The Rwenzori Mountains, known as the Mountains of the Moon, are one of Africa's most spectacular and least-visited mountain ranges, rising to 5,109 meters at Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, Africa's third-highest summit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects 996 square kilometers of extraordinary mountain ecosystems, from tropical rainforest at the base through bamboo zones, giant heather forests, and surreal alpine zones where giant lobelias and groundsels (some over 6 meters tall) create landscapes that look like they belong on another planet. The Rwenzoris are one of the few equatorial mountain ranges in the world with permanent glaciers, though these are retreating rapidly. This is a destination for serious hikers and mountaineers, not a drive-through safari park. The standard summit circuit takes 7 days, but shorter 3-day treks to lower peaks are also available.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Not present
leopard
Very rare
elephant
Very rare
buffalo
Not present
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Rwenzori Red Duiker
Endemic subspecies found only in the Rwenzori range.
Rwenzori Colobus Monkey
Black-and-white colobus in the lower forest zones.
Rock Hyrax
Common in the alpine zone, often seen sunning on boulders.
217+ bird species including Rwenzori turaco (endemic), Rwenzori batis, Handsome francolin, Rwenzori nightjar, Bearded vulture.
Best Time to Visit Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzoris are wet year-round (receiving up to 2,500 mm of rain annually), but the drier periods of June to August and December to February offer the best trekking conditions with clearer skies and firmer trails. Be prepared for rain and mud at any time of year.
peak Season
June, July, AugustDrier (relatively). Clearest skies for summit views.
Low to moderate (this is never a crowded park)
Standard
Lower forest zones most accessible
high Season
December, January, FebruaryDrier period. Good for trekking.
Low
Standard
Similar conditions to June-August
low Season
March, April, May, September, October, NovemberWet. Heavy rain, muddy trails, limited visibility at altitude.
Very low
Standard
Same species but less comfortable trekking
Getting to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
By Air
By Road
Entry Gates
Nyakalengija (Central Circuit)
Main trailhead for the classic Rwenzori circuit. 15 km from Kasese.
Kilembe Trail (Southern)
Alternative route starting from Kilembe. Newer, less crowded.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $40/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $20/day |
- • Park entry is $40/day, but most book all-inclusive trekking packages
- • 7-day summit circuit: $1,200-2,000 per person (all inclusive)
- • 3-day trek to lower peaks: $400-700 per person
- • Porters ($15-20/day) and guide tips are extra
- • Trekking packages include hut accommodation, meals, and guides
Activities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Included Activities
Optional Extras
Margherita Peak summit circuit (7 days)
$1200-$2000The classic trek to Africa's third-highest peak (5,109m). Passes through all vegetation zones, from rainforest to glacial alpine terrain. Technically challenging near the summit, requiring ropes and crampons.
Rwenzori short trek (3 days)
$400-$700Trek to the lower peaks and glacial lakes without attempting the summit. Suitable for reasonably fit hikers. Reaches the spectacular giant lobelia and groundsel zones.
Nature walk (day hike)
$30-$50Guided day walk in the lower forest zone, exploring the rich biodiversity of the montane rainforest. No overnight camping needed.
Where to Stay
On the mountain, accommodation is in basic huts at designated campsites along the trekking routes. In Kasese and Kilembe, there are guesthouses and lodges for pre and post-trek stays.
on mountain
$0-$0/included in trek packageIncludes: Basic hut with bunks, included in trekking package
Examples: Nyabitaba Hut, John Matte Hut, Bujuku Hut, Elena Hut
mid range
$50-$150/person/nightIncludes: Comfortable rooms in Kasese or Kilembe
Examples: equator-snow-lodge, sandton-hotel-kasese
budget
$15-$40/person/nightIncludes: Basic rooms near the trailhead
Examples: kilembe-guesthouses
Practical Tips
- 1This is serious mountain trekking, not casual hiking. Be prepared for cold, wet, and muddy conditions.
- 2Bring warm layers, waterproof gear, and a sleeping bag rated to -10C for summit attempts
- 3Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Acclimatize properly and watch for symptoms.
- 4Hire porters (mandatory on some routes). They carry up to 25 kg and know the trails intimately.
- 5The giant lobelias and groundsels in the alpine zone are unique to East African mountains and worth the trek alone
- 6Combine with Queen Elizabeth NP or Kibale Forest for a complete western Uganda itinerary
- 7Photography is challenging due to frequent mist and rain. Bring waterproof camera protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Rwenzori summit trek?
The 7-day summit circuit is demanding. You'll trek through mud, rain, and cold at altitude, with the final summit push requiring ropes, crampons, and scrambling on rock and ice. Good fitness, trekking experience, and proper equipment are essential. The 3-day lower trek is moderate and suitable for fit hikers.
Do I need technical climbing experience?
For the summit (Margherita Peak), basic rope and crampon skills are needed. Your guides will assist, but some prior high-altitude experience is recommended. The lower treks (3-day options) require no technical skills.
Are the Rwenzori glaciers still there?
Yes, but barely. The glaciers have retreated dramatically and may disappear within 10-20 years due to climate change. If seeing equatorial glaciers matters to you, go sooner rather than later.
When is the best time to trek?
June to August and December to February are the driest months with the best trekking conditions. The Rwenzoris are wet year-round, so prepare for rain even in the dry season. July tends to be the driest month.
Official Resources
Sources
- Margherita Peak 5,109m, Africa's third-highest, UNESCO World Heritage since 1994: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- 996 sq km, 217 bird species: Uganda Wildlife Authority