The fabled “Mountains of the Moon”, Rwenzori Mountain chain has also been originally considered as Ptolemy in A.D.150. Reaching an elevation of 5,109 meters, it is Africa's 3rd tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro. The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map on 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.” The oldest recorded person to reach Margherita Peak was MS Beryl park aged 78 in 2010.

Rwenzori mountain was protected as a national park was in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and Ramsar site in 2008.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km long and 65km wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.

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.

For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.

A variety of large mammals inhabits the lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are more notable for their majestic scenery and unusual vegetation. The trails lead through rain forests full of monkeys and birds then on to tall bamboo forests, before emerging on the high altitude moorland zone, a landscape of bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by black rock and white snowy peaks.

The activities offered in the Rwenzoris include a 6-day loop trail, which is a tough but rewarding hike, taking in all the vegetation zones, with the exception of the glacial peaks. Shorter, more popular hikes can be arranged as well. The high peaks should be attempted only by experienced mountaineers as they can be extremely challenging.