Rwenzori Mountains Park tourist numbers grow as government plans expansion

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The Rwenzori Mountains National Park has attracted more local and international tourists, with visitor numbers surging in recent years.

The park, which was gazetted in 1991, is located in Southwestern Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains and has the Margherita peak, which is Africa’s third-highest, for which it is famous. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 as well as a Ramsar site in 2008.

The park provides great opportunities to see flora and fauna which form the dense tropical rainforest, bamboo woodlands, montane cloud forests, and high-altitude vegetation. This park is mainly known for mountaineering, trekking, hiking and climbing excursions or safaris with or without summiting the Margherita.

Reports of tourist numbers growth were revealed at an event marking the end of a seven-day training programme for 20 Trainees of Trainers (TOTs) in essential skills such as emergency and rescue management, wilderness first aid, customer care, and environmental conservation practices. This was at the park's headquarters in Rwaking village, Bugoye sub-county, Kasese district, on March 7, 2026.

Park chief warden George Busingye said tourist numbers rose from 7,703 in 2023/2024 to 10,483 in 2024/2025. This growth shows the park's growing popularity and increasing contribution to national revenue.  

John Busingye, the Chief Warden of the Rwenzori Mountains, said that between 2024 and 2025, they received a huge turnout of 10,483 tourists and collected high revenues. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

Busingye attributed this success to several factors, including the park's unique features: Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, over 20 alpine lakes, fast-flowing rivers, five distinct vegetation zones, over 70 mammal species, unusual reptiles, 217 bird species, and cultural heritage sites.

It should be noted that after a temporary suspension, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in August 2024 okayed the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The suspension was due to safety concerns, which led to safety enhancements to ensure the well-being of all hikers. Key among the improvements was the construction of a bridge across the crevasse in the Margherita glacier. This bridge, along with additional climbing ropes installed in collaboration with partners in the park, will enable safe passage through the challenging sections of the trail.

A key driver of the park's growing appeal is the Government's infrastructure investment through the tourism ministry: Two camps within the Rwenzori Mountains have been fully rehabilitated to enhance accommodation capacity. Nyabitaba, the first camp along the Margherita Peak trail, can now accommodate 40 visitors per night and is undergoing expansion. Elena, the last camp before reaching the glaciers, hosts 34 visitors.

Additionally, 12.88km of boardwalks have been constructed in boggy areas to ensure safe passage for hikers, while 4.7km of metallic ladders have been installed on steep rocks previously deemed impassable. These developments have made the park more accessible and appealing to adventurers.

Security remains a top priority, with visitors assured of excellent tour guides, porters, and climbing gear, including helmets, ropes, carabiners, belay devices, and sturdy boots—provided by the government.

Busingye said the Government has involved local communities in the tourism boom, and he urged residents to seize opportunities by providing services such as accommodation, food and crafts.

"Put up standard accommodation facilities, plant more food crops, rear animals, and make crafts," he said, highlighting how locals can improve their livelihoods while supporting the tourism industry.

Skilling through training 

To further elevate service standards, the ministry partnered with Celes International Ltd to train 20 TOTs to equip 1,000 individuals with globally recognised certifications in skills like emergency response, advanced first aid, CPR, Leave No Trace principles, and customer care. 

A team of 20 trainees performing an emergency and rescue drill after a seven-day training at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park headquarters. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

Celestine Katongole Denis, one of the facilitators, said participants were selected from various service providers, including rangers, porters and tour guides, who play a critical role in ensuring visitor safety and satisfaction.

"We have equipped them with potential skills and awarded them globally recognised certificates so that all tour companies can appreciate their services," he said. "Go serve humanity and pass on the knowledge to others because our target is to train 1,000 people."

Neckson Kule, a professional tour guide, said the training addressed common mistakes, including improper communication and failure to follow protocols.

"Now we are equipped with enough skills to handle challenges effectively," he testified.

Rebecca Atai praised the Government for organising the timely training and requested similar initiatives be extended to other national parks to benefit the broader tourism sector.  

Commitment to tourism growth

Newton Akiza Britin, representing the permanent secretary in the policy research and planning division at the tourism ministry, reiterated the ministry's commitment to investing in frontline workers.

"These individuals shape the visitor experience, ensure safety, and represent Uganda to the world," he said.

"This intervention aligns fully with our national tourism competitiveness agenda."  

He also announced plans to further develop the tourism sector through additional infrastructure and services, signalling a promising future for the industry.  

Other stunning peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park include 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.