Birding in Rwenzori Mountains is such an amazing experience that enthusiastic birders shouldn’t miss out. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is set geographically in Western Uganda and it is incredibly one of the best bird watching sites hosting a significant population of the Albertine rift endemic bird species.
The park expands up to about 1000sq.kms, featuring diverse habitats characterized by distinct vegetation zones each protecting diversity of bird species.
Birds in Rwenzori Mountains.
Rwenzori Mountains NP, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is a home to about 217 bird species. These include over 19 Albertine rift endemic and the important birds to keep an eye on here range from long eared owl, slender billed starling, blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, Archer’s robin chat, white stared robin, lagden’s bush shrike, golden winged sunbird to cinnamon chested bee-eater.
Other than birds, the Rwenzori Mountains also protect 70 different mammal species especially giant forest hogs, Angola colobus monkeys, elephants, Rwenzori otters, chimpanzees, leopard, bush bucks etc.
Over 20 beautiful lakes also exist in the Rwenzori Mountains NP alone including Lake Mahoma. Lake Kitandara, Lake Bujuku and others.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS.
Mountaineering.
No better destination in Uganda that offers the most thrilling mountaineering adventures than the Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. Trekking to summits of Rwenzori Mountains also best known as the Mountains of the Moon lets you explore different peaks with main focus to get to Margherita peak on Mt. Stanley at 5,109m.
Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains can take 8 days or more to reach up to Mt. Stanley and there exist different points to begin your trek including the Kilembe, Nyakalengija Central Circuit set close to Kasese Town or try the Kazingo trail perfect for nature walk just close to Fort Portal.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) is home to one of Africa’s highest peaks rising up to 5,109m. It is set in western Uganda and in 1994, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rwenzori Mountains alone features 6 peaks and suitably located astride the equator.
The park is noted for its unique vegetation zones that hikers usually explore including the tree heath, bamboo forest, montane forest, Afro-alpine moorland & hagenia-rapine scrub.
Guided nature walks.
The Rwenzori Mountains is a perfect place to visit for guided nature walks, best done on the slopes. Take a hike along River Mubuku to enjoy exceptional views of Mt. Baker and Margherita peaks, sight significant species like vervet monkeys, squirrels and wide array of birds.
Community walks.
Besides birding, community walk is another best alternative option to explore and experience the Rwenzori Mountains. This is perfectly done along the foothills where you to interact with the Bakonzo, meet the traditional healer, visit the basket weavers etc.
BEST TIME TO VISIT.
Rwenzori Mountains N/Park is best to visit during the drier months-June, July, August, September & December, January and February. While on birding trip in Rwenzori Mountains or Mountaineering, the important items you should carry include a good and clear camera, day pack-waterproof, good preferably waterproof walking/hiking shoes, binoculars, rain gear, insect repellent, bottled water and so on.
Accommodation options.
The lodges & camps in the Rwenzori Mountains include among others the Equator Snow Lodge, Mihunga Safari Lodge, Ruboni Community Camp, Hotel Margherita, Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Katara Lodge and Sandton Hotel, Kasese.
Getting to Rwenzori Mountains for birding.
The Rwenzori Mountains is about 6 hours’ drive on Kampala-Fort Portal route and approximately 7 hours’ drive via the Masaka-Mbarara route. Or take a chartered/scheduled flight starting from Kajjansi airfield or from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kasese airfield.
