National park
National park · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The snow-capped Mountains of the Moon.
- Western Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$35
- World Heritage Site since 1994
Overview
- Area
- 996 km²
- Highest point
- Margherita Peak, 5,109 m
- UNESCO listing
- 1994
- Ramsar wetland
- 2008
- Summit climb
- 9–12 days
- Bird species
- 217
The Rwenzori range runs about 120 km along the Uganda–DR Congo border. The park was gazetted in 1991, listed by UNESCO in 1994 and named a Ramsar wetland in 2008.
Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley (5,109 m) is Africa's third-highest summit. Unlike Kilimanjaro or Elgon, the Rwenzoris are not volcanic: they are blocks of rock pushed up from the floor of the Western Rift.
Climbers pass through montane forest, bamboo, heather and moorland, where giant lobelias and groundsels grow among moss. The park shelters over 70 mammal and 217 bird species, 19 of them Albertine Rift endemics.
- Margherita Peak climb
A 9–12 day technical ascent with glacier travel, for experienced and well-equipped climbers.
- Shorter mid-level treks
Non-technical treks of one to several days through the botanical zones.
- Bakonzo villages
Nature walks, homestead visits and performances at the foot of the range.
Things to do
- Mountain hikeFrom US$50
Per day; includes park entry.
- Kazingo, Bukurungu or Kinyampanika trailsFrom US$50
Guided day trails.
- Birding and nature walkFrom US$40
Lower slopes.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
The mountains are wet all year. The drier months, June to August and December to February, are best for climbing.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$5 / US$5 / US$5 / UGX 2,500. Under 5s enter free. | US$35 | US$25 | US$20 | UGX 15,000 |
| Rwenzori mountain hikeper person per day, includes entry | US$50 | US$40 | — | UGX 50,000 |
| Birding and nature walkper person | US$40 | US$30 | — | UGX 30,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$35
- Foreign resident
- US$25
- Rest of Africa
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 15,000
Children 5–15: US$5 / US$5 / US$5 / UGX 2,500. Under 5s enter free.
- Rwenzori mountain hikeper person per day, includes entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- US$40
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
- Birding and nature walkper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- East African citizen
- UGX 30,000
- Multi-day climbs are sold by the park's concessionaires (Rwenzori Mountaineering Services and Rwenzori Trekking Services) as packages that add huts, guides, porters and equipment.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 6–7 hours to Kasese
Via Fort Portal to Kasese, then to the Nyakalengija or Kilembe trailheads.
- By airFrom Entebbe or KajjansiAbout 1 hour
Flights to Kasese airstrip.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Climbs above 4,000 m carry real altitude risk; acclimatise and turn back if symptoms appear.
- Expect daily rain, deep mud and bogs; waterproof boots and gaiters are essential.
- The glaciers are shrinking; summit routes and conditions change, so use an experienced operator.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to climb Margherita Peak?
It is a technical climb on ice and rock that takes 9–12 days. Shorter non-technical treks let you see the high valleys without summiting.
Why are they called the Mountains of the Moon?
The geographer Ptolemy described snow-capped "Mountains of the Moon" as the source of the Nile around AD 150. Henry Stanley recorded the name "Ruwenzori" in 1888.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. All treks go with licensed guides; most climbers book through the concessionaires.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
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