Rwenzori Mountains (Ruwenzori Range)
The Mountains of the Moon whose snows feed the lakes, sources of the Nile
Ptolemy, 2nd Century AD Greek geographer
Their geography and the weather that envelops them have given rise to a incredibly diverse environment.
As you rise in altitude you move through tropical forests, to bamboo, to marshy deltas, peat bogs, mountain grasslands, scrub, patches of high elevation forest, right on to glaciers and snow fields.
These Mountains of the Moon also receive up to 350 days of rain per year, producing thick mists that drift through the moss-laden trees on is lower slopes.
These mountains are also the endangered Virunga mountain gorillas.
(For now) one of the few permanently snow-capped peaks in Africa
- 120 km long x 65 km wide
- There are 6 massifs separated by deep gorges
- Margherita Peak, Mount Stanley (5,109m),
- Only the peaks in Mount Kilimajaro (5,895m) and Mount Kenya (5,199m) are higher
The highest Rwenzoris are permanently snow-capped, and they, along with Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are the only such ones in Africa.
The Massif is not volcanic but is a horst that surged from the Albertine Rift Valley floor about 3 millions years ago.
The range is in an extremely humid area, and frequently enveloped in clouds.
The Rwenzori range host to both the Virunga National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
These are the 2 most important sites in the Albertine Rift Montane Forest Ecoregion because of their species diversity and endemism (the ecological state of being unique to a place).
Vegetation ranges from tropical rainforest through alpine meadows with 6m high heathers, to glaciers and snow.
Water flow
One of the Rwenzori Mountains’ most important ecological and economic functions is the impact the range has on the area’s hydrological (water) cycle.
Thought by the ancient Greeks to be the source of the Nile, the range’s permanent mountain streams do indeed contribute to the Nile by way of the surrounding Albertine lakes.
The surrounding agricultural land is fed partly by mountain run-off and partly from direct rainfall regulated by the Ruwenzori’s forest clad slopes. While the mountains’ water catchment properties also benefit valuable fisheries on Lakes George and Edward, whilst also supplying hydro power and the water for irrigation schemes.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the mountains also form the source of drinking water for an estimated 500,000 people who live around the its slopes.
Local people
The Bakonjo people, who live around the park, value the mountains and the resources it provides.
The forests are a source of building materials, fuel wood, medicines, honey, animal products, and other resources.
The attraction of the mountains to foreign visitors also provides valuable income for the Bakonjo, through the supply of accommodation, food, transport, guides, craft, Park entrance fees etc.
Both Virunga National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
