Rwenzori Mountains Vegetation Zones
The Rwenzori Mountains Vegetation Zones are diverse and include the Montane forest, Bamboo Zone, Heather zone, Alpine zone plus the Rock and glacier zone.
Rwenzori mountains National Park has 6 different types of vegetation zones, along side beautiful plant species, which provide spectacular and breathtaking scenery. The vegetation zones in Rwenzori Mountains National Park are formed by the different climate conditions in the Rwenzori Mountains . Considering the altitude you are at, as well as the route you are hiking, you might be surrounded by dense rainforest or ice. Kilembe Route, for example, is considered a bit more challenging, but the most scenic and varied route is the central circuit.
The inhabited or Savanna grassland Zone (680m-1800m)
This comprises of various plant species including grass, shrubs herbs and trees. The dominant grass species include cympopon Ibrism, penissetum & imberata species, while for the trees & shrubs include Acacica, Combretum, spp among others.
Afro-montane Forest Zone(1800m-2600m)
The Afro-montane forest zone, comprises of prunes Africana & podocarpus spp are among the common species. Also within this vegegtation zone, several natural gaps covered with ferns and grasses are generally viewed.
The Bamboo Forest Zone(2600m-2900m)
At an immediate increase of 50m in Elevation, the bamboo zone begins to appear, forming a bamboo mixed forest complex occuring from 2600-2900m. Several afro-montane forest include herbsn shrubs, sedges, grasses, while climbers are viewed in a few ares within this belt.
Extensive patches of pure bamboo stands are however seen observed within a 100m altitudnal range upto above 2900m in some areas like in Nyabitaba & Guyeoman in the park
Afro-Alpine moorland Zones(4000-4500m)
A slight change of about 100m in altitude (in the upper bigo bog and a long river bujuku), the density of the Erica species reduces the abundance of the afro-alpine trees such as the (lobelia and dendrosenecio spp), shrubs (likealchemila spp, Helicrysum spp) and grass tussocks (e.g curex runssoroensis) increase. This is pure afro alpine region and the plant communities observed are really fascinating.
The five most conspicious plant species plant communities found in the Afro-alpine zone includes: Dendrosenecio Woodland, Helichrysum shrub, Alchemila shrub,Tussock of grassland & Curex bog
Rocky/glacier Zones(4500-5109m)
Both open and covered mosses & lichens at the very highest points
RESUMPTION OF HIKING TO MARGHERITA PEAK IN RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is pleased to announce the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Following a temporary suspension due to safety concerns, UWA has successfully implemented safety enhancements to ensure the well-being of all hikers.
Key among these improvements is the construction of a bridge across the crevasse in the Margherita glacier. This bridge, along with additional climbing ropes installed in collaboration with our partners in the park, will enable safe passage through the challenging sections of the trail. With these safety measures now in place, hiking to Margherita Peak can safely resume. We are confident that these enhancements will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors seeking to summit one of Africa’s most iconic peaks.
We continue to encourage visitors to explore not only Margherita Peak but also the other stunning peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, including Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range. Each of the routes to these peaks offers a unique adventure, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Rwenzori Mountains.
UWA will maintain close monitoring of the hiking routes to ensure ongoing safety and will provide updates as needed.
We look forward to welcoming adventurers back to the heights of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
