The Rwenzori Mountain ranges is a splendid mountain range, one of the very few block mountains that is snow-capped and also has glaciers. The legendary Mount Rwenzori sits between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), East Africa. Rising up to 5109m, Mt. Rwenzori is comprised of 6 mountain ranges with Margherita Peak being its the highest peak.
Mount Rwenzori features as the third highest peak and famously called Mountains of the Moon. The block mountain is set along the rift valley floor yet not a volcanic mountain. Mount Rwenzori occupies 4800kms area, 120kms long and 65kms wide with 5109m highest point-Margherita on Mt. Stanley.
How Rwenzori Mountains formed
Mount Rwenzori is a block mountain and it formed as a result of Earth’s crust shift. Its formation dates back to 3 million years when shift in Earth’s crust resulted into uplift of the rock consisting of granite, gneiss and quartzite. The tectonic plate shift resulted to upward push of the block mountain, tilting it creating high peaks. As a result of erosion and deposition of sediment that occurred over years, it led to moulding of the range presently called the Rwenzori Mountain ranges in Western Uganda.
Mount Rwenzori is comprised of 6 ranges/massifs each has its peak and they are divided by deep gorges. These include Mt. Bakers also known Kiyanja and this the third highest mountain range of Mountains of the Moon. Mount Baker (4843m) and this has several subsidiary peaks including Edward peak. This massif was first conquered by Rubert Grauer in 1906.
Mount Stanley (5109m) is the highest of the six Rwenzori mountain ranges and this is where Margherita peak is found. The Margherita has a composition of 11 subsidiary peaks and features the scenic glaciers. Stanley Mountain marks the border area of Uganda and the D.R. Congo.
Mount Stanley rises up to 5109m making it the highest mountain range of the six Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Mt. Stanley where Margherita peak straddles and 11 subsidiary peaks. At the summits, hikers get the splendid views of glaciers and the breathtaking plateau.
Mount Speke-hiking through Mt. Speke is a great opportunity to conquer the second peak of Rwenzori Mountain ranges. This rises on elevation range of 4890m and 4 (four) summits are available here including Trident (4572m), Vittorio Emanuele (4890m), Ensonga (4865m) and Johnston (4834m).
The triangle like shape is made of Mt. Speke, Mt. Stanley and Mt. Baker, they enclose the Bujuku Valley. Mount Emin-rising on altitude of 4798m and ranks 4th highest among the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. This mountain range features 2 peaks and the narrow ridge is what connects the two peaks-the Kraepelin and Umberto.
Mount Gessi 4715m which is reachable through the Mugusu Valley. The peak is occupied by glaciers, ice on the summits though these often melt. The Gessi peak is a home to twin peaks of Bottego and Loloanda.
Mount Luigi di Savoia is another remarkable mountain range that makes up the Rwenzori mountain ranges. The block mountain massif derives its name from the Duke of Ambruzzi.
The topography of Rwenzori Mountains
Mount Rwenzori lies along the edge of the Albertine Rift-the Western Rift Valley Arm of East Africa Rift. The mountain massif is noted for its highest peak Margherita, scenic gorges carved by glaciers. Rwenzori Mountain range is among the a few fantastic places to experience the best of African climbing adventure. The massif represents glacial equatorial basement rock and this formed as a result of Earth’s uplift.
Mount Rwenzori ranges occupies a significant portion of Rwenzori Mountains National Park- RMNP. 20% of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges fall on the Congo side, specifically the Virunga National Park. You can have the most of your trek to the summits of Rwenzori on the Central Circuit or explore many of the Rwenzori Mountain trails including Margherita and Forest trails.
Faunal and floral species of Mt. Rwenzori
Naturally, Rwenzori Mountains/National Park is blessed with a huge profusion of floral and faunal species. Most of the park’s diverse wildlife range around the varying elevations of 1676 to 2286m. The vegetation here ranges from tropical to Alpine, and also features bamboo. The 6 vegetation zones offer shelter to lots of wildlife including 70 species of mammals. The popular animal species here include vervet monkeys, duikers, bush bucks, chimpanzees, three-horned chameleon, hyrax, elephants.
In addition to the numerous mammal species, Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects 217 bird species most of these are Albertine rift species. The birds to expect to keep your eye on while on hiking safari or birding tour in the Rwenzori Mountains N/P include greenbul, barred long tailed cuckoos, blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, Archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori batis, golden winged sunbird.
When to travel to Rwenzori Mountains
Rwenzori Mountains are open to all hikers or climbers at anytime of the year who come for hiking safaris in Uganda. But, the drier months are incredibly the best or the most ideal for you to trek up to the 5109m summits to conquer the Margherita peak. The drier months to consider for your Rwenzori climbing adventures are June to August, December to February.
What to Carry During Your Hike
The list of items to consider packing for your Rwenzori mountain trek include among others a waterproof daypack, strong and waterproof hiking boots, camera. Others items include sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, snacks, water, rain jacket, tent etc.
Where to Stay
The available places to book for overnight stay while on Rwenzori mountaineering exist around at base area. They include Ruboni Community Camp, Equator Snow Lodge, Mihunga Safari Lodge, Hotel Margherita. When hiking, the ideal huts to retire for the night en-route include Guy Yeoman Hut (3261m), Elena Hut, John Matte Hut (3414m), Bujuku Hut (3962m), Nyabitaba Hut (2652m).
Getting to the Rwenzori Mountains
By Road
Rwenzori Mountain ranges-travel starting from Entebbe or Kampala navigate via Mityana, Mubende to Fort Portal Tourism City. Or Entebbe/Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese. Or spend fewer hours by flying from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese.