The Rwenzoris remain relatively unknown and rarely visited, and thus provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore East Africa’s mountain wilderness. There are two main trekking routes available which follow the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers, on the eastern side of the mountains. These can be combined to create a challenging circular trek through the heart of the range.

The Rwenzoris, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, lie on the border of Uganda and D.R. Congo/Zaire. Unlike the other major mountainous regions of Uganda, the Rwenzoris are not volcanic in origin but originated from uplift associated with the formation of the western Rift Valley. The highest point in the Rwenzoris (and the third highest point in Africa) is Margherita Peak (5109m) on Mt Stanley.

The Rwenzoris are noted for their vegetation-they support a luxuriant and dense forest with abundant flowering plants and the most extensive stands of alpine ‘big game plants’ in East Africa. Here the giant lobelias and groundsels are even bigger than on the other major East African mountains.

Forest mammals found here include tree hyraxes, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus, black-fronted duikers and the red duikers (endemic to the Rwenzori).

Excellent birdwatching features conspicuous regal and purple-breasted sunbirds, francolins, olive pigeons and Rwenzori turacos.

Distance from Kampala: 415km; estimated transit time: 8hrs