Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the Rwenzori Range on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a high mountain chain of alpine peaks, glaciers and unique afro-alpine ecosystems. The park is known for rugged, glaciated summits and distinct vegetation zones from montane forest to alpine moorland.

The range includes several high peaks, most notably Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley at 5,109 m, which is the highest point in the park and one of the highest in Africa. The park supports glacial remnants, endemic plants and specialized wildlife adapted to high elevations, and is popular with mountaineers and high-altitude trekkers.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was established for conservation in the late 20th century and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its natural values and unique high-mountain ecosystems. Access is generally from the towns of Kasese (Uganda side) and the park lies along the western edge of Uganda adjacent to the Rwenzori foothills.

• Highest peak: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley reaches 5,109 m and is the highest point in the Rwenzori range and on the Uganda-DRC border.
• Glaciers and trekking: The park contains fragile tropical glaciers and high-alpine ecosystems that are sensitive to climate change and require experienced guiding for high-altitude treks.

• Aim for the drier trekking windows (roughly January-March and June-September) and avoid the heavy rains (April-May, October-November) when trails are often impassable.
• Book permits, experienced guides and porters well ahead through the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) in Kasese - RMS handles logistics and is the usual operator for organized climbs.
• Allow at least 6-8 days for the Central Circuit route and build rest/acclimatization time into your schedule; trail conditions and elevation gain make last-minute ascents difficult.