The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.

The mountains play a crucial role as a major source of water worldwide. This ecosystem holds immense global significance, being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and a Ramsar site in 2006. It provides a home for numerous species that are unique, endangered, threatened, or rare, particularly those native to the Albertine rift, some of which have limited ranges.

The mountains possess a range of conservation values. They offer breathtaking natural beauty, distinct layers of vegetation, wetlands, glaciers, and snow-covered summits. The area holds potential for valuable research, contributes essential resources for local communities, and holds cultural importance as it’s believed to contain sacred sites and be a dwelling place for deities.

Key species within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park include the Rwenzori duiker (cephalophus rubidus), Rwenzori black-fronted duiker (cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus), elephants (Loxodonta Africana), L’Hoest’s monkeys (Cercophithecus l’hoestii), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), snow leopards, and three-horned chameleons.

Visitors to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park can engage in various tourism activities. The primary attractions are mountain hiking, nature walks, and bird watching. The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, with 70 mammal species and 217 bird species, including 19 endemics from the Albertine Rift. Additionally, the park boasts some of the rarest vegetation types globally.

The Rwenzori mountains are renowned as a premier destination for hiking and mountaineering. Accomplished climbers can embark on a nine- to twelve-day trek to reach the highest peak, Margherita. However, shorter and less technically challenging treks are also available for scaling the neighboring peaks.