What else to do in Rwenzori apart from hiking
Are you planning to visit Rwenzori mountain national park but are wondering of other activities to do apart from hiking the mountain? Rwenzori mountain national park has got a number of activities one can do apart from hiking. Among those include hiking and nature walk, Cultural Encounter in the Rwenzori mountains, Birding in Rwenzori mountains, and Wildlife viewing.
Clients planning a safari to Rwenzori National Park can choose from a variety of exciting activities which include hiking the mountain, birding, nature walk, cultural encounter, wildlife viewing and so many others. Located in southwestern Uganda, near Virunga National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park has a border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park encompasses an approximate size of 386 square kilometers, with its borders extending through Kabarole, Bundibugyo, and Kasese districts. The verdant greenery, uncommon plants, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, mountains, glaciers, and scenic views of Rwenzori’s natural splendor have brought it fame. As a result of its distinctive and enticing name, many visitors to the park mistakenly believe it up to now to be the Mountain of the Moon.
The park is mostly known for its mountain ranges, which include the third-highest in Africa. Among these mountain ranges is Mount Stanley, whose 16,762 foot top is better known as Margherita; it is the third-highest point in Africa. In Africa, Mount Bakers is the fifth highest peak, followed by Mount Speke at number four. Mount Luigi da Savoia, Mount Gessi, and Mount Emin pasha are three more minor mountain ranges. Who among us wouldn’t be interested in learning about the formation of the Rwenzori Mountains? While the majority of East African mountains were created by volcanic eruptions, the Rwenzori Mountains are massive boulders that were compressed from the East African Rift valley bottom.
With its breathtaking scenery of verdant vegetation and majestic peaks like Margherita peak, Rwenzori Mountain National area is the most underappreciated and unknown area in Uganda. Mountain climbing, a must-do on any safari in Uganda, is the most popular activity here. Also, the hotel has nice rooms with all the conveniences you might want, so you can make the most of your time in Rwenzori Mountain National Park.
Things to Do in the mountains national park.
Rwenzori Mountain National Park offers a wide variety of activities, such as cultural encounters, bird watching, mountain and volcano climbing, hiking, and ecological walks.
Nature walks and hikes.
Those who enjoy nature on their travels will love this opportunity in Rwenzori. The park’s hidden treasures can be discovered on hiking and nature walks led by knowledgeable guides, who will take you to trails that offer panoramic views of creatures like Buraro chimp forest and Lake Muhooma. Another option is to go through the Kichamhe settlements to reach the Karangura Ridge, or you can use the Bwamba Pass to reach the Bundibugyo area.
Just outside Rwenzori National Park, you will find the settlements of Ruboni and Turaco View, where you may join guided woodland hikes of varying lengths as part of a nature walk. As you go to 2,300 meters above sea level, the path you choose can also take you to River Mubuku and provide breathtaking views of Mount Baker and the gateway peaks. In just one day, you will be able to see the snow-capped Margherita peak clearly; all you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for the chance to see chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys, gorgeous birds, and countless other creatures.
Immersion in Rwenzori Mountain Culture.
The trek to the Bakonzo villagers’ homesteads via the foothills of the Rwenzori will be the most remarkable and unforgettable experience of your life, and you will be a part of this thrilling and spectacular activity here on Rwenzori Mountain. You won’t regret visiting the Bakozo people if you get to witness their energetic dance performances set to exciting drumming, try your hand at local cooking with locals, meet the blacksmith, traditional healers, basket weavers, and listen to their incredible storytellers.
Here, a guide will take you to the rocky Mubuku River, where you can follow its crystal clear waters as they meander through the villagers’ fields and forests. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of native animals and birds, including chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys, and tiny sunbirds, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, and Rwenzori turacos. As you emerge from the woods, keep an eye out for the gateway peaks and Mount Baker.
Bird watching.
The Rwenzori Mountains are home to more than 217 different bird species, making them a prime location for birdwatchers. Birdwatchers will have a fantastic chance of seeing rare and exotic bird species in the montane forest, which is a prime location for birding. The following bird species are common in this area: long-eared owls, dwarf honey guides, bee eaters, robins, sunbirds, grauer’s cuckoo-shrike, black eagles, and evergreen forests. Here are just a few examples of the various species of birds found in this area and among these include; the montane masked nightjar, montane Rwenzori nightjar, red-faced crimson wing, red-throated alethe, stripe-breast titi, white-collared olive-back, white-starred robin, golden-winged sunbirds, bamboo warblers, and illadopsis.
Observing wildlife in the Rwenzori Mountains.
On a wildlife safari, you can witness a wide range of animals and birds, including the three-horned chameleon, which is endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition to awe-inspiring views of picturesque landscapes adorned with dense forests and other rare flora, visitors to the park can also bask in the warm sunshine, chilly breezes, and torrential downpours that sustain flora that is unique to this planet. A wide variety of mammals call the savannah grassland at the mountain’s edge home. This includes, but is not limited to, bush buck, golden cats, giant forest hogs, red duiker, forest elephant, Rwenzori colobus, Rwenzori otter, Rwenzori climbing mouse, genenet mongoose, leopards, Uganda clawed frogs, L’hoest’s monkeys, rock hyrax, and countless more species.