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Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a beautiful landscape protected by the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the mountains of the moon. The national park has a remarkable number of animal species, some of which are only found in the area. However, it is ranked more for its flora than for its animal diversity because it passes through a variety of vegetative angelic zones, including the farms of the nearby communities, montane forest, bamboo under shed by mimulopsis, a heather zone characterized by the giant tree heathers, together with beautiful forms of the giant lobelia, the forest lies at an altitude of 5109m high above sea level its highest peak being Margarita.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

There are many animals in the national park, some of which are endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains, including elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, primates like the black and white colobus monkey, blue monkeys, and the hyrax, which is a rare species to see. It should be noted that animals in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are solitary and that they do not interact with other animals. It features more than 200 bird species, the majority of which are limited to the Albertine Rift Valley. Common examples include the malachite sunbird and Rwenzori turaco.

The central circuit trail is typically organised by the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, starting the adventure at the Nyakalengija. They provide guides and porters to carry heavy equipment in case one needed help. Because the Rwenzori region is cold, it is advisable to carry raingear, extra clothing, water, phone and camera cases, a sleeping bag or mat, water, hand gloves, and a sleeping bag or mat.

Despite the area not being well developed with facilities, the central circuit is provided with the basic huts, camping rooms, and the Rwenzori mountaineering guestrooms, and the Rwenzori backpackers hostel serves the Kilembe trail. Bird watching and guided nature walks are presented on an opportunity of the presence of the mountains of the moon, first discovered by a geographer Alexandrine in 150 AD who managed to name it on the world map. Fort Portal and Kasese settlements, which are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, offer additional lodging.

The park can be visited all year round, but it is best to go during the dry months of December to February and June to mid-September when the trails are less slick and easier to climb. The park receives 2500mm of rainfall annually and is about 375 square kilometres in size via the fort portal. Charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe or Kajansi to the closest airport in Kasese. Mountaineering tourism has grown throughout time. The national park receives fewer visitors, but those who do arrive will undoubtedly appreciate nature. The mountain’s pathways are lined with an angelic vegetation zone.

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