UWA Receives Newly Constructed Elena Camp to Boost Tourism in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The facility can accommodate 34 tourists and 36 support staff, including guides and porters, per night.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially received the Elena Camp visitor accommodation facility, a landmark project funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA).

The handover ceremony took place on December 15, 2024, at Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) and was presided over by Ms Jackline Nyiracyiza Besigye, commissioner for Museums and Monuments, who represented the Permanent Secretary of MTWA.

The facility was received on behalf of UWA by Mr Stephen Masaba, director of Tourism and Business Development, representing the Executive Director of UWA.

Located 4,500 meters above sea level at temperatures of 2°C or lower, Elena Camp is the last stop before adventurers ascend to Margherita Peak, the highest point in Uganda at 5,109 meters.

The facility can accommodate 34 tourists and 36 support staff, including guides and porters, per night.

It features a dining room, kitchen, storage areas, a steady water supply, power, and fully furnished accommodations with beds and mattresses.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Nyiracyiza highlighted the significance of the facility in promoting tourism in Uganda and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders in the sector.

She emphasized the importance of such investments in enhancing visitor safety and experience while boosting Uganda’s profile as a premier mountaineering destination.

"Elena Camp stands as a testament to our commitment to positioning Uganda as a world-class adventure tourism destination. These infrastructure improvements will not only attract more tourists but also ensure their safety and comfort," she said.

In addition to the accommodation facility, MTWA also handed over state-of-the-art mountaineering and hiking equipment to UWA.

These include static and single dynamic ropes, crampons, ice axes, modern rescue stretchers, oxygen bags, carabiners, ascenders, and other essential safety gear.

The equipment aims to enhance the safety of tourists and guides as they navigate the challenging terrain of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The team also inspected the 12.889 kilometers of boardwalks funded by MTWA and constructed in boggy and difficult-to-hike areas.

Sections between Nyabitaba and John Matte Camps, as well as Bujuku and other locations, have already been completed, with ongoing efforts to extend the project further.

“These boardwalks and infrastructure upgrades demonstrate the government’s dedication to sustainable tourism development in the Rwenzori Mountains. We are ensuring that visitors have an unforgettable yet safe hiking experience,” Mr. Masaba remarked.

These infrastructure developments are expected to significantly improve the hiking experience by making the trails safer and more accessible.

The Permanent Secretary of MTWA congratulated UWA and its partners for their dedication to advancing Uganda’s tourism sector.

The new Elena Camp and accompanying safety measures are set to address the long-standing challenge of inadequate accommodation and safety facilities in the mountains, further positioning the Rwenzori Mountains as a top destination for adventurous travelers.

Earlier this week, a team of 26 officers from MTWA and UWA embarked on a challenging hike up the Rwenzori Mountains to mark the handover of the facility and equipment.

Of the team, 12 officers successfully reached Margherita Camp, an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination.