The Rwenzori
 Point Alexandra | As early as 150 AD Ptolemy had written of the "Mountains of the Moon", where
snows fed the lakes, sources of the Nile". The Rwenzori range lies along the
western border of Uganda and represents a true mountain range composed of
several massifs; it includes Africa's third highest summit, Point Margherita
(5109m). These massifs offer great attractions to climbers, walkers and
naturalists. There are several endemic species of birds including the
brilliant Rwenzori turaco, also monkeys, red forest duiker, hyrax and leopard.
Some elephant and buffalo live in the lower valleys. Though the flora is
similar to other East African mountain ranges it is exceptionally luxuriant
mainly as a result of the high rainfall in the area; however, from
mid-December to the end of February and from mid-June to mid-August there is
little rain and good climbing weather.
'The Mountains of the Moon', are a chain of remote fold mountains, set in the
very heart of Africa. They contain some of East Africa's most lush and unusual
vegetation together with beautiful lakes. The main summit, Margherita, 5109m,
stands above the Stanley Plateau, the largest glaciated area on the continent.
Looking west, you can see the endless expanse of the Congo jungle, from the
east mist and clouds boil up over the Lake Victoria basin in Uganda, sometimes
enveloping the range for several days. |
