhead to the Rwenzori Mountain peaks. The area is also ideal for visitors to begin hiking tours, birding, community walks to Bakonzo local communities. Interestingly, visitors have where to stay after or before setting off to enjoy their nature walks, birding, hikes and in addition, enjoy great views of the Mubuku and peaks.
Bulemba
Bulemba is where visitors on Rwenzori treks find the remains of the 1st King of Rwenzururu. Isaiah Mukirania Kibanzaga was the first king of the Rwenzururu Kingdom and he played a role in saving the Bakonzo tribe from the oppression of the Batooro.
Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains are the third highest mountains in Africa, rising to 5109 metres above sea-level. The mountains provide an unparalleled climbing experience seen nowhere else in Africa.
The Rwenzori Mountains is made up of several massifs. There are six massifs in total that make up the Rwenzoris.
Mount Stanley
Mt. Stanley is 5109m high, making it the highest of all the 6 Rwenzori Massifs with Margherita its highest summit. The Margherita peak features 11 subsidiary peaks and boasts of incredibly spectacular glaciers which include the Stanley plateau. Mt Stanley is what marks the Uganda and D.R. Congo boundary.
Mount Speke
Mount Speke, this is Rwenzori Mountain’s 2nd highest peak sitting on altitude of 4890m. It has 4 summits include Johnston at 4834m, Ensonga 4865m, Vittorio Emanuele at 4890 and at 4572m, there is Trident summit. Mt. Baker, Speke and Mt. Stanley make up a triangle that encloses the Bujuku Valley. It takes its name from John Speke, the renowned English explorer.
Mount Emin
Mt. Emin, 4798m is Rwenzori Mountain’s 4th highest peak. It has 2 peaks that are linked by a narrow ridge including Umberto in the southern side and Kraepelin.
Mount Gessi
Mount Gessi lies at elevation of 4715m and accessible via the Mugusu Valley. The Gessi peak was initially covered by ice & glaciers but they melted. Its 2 twin peaks include Loloanda and Bottego. Luigi di Savoia Mountain takes its name from the Duke of Abruzzi who climbed to most of the 6 Rwenzori Mountains peaks.
Vegetation
The Rwenzori Mountains features varying vegetation zones largely determined by altitudes. There are 5 distinct vegetation zones worth exploring on Rwenzori Mountain safaris. They include bamboo zone 2500 to 3500m, Montane 2000-3000m, grassland 1000-2000m, Afro-alpine moorland zone 4000-4500m, heather 3000-4000m. This block mountain also features strikingly beautiful plants at 3000m including the lobelia, giant tree heathers, groundsel and these are unique to the Rwenzori Mountain region.
Getting There
The Park can be accessed by both road transport and air transport. For those who want to travel by air a private charter flight can be arranged for you to Kasese air strip where a transfer to the park can be made. Nyakalengija trailhead lies off the Fort Portal road, 22km from Kasese. Transport can be arranged in Kasese.
Plan Your Hike in the Rwenzoris
To hike the great mountains, you require a minimum of Seven days for a rewarding hike. However, 10 days is the best for the hike to the peak (Margherita: 5109 m).
The Rwenzori range has 6 major peaks, Mt Stanley (5,109m), Mt Speke (4,890m) Mt Baker (4,843m), Mt Emin (4,798m), Mt Gessi (4,715m) and Mt Luigi di Savoia (4,627m).
The highest peak in the Mt Stanley complex is called Margherita peak (5,109) and it is this peak which makes the Rwenzori Mountains the 3rd highest range in Africa.
Best time to hike the Rwenzori Mountain ranges
Rwenzori Mountaineering adventures are perfectly done during the drier months of the years. To have a successful Rwenzori Mountain hikes, better to plan your hiking safari from December, January to February or June, July and August.
The Rwenzori Mountains Trails
The Rwenzori ranges has exceptional trails leading to different peaks on summits. The notable Rwenzori Mountain routes/trails include The Kilembe trail and the Rwenzori Central Circuit trail. If trekking is your thing then you have a million reasons to visit the Rwenzori Mountains for mountaineering adventures. It takes trekkers on Uganda safari in the Rwenzori Mountains about 8 days or more to ascend and descend from the summits. The treks to Rwenzori ranges normally start from Nyakalengija offices with briefing and expect to navigate via bamboo zones, heather zones, fig trees at the base, rocky grounds and so on.
Trekkers who aren’t experienced enough also have options to explore the Rwenzori Mountains. They can trek through the loop trail which covers 6-7 days taking them to a height of 4372m or spend 3 days exploring the moorland zone/alternative branch off the main loop to visit other nearby peaks.
Rwenzori Trekking Guide
What to carry for your Rwenzori Mountain hike
The essential climbing gear you should have while on Rwenzori Mountain hike include waterproof climbing/hiking boots, snacks, rain jacket, camera, daypack, insect repellent, waterproof hat, gloves, climbing/trekking poles/stick, insect repellent, sleeping bag, bottled water (carry enough).
How to access the Rwenzori Mountain ranges
If your plan is to go hike Rwenzori Mountains, the best ways to reach there is by road/by air. By road transportation, you can embark on a road trip from Kampala via Mbarara-Kasese or Kampala through Fort Portal city. Depending on the routes & car mechanical conditions, the Rwenzori Mountains are accessible within 6-7 hrs’ drive. By air, flights to Rwenzori Mountains begin from Entebbe Airport (EBB) and land at Kasese airstrip.
What to pack for the Rwenzori Mountain trek
Any trekker planning to trek through the Rwenzori Mountains must pack essentials such as waterproof trekking shoes/boots, warm clothes, rain jacket-waterproof, insect repellent, gloves, adequate drinking water, trekking stick, hat-waterproof, daypack-waterproof, camera etc. The other items that shouldn’t be excluded are sleeping bag, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Rwenzori Climbing FAQs
- How difficult is Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains?
- What are the Rwenzori Hike Routes?
- When is the best time to climb Rwenzori Mountains?
- How much does it cost to climb Rwenzori Mountains?
- How can I avoid altitude sickness on Rwenzori?
- What is the summit success rate for the Rwenzori Mountains?
- What gear do I need to pack for the Rwenzori Trek?
- What is the minimum age to climb the Rwenzori Mountains?
- Do you recommend going on safari before or after hiking Rwenzori Mountains?
Accommodation
The available accommodation choices in and around the Rwenzori Mountains National Park range from Budget, Mid-range to Luxury. The rates for rooms may differ depending on the type of the lodge or hotel you book.
But the best places to consider booking include Equator Snow Lodge, a perfect safari lodge choice for luxury travelers. Tours Holiday Inn, Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Mihunga Safari Lodge, Ruboni Community Camp and Rwenzori Backpackers for budget and Ihumba Safari Lodge for mid-range or moderate visitors. There is also Rwenzori International Hotel and Hotel Margherita.