Rwenzori Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1991 covering 995km2 It is located in the Western Uganda in the Districts of Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo. This park is contiguous with Virunga National Park of DRC. It ranges from 1670m to 5109m above sea level.
The mountains are one of the most important water catchment areas in the world. The ecosystem is of global importance, inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and Ramsar site in 2006. It is habitat to several endemic, endangered, threatened and rare species of the Albertine rift, some of them with restricted ranges.
For the conservation values, there is a scenic beauty, stratified vegetation, wetlands, glaciers and snow-covered peaks, research potential, provides resources for communities, has cultural value as it is believed to have sacred sites and abode of deities
The keystone species in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are Rwenzori duiker ( cephalophus rubidus), Rwenzori black-fronted duiker ( cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus), elephant ( Loxodonta Africana), L’Hoest’s monkey (Cercophithecus l’hoestii), Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), Snow Leopard, Three-horned chameleon,
Mountains hiking, nature walks, bird watching are the main activities in this Park.
The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
The Rwenzori mountains are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
GREATER VIRUNGA PROTECTED AREAS
OTHER NATIONAL PARKS
© 2024 GVTC | All rights reserved