Driving to Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers global travelers a scenic and flexible route to Uganda’s alpine wilderness. Situated 400 kilometers west of Kampala near Kasese, this UNESCO-listed range home to Mount Stanley’s 5,109-meter peak rewards road trippers with rolling hills and rural charm en route to Nyakalengija.
The primary route from Kampala takes 6-8 hours via the Mityana-Fort Portal-Kasese highway. The 375-kilometer stretch to Kasese is paved and well-maintained, passing tea plantations and crater lakes. The final 25 kilometers to Nyakalengija shifts to a bumpy dirt road, manageable with a standard car, though a 4×4 is ideal during wet seasons (March-May and September-November).
From Entebbe, add 30-60 minutes to reach Kampala’s start point. Budget travelers can take a bus from Kampala to Kasese, then a taxi or boda-boda to Nyakalengija. Fuel stops and eateries line the route, but stock water and snacks near Kasese, as facilities thin out. Dry seasons (June-August and December-February) ensure smoother driving, though rain gear is smart year-round.
This drive blends convenience with adventure, delivering you to Rwenzori’s trailhead ready for its misty peaks and surreal flora.