AMA - Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association

Who visits us?

Backpackers, specialists (Researchers), independent, Volunteers, and groups of schools

What to do here?

Visiting Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) provides an opportunity for nature walks within and its boundary areas of the Great Rwenzori Northern Spur Ridges zone. These include trails up to Karangura Peak and the Kaghoma bamba forest; walks through the communities of Kazingo village to reach the Karangura peak; and hiking to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass. The communities of Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association (AMA) also offer guided forest walks of various lengths just outside the park. Visitors can follow the River Mpanga, and glimpse views of meandering Semliki River and the Blue Mountains in D.R. Congo across Lake Albert as they hike up to 2,300m above sea level. On a clear day it is even possible to view the snowcapped Margherita Peak - a truly spectacular sight on Bundibugyo slopes of Bwamba pass. Along the way, keep an eye out for chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys and many birds. On Bwamba Pass; before a road was built in 1938 to link Fort Portal with the remote town of Bundibugyo, local people followed the most direct route between these settlements – a tough, 2,500m high trek over the steep north Rwenzori ridge, known as the Bwamba Pass. The AMA community group leads visitors over the mountain through isolated mountain villages to visit the bamboo forest and enjoy superb Semliki rift valley sceneries. For the last 25 years AMA has been sharing the beauty of Rwenzori Mountains, through cultural performances and dances, heritage sites tours, handicraft making and storytelling, Forest and Alpine Camping, accommodation in Home Stays. Camping tours start at Kazingo village (1.600 m) outside Fort Portal town.

Top 3 reasons to visit

• Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s surreal ‘Mountains of the Moon’ for its history and is an opportunities for offering cultural experiences with one of the local tribes living at the foot of the mountains.
• For nature lovers; Rwenzori Mountains will give you the opportunity; to fully explore the range and its layer upon layer of habitats – montane forest, bamboo, tree heathers and Afro-Alpine – you’ve have to physically fit and good hiking boots to trek. Also is a home to threatened species such as the African forest elephant, eastern chimpanzee and l'Hoest's monkey.
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a renowned mountains for its spectacular unique beautiful sceneries and is UNESCO World Heritage Site.