Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park – The Mystical Mountains of the Moon

Straddling the western border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a rugged, awe-inspiring wilderness home to Africa’s third-highest peak—Mount Margherita, rising 5,109 meters above sea level. Often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzoris are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are celebrated for their unique alpine beauty, glacial peaks, and rich biodiversity.

Unlike any other mountain range in Africa, the Rwenzoris are covered with equatorial snow, mystical mist, and unusual vegetation zones—from tropical rainforest to bamboo forests, heather zones, and moorlands with giant lobelias and groundsels. The park is a prime destination for multi-day trekking adventures, challenging mountaineering expeditions, and nature photography.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to over 70 mammal species and more than 200 species of birds, including Albertine Rift endemics, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. Though less frequented than other Ugandan parks, the Rwenzoris offer a truly off-the-beaten-path experience for those in search of unspoiled nature and high-altitude adventure.

The best time to visit the Rwenzori Mountains is during the dry seasons—December to February and June to August—when the trails are more accessible and the skies clearer. However, due to the high rainfall throughout the year, visitors should always be prepared for wet conditions.

Whether you’re aiming for the snow-capped peaks or exploring the lower forest trails, Rwenzori offers a mystical, challenging, and deeply rewarding wilderness experience.