The Rwenzori are a range of spectacular mountains within the Eastern side of Equatorial Africa, nestled along the borders of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The most soaring peak of the Mountains towers at 5109 meters above sea level on Mount Stanley with the higher regions being permanently covered by snow and glacier.
The Rwenzori Mountains was nicknamed the “Mountains of the Moon” by Claudius Ptolemy, a Greek scholar and is also believed to be the source of the Nile. This is attributed to the fact that rivers fed by the Rwenzori stream form one of the distant sources of R. Nile.
This stunning mountain range is part of the Virunga conservation area, in Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo while in the neighboring Uganda it is part of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in western part of the country.
On the D.R. Congo side, Rwenzori mountain ranges are nestled within the northern part of Virunga and climbers are rewarded with stunning sceneries of the lush bamboo forest, Alpines, tropical rainforest and outstanding species of Giant Lobelia and Giant Groundsel towering to over 20 feet tall.
History and formation of Rwenzori Mountains, Congo.
The Rwenzori Mountains were formed from the up thrusting of crystalline rocks including granite, gneiss, quartzite and amphibolite approximately 3 million years ago during the late Pliocene epoch era. The upthrust split the Paleolake Obweruka, forming three of the current African Great Lakes that include George, Albert and Edward.
These mountains have unfortunately become hiding places for rebel groups since the 1960s when Uganda got Independence from the British Empire. The National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU) and the Partie de Liberation Congolais (PLC)-a popular anti-Mobutu rebel group were once hosted at the Rwenzori Mountains.
Size of the Rwenzori Mountains range
The Rwenzori Mountains range extends for about 120 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide, and is comprised of 6 spectacular mountains separated by deep ravines. These Mountains include Mount Stanley (the highest at 5109 meters), Mount Speke (4890 meters), Mount Baker (4843 meters), Mount Emin (4798 meters), Mount Gessi (4715 meters) and the beautiful Mount Luigi di Savoia (towering at 4627 meters).
The first hike on the 6 mountains of the Rwenzori was undertaken in 1975, kicking off on the 27th January and concluding on the 13th February (18 days). This adventure was taken by Polish Climbers named Leszek Czarnecki, Janusz Chalecki and Stanislaw Cholewa then they were joined from the last 9 days by Miroslaw Kuras.
Flora and Fauna in Rwenzori Mountains.
The Rwenzori Mountains range in Congo is characterized by 5 different vegetation zones-Afro-montane forest from 1800 to 2500 meters, Bamboo forest from 2500 to 3000 meters, Heather zone from 3000 to 4000 meters, the Alpine zone above 4000 meters with Lobelia, giant groundsel and Senecio adnivalis as well as few vegetation-lichen, moss, everlasting plants and more snow from 4300 meters.
Over 70 mammal species, more than 200 bird species, reptiles (three-horned chameleons) are sheltered across the slopes of these Mountains. You will see forest elephants, Rwenzori otters, black and white colobus monkeys, leopards, Angolan colobus monkeys and some chimpanzees in the Afro-montane forests. Common bird species around the Rwenzori Mountains are lammergeiers, Golden-winged sunbirds, Long-eared owls, handsome francolin, Archer’s Robinchat, Rwenzori Turaco, black eagles, Slender-billed starlings, Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters and many others.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains from D.R. Congo.
The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the most thrilling hiking destinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The range is undeniably haven to rich diversity of flora and fauna, and as you climb, be sure of traversing distinct vegetation zones, appearing and disappearing animals, changing landscapes and beautiful bird species including the Rwenzori batis, handsome Turaco and many others.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains needs technical skills and knowledge, with the use of crampons, ropes, ice axe as well as ascenders and is done under the leadership of experienced guides. Travelers are however advised to come prepared with strong hiking boots, warm clothing, mountaineering gloves, warm sleeping bag, good camera, rain jacket and many others. It takes between six and nine days to reach the highest peak of Rwenzori Mountain and descent with several hiking trails.
Best time of the year to climb Rwenzori Mountains, Congo.
Best time of the year to climb Rwenzori Mountains, Congo is during dry season from June to August as well as December to February when rains are hardly expected although it is difficult to predict weather patterns. The mountains are generally spectacular all year round.
How to get to Rwenzori Mountains, Congo?
The Rwenzori Mountains are found in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo and can be reached by flight and road. Flights can be arranged to Goma or Beni International airports, then continue to Mustora Ranger Post within Virunga National Park by road. Visitors from Rwanda can connect to Goma via Gisenyi border point while those from Uganda can cross via Mpondwe border point.
