How To Get To Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Getting To Rwenzori Mountains National Park from Kampala/Entebbe/Kigali & Congo? Getting to Rwenzori Mountains National Park is either by road or air/flight. Nevertheless, the most efficient and convenient method generally entails a direct charter flight from Kampala/Entebbe to Kasese airfield, taking 90 to 120 minutes, so eliminating the need for extensive hours of driving to the park, as is the case with road transport.

Fort Portal is around 300 kilometers from Kampala and may be accessed by Mityana – Mubende, resulting in a total travel duration of around 4 hours by car. The distance from Kampala to Rwenzori Mountains National Park via Kasese is approximately 350 km, following the route through Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi. The Kasese path is around six hours in duration. Nonetheless, there is a stopover at the equator line to demonstrate the experiment of the equator. Furthermore, the journey offers more exhilarating vistas as it traverses the remarkable Queen Elizabeth National Park, with an optional intermission throughout your safari, so extending and intensifying your day.

Scheduled flights can be booked from Entebbe International Airport, allowing you to arrive at Kasese airfield in around one and a half hours. You can reach the park in around 30 minutes. The morning flight departs at 0700 hours and arrives at 1005 hours, while the afternoon flight departs at 1200 hours and arrives at 1415 hours. The flight is picturesque and remarkable, traversing a dynamic landscape.

The Rwenzori Mountains is the tallest mountain range in Africa. The highest summits are Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5,083m) on Mount Stanley. Only Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, both extinct volcanoes, surpass these in altitude elsewhere in Africa, towering in isolation above the surrounding plains.

Upon arriving at the Rwenzori Mountains, you will observe its distinctiveness among the principal peaks of East Africa. Alongside Mount Stanley, the Rwenzori range encompasses four further glacier summits: Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Emin (4,791m), Mount Gessi (4,715m), and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,527m).

Prior to arriving at Rwenzori Mountains National Park, one may choose to partake in a chimpanzee trekking expedition within the adjacent Kibale National Park. You may also enhance the vacation with the exceptional gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Getting to Rwenzori by road from Kampala to Kasese.

Getting To Rwenzori Mountains National Park by road is approximately 5 to 6-hour journey from Kampala, based upon the chosen route. The road is adequately paved and in decent condition. Fuel availability is consistently assured in Uganda, and one can also travel by road with a rental car.

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is accessible by two routes from Kampala to Kasese. The most direct route begins in Kampala and proceeds to Fortportal via Mubende, covering a distance of 300 km by 4×4, whilst the longest route initiates in Kampala, traversing through Masaka, Mbarara, Bushenyi, and ending in Kasese, spanning 350 km.

The alternative route to Kasese provides an exceptional opportunity to stop at the Equator and observe the distinctions between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Getting To Rwenzori Mountains National Park by Air

A chartered flight/aircraft can be organized from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip, followed by a 40-minute drive to Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Chartered flights to Kasese airfield are scheduled to depart at 7:00 am and 12:00 noon.

Getting To Rwenzori Mountains National Park From Congo

It is important to note that the Rwenzori Mountains National Park can also be accessible via the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Traveling by road From Kigali Rwanda

Getting to Rwenzori Mountains National Park requires a 4×4 vehicle from Kigali, Rwanda of from Gisenyi, followed by a journey to Beni, which is around 13 kilometers from Mutwanga, the starting point for all Rwenzori mountain climbs.

Location of the Rwenzori Mountain?

The Rwenzori Mountains are situated within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, established in 1991, encompassing around 1,000 square kilometers. Margherita Peak is the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains, which comprise six mountain ranges: Mt. Baker, Stanley, Emin, Luigi Di Savoia, Speke, and Gessi. The ranges are divided by picturesque green valleys and rivers.

Rwenzori Trekking Routes

Getting to Rwenzori Mountains National Park is facilitated for guests who have arranged Rwenzori treks, with all logistics meticulously organized by Rwenzori Trekking Expeditions Experts. Independent mountaineering tourists will require either public transportation or a rental vehicle for self-driving from Car Rental East Africa over the mountains.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park can be reached via Rwenzori Trekking routes of Central Circuit route or Kilembe Trail Route but you should choose the one that best suits your needs and provides the easiest access.

Public Transport – Getting To Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Regular transportation services comprise buses, taxis, and minibuses connecting Kasese, Fort Portal, and adjacent communities. Use public transportation to get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park entrance or nearby towns, where arrangements for further travel or accommodations can be made.

Upon approaching Rwenzori Mountains National Park, one must go to the park entrance or the designated trailheads of Naykalengija or Kilembe. Prior to departing for the park, it is prudent to verify the condition of the roads, the schedules for transit, and any travel advisories. For assistance and information during your visit to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, think about getting a local guide or participating in a guided tour with Rwenzori Trekking Expeditions.

Flying To Kasese Airstrip, Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Flying to Rwenzori Mountains National Parks is the most quickest method to get there. Chartered or scheduled flights commence from Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airport to Kasese airstrip. A professional driver guide will collect you at Kasese airfield for transfer to your accommodation, where you will spend the night prior to starting your exploration of Rwenzori Mountains National Park or trekking the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon.

The flight duration from Entebbe Airport to Kasese airstrip in Western Uganda is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This contrasts with around 6 hours that one may spend traveling by vehicle.

Aero Link, Eagle Air, and Fly Uganda conduct flights from Entebbe Airport to Kasese airfield.

Travelers seeking to explore Uganda’s majestic mountain ranges will find it exciting to navigate Rwenzori Mountains National Park independently. Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers self-driving guests in Uganda a unique opportunity to thoroughly explore the region’s diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and challenging terrains.

Comprehensive planning and preparation are essential for a smooth and enjoyable self-drive excursion in Rwenzori Mountains National Park prior to departure.

Research and Information:

Acquire knowledge on regulations, entry fees, and necessary licenses for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Familiarize yourself with the trails, attractions, and recommended pathways within the park to optimize your itinerary.
Due of the rapid fluctuations in mountain weather, consult the forecast and prepare accordingly.

Vehicle and Equipment:

Visiting the Park necessitate 4WD vehicles; therefore, ensure yours is in excellent working order and suitable for off-road navigation.

Store a spare tire, jack, towing rope, first aid kit, navigational tools, and sufficient fuel and are in the vehicle.

Equipment and accommodations:

Research lodges and campgrounds both within and next to the park, and, if necessary, secure reservations in advance.

Due to the limited availability of facilities, procure food, potable water, camping supplies, and other essentials prior to entering the park.