The following are some of the guidelines, DOs and DON’Ts or rules and regulations for hiking Mountain Rwenzori, while in Mountain Rwenzori National Park. These rules aim at preserving the park for present and future generation.
Like any other organized institutions, the Uganda government in conjunction with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has come up with some rules and regulations governing Rwenzori National Park, one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites.
- Accept the park’s limit of 16 persons per hut per night. Delaying your first departure a day may mean less congestion at the camping huts which guarantees a much more pleasant trip.
- Don’t litter the park with non-burnable or biodegradable items like tins, plastic and silver foil. Personally collect these items and make sure you or your porters take them out of the park.
- Please use the latrines for all body wastes.
- Respect others in the huts by sharing space, stoves, talking quietly (no radios). Crowded huts can be much more pleasant if basic courtesy and politeness is expressed.
- Observe the prohibition of wood fire. Making fires using local wood is prohibited in the park. Use your own paraffin stove or gas or charcoal provided. Please be considerate to your porters by bringing the minimum equipment. Extra personal gear means heavier loads or extra porters, which is not only bad for the porter but also for the environment.
- Minimize damage on trails by following your guide closely and avoid making new paths. Each time a hiker makes a new route the paths get wider and more vegetation turns to mud.
- Ask your guides on how to conduct yourself.
Kindly note that there are new rules and regulations for hiking Mountain Rwenzori. Amendments are also introduced from time to time, so kindly keep checking this page for the latest information.