Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Africa's Highest Ranges
Mountains of the Moon
The fabled Rwenzori Mountains( locally known as the Mountains of the Moon) are one of Uganda's UNESCO heritage sites lying in western Uganda along the boarder with Democratic Republic of congo , where the snow-covered equatorial peaks rise to a height of 5109m and the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland and rich montane forest. Most of the park is accessible only to hikers although the magnificent scenery and 19 Albertine Rift endemics would be ample reward for birders.
The mist shrouded Rwenzori ranges and shadowy slopes shall call for your attention, curiosity and respect, at more than 500meters high, the ranges are among Africa's highest.
Africa's highest ranges
A visit to Rwenzori mountains National Park means having a good pair of hiking boots. This is the only way to appreciate the glaciers, rivers, waterfalls and lakes.
The mountains are the homelands to the Bakonzo and Bamba people. The Bakonzo have lived here for countless generations. Their culture is adopted to the steep slopes and climate. That is why they also make the best guides and porters.
There are five different vegetation zones found in the Rwenzori mountains national park, namely Grassland, Montane forest, Bamboo, Heather, and Afro-alpine moorland.
Expect to be amazed by the scenic views of the different craters around the Rwenzori mountain ranges as you come across a host of unusual plants and flowers worthy of a snap shot. This Unique place attracts some of the most colorful butterflies and birds in the world.
High and regular rainfall in the mountains also means bountiful supplies of all sorts of foodstuffs specially fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, water melons, pineapples and Irish potatoes. You will never forget the taste of some of these varieties.
The slopes of Rwenzori mountains are well known in Uganda being the source of the best organic cocoa and organic coffee.
