Alien Safaris Uganda, Uganda Safaris

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was established in 1991. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its outstanding natural beauty.
The park was inscribed on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites in danger between 1999 and 2004 because of insecurity and a lack of resources.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the east side of the western (Albertine) African Rift Valley.
It lies along Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC) and borders the DRC's Virunga National Park also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for 50 km (31 mi).
It is situated in the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Kasese districts, 25 km (16 mi) from the small town of Kasese

It is 996 square kilometers (246,117 acres)in size,70% of which exceeds an altitude of 2,500 m (8,202 ft).
The park is 120 km (75 mi) long and 48 km (30 mi) wide.

The park comprises most of the centre and eastern half of the Rwenzori Mountains, a mountain range rising above dry plains located just above the equator.
The Rwenzori Mountains are higher than the Alpsand are ice-capped. Mount Stanely is located in the park.
Margherita Peak, one of Mount Stanley's twin summits, is Africa's third highest peak with a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft). Africa's fourth and fifth highest peaks (Mount Speke and Mount Baker) are also located in the park.
The park has glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, and lakes and is one of Africa's most beautiful mountain areas.

ANIMALS:
The park has many species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift system, and there are several endangered species in the park.
It has a high diversity of plants and trees.
The park is noted for its botany, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world.
There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude.
The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species.
The park's wildlife varies with elevation, and its species include:
Tourist activities

1. Mountain climbing- Is the major tourist activity. But larger animals are not so common due to heavy poaching experienced way back in 1970s and 1980s. The common mammals likely to be seen are Elephants , Buffaloes, Chimpanzees, Blue monkeys, Rwenzori  Columbus monkeys, Forest hog, Leopards and hyrax
2. Bird watching - Only 195 species of birds recorded in the park and both threatened and endemic species. The most noticeable bird is Rwenzori Turaco.

SEASONS
Dry Season: June to September is the driest time when most animals remain near water, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms at any time.
The hot dry time is January to February and is a good time to visit. Dry season temperatures average 80°F (25°C).
Rainy Season:
It rains anytime from October to December and March to May when many roads become impassible.

FACTS
The park is accessible on a tarmac road from the capital city Kampala. The journey takes six hours.