Rwenzori Mountains National Park also known as the Mountains of the moon is situated in the western part of Uganda in Kasese, the Rwenzori mountain is the third-highest in East Africa, along the slopes of the mountain is a growing forest which was gazette in the 1991 recognized a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008, it is elevated at appoint of 5,109m above sea level, the Rwenzori is a block mountain covering the western rift valley region straddling along the equator it is the only park where you will experience glaciers on the mountain in a tropical equatorial climatic region, Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in the 150 Ad named the park “Mountains of the moon”. The highest peak of the mountain is known as the Margherita peak situated in the Bundibujyo district the park covers an area space of approximately 996 square kilometers it is managed by the Uganda wildlife authority. The mountain is made up of 6 peaks ( Stanely at 5109m, mountain Eminat 4,798m, mountain Baker at 4,843, mountain Gessiat 4,715m, and mountain Luigi di so via 4,627m.
The mountain straddles the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the lower slopes of the mountain are stuffed with moorlands, bamboo, and a rich montane forest, it is comprised of giant lobelia, heathers, and Moses plants growing along the edge of the forest within the biodiverse ecosystem is abundant wildlife about 70mamals are present in the park despite these being in the park, they are rare to see over 217 birds are present in the park including endemics of the Albertine, for example, the Rwenzori batis, great blue turaco tomention few. The park is mostly famous for mountaineering in Uganda, it is one of the best places to go mountain climbing while in the national park. The hike through the mountain offers you an opportunity to venture through the park treks taken includingthe Kilembe trail, the central circuit, and the Bugugu.
Various trials have been established to enable one to reach the summit, the central circuit is the oldest trail, it is taken by both experienced trackers and unexpected hikers as well, the trail passes through angelic vegetation zones, and the singing birds of the forest make it more magical, this is the simplest route to take while planning on trekking, the Kilembe also known as the southern circuit it is the most recent of trails to take in the park, it is the longest and most adventurous trails of the park, the breathtaking views of the mountain snow is an amazing experience, the Flora and Fauna along the walk are beautiful to see and experience. The mountaincan be experiencedin 3days trial, 5 days, and 7 days,it requires physical fitness, and hikes begin from the local villages of the Bakonjo people.
Trips to the national park can be combined with those of other ecosystems the nearest being the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the park can be accessed by road from Kampala taking approximately 6 hours drive to arrive at the destination, it crosses the line of the equator that bisects the earth into 2 halves. To enjoy ahike in the national park, it is important to take warm clothes, warm clothes, hand gloves, insect repellants, huts, and waterproof covers for phones and cameras. There is available accommodation in the nearby park and the Uganda wildlife bandas at the foothills of the Rwenzori.