Rwenzori Mountains
Uganda · Western Uganda · 5109 m
Description
The Rwenzori Mountains are the Mountains of the Moon of classical geography, a block rising to Margherita Peak at over five thousand metres and carrying glaciers directly on the equator. The range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and unlike any other African massif, its slopes covered in a soaked bog forest of giant lobelia, tree heather and groundsel that grow to several metres in the constant mist. The central circuit takes about a week through mud, ladders and passes. Shorter treks from Kilembe reach the alpine zone without the summit attempt. Guides and porters are compulsory and the whole trek is organised through them.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 10 days (optimal 7 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – August or December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Margherita Peak summit climb
- Central Circuit trek(Multi-day trip)
- Giant lobelia and groundsel zone
- Equatorial glaciers
- Kilembe route to Mutinda lookout(Multi-day trip)
- Bujuku and Kitandara lakes
- Rwenzori turaco and endemic birds
- Bakonzo village walks in the foothills
- Three-horned chameleon in the heather zone
Getting there
- Border town:
- Uganda