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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.
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