The Ruwenzori Mountains in Uganda

The Ruwenzori Mountains which is also known asThe Ruwenzori Mountains is a World Heritage Site
the Mountains of the Moon is located on theof outstanding natural beauty ranging from glacier
border between Uganda and the Democraticand snow which is found at the top of the peaks
Republic of Congo. Its Africa tallest mountainwhich are right at the center of the range. This is
range with a length of 120km, 48km width and anfollowed by rain forest which start at 3000
area of 998 square kilometers. The Ruwenzorimeters and include various tall plant and tree
Mountains were formed as a result of an upliftedspecies. The Ruwenzori National Park was closed
block of crystalline rocks with great force fromin July 1997 and re-opened in 2001. Its now
deep within the earth crust millions of years ago.Uganda most attractive site for mountain climbing
Mountains of the Moon contain has six peaksand trekking which offers spectacular views and
namely Mount Stanley (5,109m), Mount Spekescenery. the Ruwenzori Mountains receives rain
(4,890m), Mount Baker (4,843m), Mount Eminthroughout the year making the path muddy and
(4,798m), Mount Gessi (4,715m) and Mount Luigi didifficult for trekkers and also porters. Due to this
Savoia (4,627m).situation, trekkers and climbers are forced to use
Ruwenzori Mountains is the highest mountain incrampons, ropes and ice axes to support them
Uganda and Margherita peak (5,109) is the thirdfrom falling.
largest peak in Africa after MT. Kenya and MT.The lower slopes of the Mountains of the Moon is
Kilimanjaro. The melting water from the glaciersthe home of various large wild animals such as
and snow from the Mountains of the Moon is theelephant, leopard, chimpanzee, bush back, buffalo,
main source of the great river Nile. Sir Henrygiant forest hog, black/white colobus and the
Morton Stanley was the first explorer to visit themonkey. this national park is also a home to about
Ruwenzori Mountains in 1889 while the Italian Duke241 bird species. The vegetation is characterized
of Abruzzi together with his friends completedby rise in altitude as you ascend the mountains.
climbing all the major peaks between June andThis starts with Montane forest followed by
July in 1906. This mountain is the most challengingbamboo, giant tree- heathers, giant lobelia and and
to climb due to the tough combination ofgroundsels plants thickets of Helichrysum flowers.
weather, altitude and terrain.