The mountains of the moon rank the 3rd topmost pinnacle on legendary Africa!! Balancing upon the spine between Uganda and DRC, they possess a compellingly spectacular scenery that is punctuated with colorful vegetation and sparkling glaciers. The landscape in the area swiftly shifts from thick bamboo, heather zone into the afro alpine, something that is palpably magnificent. It is only through an exploit into these 5109m tall cloud mountains that chance lies to measure the correlation between incline and altitude, something that is remarkably breathtaking. Waltzing up the tenure ushers one into the 3,975m tall Mutinda lookout, a block of granite that towers over the valley. Just come witness the critters, the shrieking 217 species of birds and high-altitude euphoria! If nature, silence and adventure are the only luxuries left in the world today, Rwenzori mountains trekking safari offers them all!!
The Rwenzori mountains trekking facts.
In Africa, there lies a snow-capped grandeur that redefines the meaning of spectacular.!! Named the mountains of the moon, the cloud mountains as well as the Rwenzori, Africa’s third highest mountain hails greatly in the western parts of Uganda. The Rwenzoris rest within Rwenzori Mountains National Park which is an important bird area, World heritage site and was awarded the title RAMSAR. The easiest way to navigate the mountain is through a Rwenzori mountains trekking safari.
Rwenzori mountain is found within the Albertine rift and is a home to over 217 species of birds, including 17 endemics. This without debate ranks it a minefield of exploration, luring many into its spectacular and sparkling glaciers. The grand feature boosts 5109m above the earth’s surface, attaining impossible heights above the clouds. Rwenzori has been categorized as a block mountain and not volcanic, and this alone has tailored utmost inspiration for many to check it out and have a look for themselves.
How the mountains got labelled with different names.
The Rwenzori mountains straddle to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country gifted with both nature and treasure. The area is crossed by the Nile, another spectacle that receives some of its waters from the melt of the glaciers. This loftiest structure in Uganda possess many peaks that offer stunning views, something that’s remarkably beautiful and thus supports the observations of Alexander Ptolemy, an explorer who christened this special feature with its most famous name; Mountains of the moon. The name cloud mountains came later by henry Morton Stanley, who under the spell of utmost impression coined the term. The park has glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls and has been portrayed as one of the mainly attractive Alpine areas around the world. On 24th May 1888, European explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map. For this reason, one of the peaks were named after him. He labeled the grand feature ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”
Biodiversity facts in the Rwenzori mountains.
Lying at the spine of the two countries, the legendary range not only presents the combined existence of both rock and snow, but also acts a play ground for many species of animals that call this their home. Uganda, being a nation that teems with a richness in bird life and other endemics leaves the ranges as no exception; the Rwenzori Park is a dwelling to 217 species of birds with 17 of them having a naturally established restriction of being only found in the Rwenzoris, something which justifies UNESCO labeling it a key Birding Area. At about 1800 meters, the variety will leave you captivated with the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson wings and Flycatchers. Let that sink in!!
The 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range also hosts 70 mammalian species as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation. The mammals include six Albertine Rift endemics, elephants, chimpanzees, Rwenzori otters and leopards. Primates like the colobus (Angola and black-and-white varieties) and blue monkeys are also part of the game. Small antelopes such as the bushbucks and unusual reptiles like the three horned chameleon are not exceptions.
Activities done during the Rwenzori Mountains trekking safari.
Rwenzori hiking
This takes place within the range to the glacier that sits on the highest peaks. One can also enjoy day hikes through the thick tropical jungle at the foothills that are coupled with unique activities like fishing by the use of hands in streams that are said to be akin to the Torentine river in the Game of Thrones. During the hike, one gets a chance have a look at the turaco, a multi-colored bird as well as the fabled three horned chameleon, which thanks to the dense existence of insects, survives!! Up the slope, meandering streams of rivers keep unveiling, offering a magnificent view of the aura that causes one to wonder where the hell everyone else is!!
The oldest recorded person to reach Margherita Peak was Ms Beryl Park aged 78 in 2010, something which rewards many with both wonder and valor. With every hour and every altitude gain, the landscapes, colors, and critters are ever-changing, just like information from a fairy-tale. The range is altogether gifted with equatorial snow peaks that include the third highest point in Africa, with the lower slopes being blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting and phenomenal scene. These lobelias as well as Senecio(groundsel)are emblematic giant forms found within the Afro-alpine altitudinal vegetation zone, which is one of the world’s rarest botanical communities that is limited to East African mountains above 3800m.
Statistics have it that, of the 15,000 tourists from all over the world who have climbed the Rwenzori mountains, only just a few thousand who have reached the Margherita Peak. This is credited to the intensity of the hike up the mountain, that offers a gruelling experience to every adventurer that signs up for the task. During the hike, bad weather can always kick in due to the torrential rains that normally brace the area. This causes many to duly trudge along in a torchlight procession to the top, for which reason one is encouraged to carry gumboots, heavy clothes and enough drinking water. The change in atmosphere is usually palpable that breaks become a necessity. However, with the presence of guides, a collection of ropes, pulleys and ladders, the straddle along the vertiginous ridgeline can then always continue with the tenacity of a struggling 1900 car engine as one looks forward to the summit day. Once at the pinnacle finally, one reflects upon the journey and compares it to a proverbial walk in the park, making him/her to burst in high altitude euphoria.
Cultural exchange
You will have plenty of opportunities to witness the locals at the foothills of the mountain of the moon carrying out their cultural lifestyles and activities like cultural dances and if you lucky enough, you might even get some lessons on drumming and dancing. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Ruboni village where you will learn about the lifestyles of old of the forefathers of the mountains of the moon.