Rwenzori Mountains National Park

This splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime sculptures and incredible vegetation provide a magnificent environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. The legendary "Mountains of the Moon" were first described by the Greek philosopher and geographer Ptolemeus in the 2nd century. Mt Stanley, named after the famous explorer who first saw the mountain during his expedition in 1887, is the third highest mountain in Africa (5109 m.)

A National Park since 1993, the Rwenzori Mountains, 120 km. long and 43 km. wide, were forced up during the creation of the East African Rift Valley System, and unlike the two other giants of East Africa, Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, are not of volcanic origin. The name Rwenzori stands for 'rain-maker': There is an average annual rainfall of over 5m, and the ice-covered peaks are only visible on a few days in the year.

The unusual trip to the Rwenzori last 6-7 days long enough to hike the "Central Circuit Trail". Shorter trips can be arranged but do not reach the higher mountains. Driest months are July and August and December through February. The usually poor weather makes trips outside of these months impossible or disappointing.
The mountains feature an incredible array of afro-alpine vegetation, including gigantic lobelias and groundsels, hallmarks of the Rwenzori. They offer a plentiful habitat to several primate species, including Chimpanzee, and other mammals such as Elephant, Bushbuck, Giant Forest Hog, Hyrax and Leopard. Some unique birds in the area include Rwenzori Turaco, the handsome Francolin, Olive Pigeon and White necked Raven.

If you like mountaineering, then the (5,119 m) high, snow covered Rwenzori Mountains - also known as the 'mountains of the moon' and protected as Rwenzori Mountains National Park which is also a World Heritage Center – will offer you the unique experience you've been looking for. The mist-shrouded peaks provide stunning backdrops to this magnificent mountain. Ever since the Rwenzori became known to the World, its features have been changing.

Today, the most visible and probably preventable, changes in the Rwenzori are the fragile vegetation along the trails. A trip into the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one, which must be planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is 'be prepared!' You can do the central circuit in just 7 sevens and our excellent guides will be there to add flavor to your experience. The few who have climbed this mountain have promised to come back.