Rwenzori Mountain is the highest mountain in Uganda and third highest in Africa. It stands an elevation of 5109 meters above the sea level and stretching over 65 kilometers along the southwestern part of Uganda, extending towards the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Formation of Mount Rwenzori

Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya that are volcanic Mountains, Mount Rwenzori is a Block Mountain formed as a result of Faulting.

Multiple fault lines were created beneath the earth crust as a result of tensional and compressional forces. This led to the tearing apart of the earth crust as some blocks sunk and others rose up.

Major Peaks of Mount Rwenzori

Rwenzori Mountain is made up of various blocks hence having different Peaks. The Mountains include;

• Margherita Peak as the highest, on Mount Stanley at an elevation of 5109 meters above the Sea level.
• Mount Speke at 4890 meters above the Sea level
• Baker at 4843 meters above the sea level.
• Emin at 4798 meters
• Mount Gessi at 4715 meters.
• Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4627 among others.

Attractions of Mount Rwenzori

• Glacial Mountain. It is a snow-capped mountain, a mystery of its own, on how possible it can be to have glaciers throughout the year and yet lies on the Equator!
• Vegetation zones. It has unique vegetation zones ranging from the tropical rainforest, Bamboo zone and the rare Alpine vegetation zone.
• Crater lakes and Rivers. Crater lakes like Lake Kitandara, Falls and various Rivers like Nyamwamba and Mubuku that originate from the glaciers of Mount Rwenzori create unique scenic landscapes.
• Wildlife. The endemic birdlife, primates and reptiles can be sighted in various vegetation zones of the mountain. These include; three horned chameleons, Chimpanzees, forest buffaloes and duikers among others. The birdlife includes; Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori batis among others.
• Lies on the Equator. Rwenzori Mountain is a snow-capped mountain that lies on the Equator. This is a mystery on how it is possible to have glaciers throughout the year and yet it lies on the Equator!

Activities to do at Rwenzori Mountains

• Mountain Climbing. Hikes range from one to nine days depending on the wishes of the hiker. However, to hike up to the summit of Margherita peak and back, it takes seven to nine days.
• Birding. Rwenzori Mountain inhabits some of the Albertine endemic birds that are rarely sighted in other regions. These include Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Handsome francolin, African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler and Rwenzori Night jar among others.
• Nature Walk. You can take a forest walk at the base of mount Rwenzori in case you have limited time to hike. The forest is rich in botany, reptiles like three horned chameleons, birds, butterflies and beautiful sceneries of Mountain peaks, hot springs, falls and rivers like Nyamwamba and Mubuku among others.

How to get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Mount Rwenzori is located in the Southwestern part of Uganda. From Entebbe International Airport, via Mubende- Fort Portal Road, is 6-7 hours’ drive.

On arrival in Kasese town, you divert to Kilembe road that takes you to Kilembe trail or divert from Mubuku-Kisanyarazi stage to Nyakalengija to access central circuit trail.

It is averagely 45 minutes’ drive from Kasese town to both trails.

Where to stay when at Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Ruboni community camp. While using the central circuit trail, Ruboni community camp stands out as the best budget accommodation. It is located at the base Mount Rwenzori with only 10 minutes’ walk to the starting point.

From the camp, you have stunning views of the mountain ranges, tropical rain forest and river Nyamwamba.

Equator Snow Heights Lodge. With the beautiful views of Mount Rwenzori and River Nyamwamba, Equator Snow Heights Lodge is the only luxury lodge around Mount Rwenzori.

It is located at the base of the Mountain with only 5 minutes’ walk to the starting point.

Other accommodation facilities can be gotten in Kasese town like Ngabu Hotel and Sandton Hotel.

Best time to Hike Rwenzori Mountain

The dry season is the best time to Hike Mount Rwenzori. The trails are less slippery and the scenery is more clear. The months in the dry season are June, July, August, January, February and early September.

How challenging is Rwenzori Mountain?

• Rwenzori is the most challenging Mountain in Africa even though it is the third highest. This is because of its rugged nature and formation of various blocks or peaks. It has 6 major peaks among others.
• The weather is as well unpredictable as it may rain any time due to the existence of the tropical rainforest and other physical features that influence weather changes.
• Altitude sickness. Being a snow-capped mountain and at the same time lying on the equator, there is temperature variation at different elevations.
• Steep Mountain ranges. Some ranges are too steep that they require sophisticated equipment like Mountain axe, crampons and climbing ropes among others.

How long does it take to summit

Hiking Mount Rwenzori to Margherita peak takes 7-9 days depending on the pace of the hiker. However, one may decide to hike from 1-5 days experiencing other peaks but not to the highest.

Cost of Hiking Mount Rwenzori

The cost of hiking Mount Rwenzori depends on how many days you are to hike, the season (low or high season) and how many people hiking. The price ranges from 1000 to 3000 United States dollars.

What is included in the price of hiking Mount Rwenzori?

The hiking price includes accommodation during the hike, meals, porter, guide, security, park entrance fees and more.

Some of the Tour packages we offer

18 Days of Rwenzori Hike and Classic Safari in Uganda

8 Days of Gorillas and Big 5 Safari in Uganda

Best of the Big 5 and Primate Safari in Uganda-16 Days

10 Days of Ultimate Gorilla Trek and Wildlife Experience-Uganda