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UWA Unveils New Elena Camp and Mountaineering Gear to Enhance Tourism in Rwenzori Mountains
The project, which cost UGX 4.7 billion, employed over 1,800 casual and technical workers who physically carried all construction materials on their backs and heads.
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The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received the newly constructed Elena Camp, a state-of-the-art accommodation facility situated at 4,500 meters above sea level, where temperatures regularly drop to 2°C or lower.
The camp, built by Muhindo John and Friends Limited, serves as the final resting point for adventurers tackling the ascent to Margherita Peak, Uganda’s highest point, towering at 5,109 meters above sea level.
The keys to the facility were officially handed over by Mr. Newton Akiza, the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, to UWA’s Acting Executive Director, Stephen Masaba, in a ceremony following a descent from Margherita Peak. Of the 40 climbers who embarked on the challenging journey, only 12 reached the summit, showcasing the mystical allure and difficulty of the trek.
Masaba Steven, AG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR UWA [RIGHT]
Mr. Masaba praised the contractor for delivering exceptional work, noting that the facility’s high standards are tailored to the preferences and comfort of tourists. Elena Camp is an architectural marvel built to accommodate up to 32 visitors and 36 porters each night. Designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, the facility features: – A dining area and kitchen for visitors. – Self-contained dormitories for guests. – Separate dining and sleeping facilities for porters. – A rescue and first aid block. – Outdoor toilets and showers. – A reliable water supply system. – Wooden pathways connecting the buildings to ensure easy mobility. Powered by solar electricity, the camp also comprise of modern conveniences such as charging stations for laptops and phones, as well as a television for visitor entertainment.
Constructing such a facility in the remote, rugged terrain of the Rwenzori Mountains was a monumental task. The project, which cost UGX 4.7 billion, employed over 1,800 casual and technical workers who physically carried all construction materials on their backs and heads.
Muhindo Aloysius, the Director Secretary of Muhindo John and Friends Limited, expressed pride in delivering the project on time despite unforeseen challenges. He called for the camp to be connected to the national power grid and telecommunication networks, a pledge the Ministry of Tourism promised to pursue.
The Rwenzori Mountains offer some of the most thrilling and picturesque hiking experiences in the world. However, the journey is physically demanding, requiring hours of trekking through diverse and often challenging terrains. To improve accessibility and enhance the overall visitor experience, the Ministry of Tourism has constructed 12.8 kilometers of boardwalks across swampy sections of the trails.
Other challenging areas are equipped with bridges, as well as metallic and wooden ladders to facilitate smoother navigation. For sections requiring technical climbing, adventurers now have access to advanced equipment.
During the handover ceremony, the Acting Commissioner of Museums and Monuments, Jackline Nyiracyiza, presented UWA with 17 sets of mountaineering gear, including crampons, ice axes, ropes, and modern rescue stretchers. Ms. Nyiracyiza emphasized that this equipment would significantly enhance safety, elevate the hiking experience, and lay the groundwork for increased tourism revenue. The gear will benefit both private operators and government teams working within the national park.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park continues to attract thousands of tourists each year. According to Senior Warden George Businge, over 7,700 visitors explored the park during the 2023/2024 financial year, drawn by its unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling adventures. Businge expressed optimism that with the newly improved infrastructure and facilities, the park will welcome even more visitors in the coming years. He invited nature enthusiasts and adventurers from around the globe to experience the Rwenzori Mountains’ unique blend of breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and captivating wildlife.
With the unveiling of the Elena Camp and the provision of new mountaineering gear, UWA and the Ministry of Tourism are setting a new benchmark for mountain tourism in Uganda, ensuring unforgettable experiences for every visitor who dares to explore the mystical Rwenzori Mountains.
