Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains National Park)

About Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains National Park)

The Mountains of the Moon, officially known as Rwenzori Mountains National Park, are one of Africa's most spectacular mountain ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along Uganda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains are famous for their permanently snow-capped peaks despite being situated near the equator.

Home to Margherita Peak (5,109 meters), the third-highest mountain in Africa, the park offers challenging mountaineering expeditions and rewarding hiking experiences for adventurers from around the world. The mountain landscape features crystal-clear rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, glacial lakes, giant lobelias, giant groundsels, and rare alpine vegetation found nowhere else on Earth.

The lower slopes are covered with lush tropical rainforest, providing habitat for elephants, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, forest buffaloes, and over 200 bird species. As visitors ascend the mountain, the scenery changes dramatically through bamboo forests, heather zones, alpine meadows, and glacial landscapes.

Popular activities include multi-day mountain climbing expeditions, nature walks, bird watching, photography, and cultural encounters with the local Bakonzo community, who have lived on the mountain slopes for generations. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or simply looking to enjoy scenic nature walks, the Mountains of the Moon promise one of Uganda's most extraordinary outdoor adventures.