The Ruwenzori Mountains in Uganda

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The Ruwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, are located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its highest mountain chain in Africa with a length of 120 km, 48 km wide and an area of ​​998 square kilometers. The Ruwenzori Mountains were formed as a result of a block of crystalline rocks lifted with great force from the depths of the earth’s crust millions of years ago. The Mountains of the Moon contain six peaks, namely Mount Stanley (5,109 m), Mount Speke (4,890 m), Mount Baker (4,843 m), Mount Emin (4,798 m), Mount Gessi (4,715 m ) and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4627 m). meter).

The Ruwenzori Mountains are the highest mountain in Uganda and Margherita Peak (5109) is the third largest peak in Africa after MT. Kenya and MT. Kilimanjaro. Melting water from glaciers and snow from the Mountains of the Moon is the main source of the great Nile River. Sir Henry Morton Stanley was the first explorer to visit the Ruwenzori Mountains in 1889, while the Italian Duke of Abruzzi along with his friends they completed the climb of all the main peaks between June and July 1906. This mountain is the most difficult to climb due to the harsh combination of climate, altitude and terrain.

The Ruwenzori Mountains are a World Heritage Site of Outstanding Natural Beauty ranging from the glaciers and snow found at the top of the peaks that lie right in the center of the range. This is followed by the rainforest that starts at 3000 meters and includes several species of plants and tall trees. Ruwenzori National Park was closed in July 1997 and reopened in 2001. It is now Uganda’s most attractive site for mountaineering and trekking, offering spectacular views and scenery. The Ruwenzori Mountains receive rain throughout the year, which makes the trail muddy and difficult for hikers and porters as well. Due to this situation, hikers and climbers are forced to use crampons, ropes and ice axes to avoid falls.

The lower slopes of the Mountains of the Moon are home to several large wildlife such as the elephant, leopard, chimpanzee, buffalo, giant forest hog, black and white colobus, and monkey. this national park is also home to some 241 species of birds. The vegetation is characterized by the increase in altitude as one ascends the mountains. This starts with montane forest followed by bamboo, giant heather, giant lobelia, and thickets of Helichrysum flowers.

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