RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the most popular conservation areas in Uganda. The park is known for its beautiful plant life encompassing some of the most rare tree species and lush vegetation. Rwenzori Mountains National Park has a variety of species that are endemic to the Albertine rift system and several other endangered. It is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site and a Ramsar site due to the set of wetlands therein. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is breathtaking! It is a renowned home to the majestic Rwenzori Mountain also Known as the Mountains of the Moon. The park is popular among adventurers for its stunning landscapes, especially the snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and exceptional flora. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a dream come true destination for hikers and nature lovers!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was established in 1991 by the Ugandan government to protect its outstanding natural beauty. The park attracted tourists from all corners of the world who were seeking to have adventures in the intact area and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes too.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 due to its awesome natural beauty. Rebel militias however occupied parts of the park from late 1997 to 2001. These brought about a standstill in tourism activities since the park had become a danger zone. This was followed by inscribing the park on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in danger between 1007 and 2004 due to the insecurity it was associated with and the inadequate resources.

LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY OF RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies in the western provinces of Uganda and stretches up to the Southwest on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park lies along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo bordering its Virunga National Park for about 50 kilometers. The park extends up to 3 districts due to its vast size that is to say Kabarole, Bundibugyo, and Kasese districts.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park spans the center and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains that rise above the dry plains north of the Equator. The mountains are higher than the Alps and snowcapped. Travelers from Kampala can access the park along the Kampala – Kasese highway, and branch off to proceed to the park.

UNIQUENESS AND THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is unique from the rest of the parks in the country. This is mainly because of its outstanding landscapes and lush vegetation. The park has rare beautiful flora on the slopes. The higher altitudes of the park are beautified by the giant heathers, groundsels, and lobelias. All those combined with snow make it the perfect place for adventure-seeking travelers.

Rwenzori is home to the Famous mountain Rwenzori also known as the mountains of the moon. It hosts Africa’s third-highest point. The snow from the top of the mountain melts down, flowing downwards to form a variety of rivers. The rivers support not only the lives of humans but wildlife as well.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.

Mountain Climbing. This is one of the most interesting activities travelers top the park indulge in. The hike to the top of Mount Rwenzori up to the famous Margherita Peak will expose you to the wonderful views of snow and the underlying clouds. Such views are good for photography and surely create unforgettable moments. The hiking activity is also a challenge travelers undertake for health benefits since it helps one sweat and detoxify. Therefore, travelers get to accomplish several things while on the hike.

Bird watching. Rwenzori is home to over 600 species of birds. These reside in the forests and the shrubs on the slopes of the mountains. Travelers enjoy watching these along the river banks and in the wetlands as they feed. Guests to the park stand a chance to watch Great blue turacos, African fish eagles, Grey crowned cranes, and songbirds. It is advisable to carry along binoculars to make the bird-watching adventure more satisfying. The fact that one can observe birds that are near and far makes the experience worthwhile.

Nature walks and Hikes. The hiking trails take the travelers to the most hidden treasures of the park. Guests get the opportunity to explore the park’s endowments under the guidance of the tourist guides. These offer information about the various species of wildlife encountered. These include; the primates and rodents not forgetting the majestic unique vegetation. Therefore, travelers explore as they learn.

Cultural encounters. Guests to Rwenzori also get the opportunity to interact with some of the diverse and popular tribes in the country. The Batwa, Bakonjo, and the Batooro who live in the neighborhood of the park are known for their welcoming demeanor. Certainly, these entertain the guests with their cultural dances and help the travelers to understand African society better. From the way of dressing to the interesting folklore, the cultural tours in the park are one of a kind and worth a try!

Wildlife viewing. The Park is home to some of the rarest species of wildlife on the African continent. The park hosts the three-horned chameleons that get moist travelers to the park excited. In addition, brave guests get the opportunity to hold and feel them as they watch them do their camouflage.  Other wildlife to see in the park include; leopards, genet mongoose, giant forest hogs, golden cats, bushbucks, and bush elephants occasionally.