DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Christened the ``Mountains of the Moon``, the Rwenzori Mountains are a range of mountains located in western Uganda, 260km from Kampala and an estimated 4-hour drive. Flights are available to Kasese Airport, from Entebbe Airport and other parks. Its name means ``Rain-Maker`` and ``Cloud-King`` in the local language due to its perennial cloud of mist. The range, which isn't volcanic, stretches for about 110km by 50km wide and spans an area of 996 sq. km. It is the tallest mountain range in Africa and was named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994 due to its beauty and biodiversity. Its three highest peaks are Margherita (5109m), Alexandria (5083m) and Albert (5087m), all on Mt Stanley, the third-highest mountain in Africa.

It is a haven for an extraordinary number of rare plants and animals. Two mammals are endemic to the range, the Rwenzori climbing mouse and the Rwenzori red duiker, as are 19 of the 217 known bird species. There's thick tropical rainforest on the lower slopes transitioning to the bizarre afro-alpine moorland on higher reaches.

The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.

Other activities:

• Nature walks

• Cultural tours

• Sampling local cuisine

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