Mount Rwenzori Trekking

The Rwenzori lie along Uganda's western border with the DRC, and are sometimes referred to as the 'Mountains Of The Moon'. The National Park of the same name was proclaimed a World Heritage Site in order to protect the natural beauty, flora and fauna of the area. The Rwenzori is a true mountain range created by up lift of the earth crust through tectonic movement and are not as a result of volcanic activity. The range is 120 km in length and 48 km in width. The mountains are frequently shrouded in mist and cloud with the peaks rarely being visible from far.

At the center of the range, there are six peaks carrying permanent snow, three with glaciers. The highest of these peaks, and the third highest peak in Africa, is Mt. Margherita from where the hotel derives it's name rising to 5119 meter above sea level.

The Rwenzori Mountains were gazetted as a National Park in July 1991. The Park covers 996 km2 of rugged mountain terrain offering visitors a rare experience of an Afro-Montane rainforest. These forest start above 3000m and includes the giant forms of Lobelia, Heather and Groundsel.

To visit these mountains although more especially the national park there are many local tour operators in the country that can be contacted to arrange a tour for you. Trekking permits are required to visit the park. These permits are only available though the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala although your tour operator can make applications on your behalf.

Tailor made safaris can be arranged by ones self to get to the trail head of the national park in Ibanda, but you will still need a trekking permit if you are a climber or multi-day hiker. Day visitors to the national park need not apply for a trekking permit and can proceed to the trail head, pay your day visitation fee and obtain a guide. Such visitors can explore the forest where there is an abundance of exotic birds for the birding tour and wildlife safari enthusiast.