Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Uganda, beckons global travelers with its snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Located 400 kilometers from Kampala, this 996-square-kilometer park is accessible by road or air, offering diverse routes to its trailhead at Nyakalengija.
The fastest option is flying from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip. Domestic flights by AeroLink or Bar Aviation take 1 hour, with 2-3 weekly departures. From Kasese, a 1-hour drive (25 kilometers) via a paved-then-dirt road reaches Nyakalengija, where treks begin. Lodge transfers, and booking flights early is wise, especially for dry seasons (June-August and December-February).
Driving from Kampala, a 6-8 hour journey (400 kilometers) via Fort Portal, is the most common route. The road is paved to Kasese, then roughens for the final 25 kilometers standard vehicles suffice, though 4x4s handle wet seasons (March-May and September-November) better. Public buses from Kampala to Kasese (6-7 hours) connect to taxis or boda-bodas for the last leg.
For cross-border travelers, Kigali, Rwanda, is 300 kilometers away (5-6 hours via the Katuna border), offering a scenic alternative with a hired car. Regardless of approach, Rwenzori’s isolation unveils glaciers, primates, and alpine wonders, making the journey a prelude to adventure.