Rwenzori Hantravel Safaris
RWENZORI TREE HYRAX
Hidden high in the towering canopies and cold rocky crevices of the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax arboreus ruwenzorii) is one of the most vocal and mysterious mammals in Uganda. Despite looking like a heavy, overgrown guinea pig, this thick-furred herbivore holds a shocking biological secret. It is the closest living relative to the African elephant. Trekkers rarely see them in the dense montane forests, but their territorial, spine-chilling shrieks echoing through the mist at night make them an unforgettable part of the Rwenzori safari experience.
The evolutionary link between the hyrax and the elephant is a fascinating biological marvel. They share several primitive anatomical traits, including tiny tusk-like incisors instead of canines, internal reproductive organs, and highly specialized foot structures. To survive the freezing, high-altitude temperatures of the Albertine Rift, the Rwenzori subspecies has evolved an incredibly thick, plush coat of greyish-brown fur. Their feet feature unique rubbery pads equipped with sweat glands that act like suction cups, allowing them to scale giant mahogany trees and steep, mossy boulders with astonishing agility.
While most tree hyraxes across Africa are strictly arboreal, the harsh alpine environment of the Rwenzori Mountains forces them to adapt. You will find them sheltering in hollow tree trunks within the lower montane zones, as well as hiding deep within rocky crevices in the freezing heather and moorland zones far above 3,000 meters. They are highly selective herbivores, venturing out under the cover of darkness to forage for tender leaves, wild fruits, and alpine flowers. Equipped with a complex, multi-chambered stomach, they can effortlessly digest tough, fibrous mountain vegetation while extracting all the moisture they need to survive without ever drinking standing water.
Unlike their highly social cousins on the savannah, tree hyraxes are mostly solitary or live in very small family pairs. They are fiercely territorial and rely heavily on scent marking and acoustics to communicate across the dark forest. As night falls over the mountain camps, the dominant males unleash a bizarre, escalating chorus of whistles, grunts, and pig-like screams to warn away rivals. For many hikers resting at camps like Nyabitaba or John Matte, the dramatic midnight calls of the tree hyrax serve as the ultimate soundtrack to the wild, untamed nature of Uganda.
“Rwenzori Tree Hyrax”
Wildlife Directory | Rwenzori Hantravel Safaris