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The
120km Rwenzori chain is regarded to be the
legendary snow-capped Mountains of the Moon,
described by Ptolemy in AD150. Reaching an
elevation of 5,109m, it is also Africa's
tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude
only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and
Kilimanjaro.
The distinctive glacial peaks are visible
for miles around, but the slopes above
1,600m are the preserve of hikers, who rate
the Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of
all African mountains.
A variety of large mammals inhabits the
lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are notable
more for their majestic scenery and varied
vegetation. The trails lead through
rainforest rattling with monkeys and birds,
then tall bamboo forest, before emerging on
the high-altitude moorland zone, a landscape
of bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by
black rock and white snow, looking for all
the world like the set of a science fiction
film.
SIZE:
998 sq km
LOCATION:
On the Congo border close to Kasese.
WHEN TO VISIT:
Any time, but the dry seasons are
December-February and June-August. |
