The Rwenzori Mountains
introduction
The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are a majestic mountain range located along the border between southwestern Uganda and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These mountains form part of the Albertine Rift, which is a western branch of the East African Rift system.
Unlike most of Africa’s tall mountains, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, which are volcanic in origin, the Rwenzoris are non-volcanic and were formed due to uplifting of the Earth’s crust — making them block mountains.
The range stretches for about 120 kilometers (75 miles) in length and 65 kilometers (40 miles) in width.
Cultural Significance
The mountains are sacred to the Bakonzo people, who live on the foothills. They believe the Rwenzoris are the home of the gods and refer to them as "Rwenzururu".
Traditional folklore and spiritual practices are deeply intertwined with the mountain’s rivers, forests, and peaks.
The region was also historically involved in the Rwenzururu Movement, which sought recognition and autonomy for the Bakonzo and Bamba peoples.The Rwenzori Mountains boast several high peaks, most notably:
Mount Stanley (5,109 meters / 16,762 ft) — the highest peak, with Margherita Peak at the summit.
Mount Speke (4,890 meters)
Mount Baker (4,843 meters)
Mount Emin, Mount Gessi, and Mount Luigi di Savoia are other notable peaks.
Remarkably, the higher elevations are covered in permanent snow and glaciers, despite being located just a few kilometers north of the equator. These glaciers are receding due to climate change, raising concerns among scientists and environmentalists.
Biodiversity and Ecology
The Rwenzori Mountains are home to some of Africa’s most diverse and unique ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows.
The vegetation changes with altitude and includes:
Tropical montane forest
Bamboo zones
Heather and moorland
Afro-alpine vegetation with giant lobelias and groundsels found only in East Africa
Conservation Status
The Ugandan portion of the mountains is protected within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, established in 1991 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The park covers about 996 square kilometers and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Despite its protected status, the park faces several threats:
Glacier melting due to global warming
Encroachment from human settlement and agriculture
Deforestation and illegal logging