Straddling the border between western Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains—often referred to as the Mountains of the Moon—form one of Africa’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking blend of snow-capped peaks, glacier-carved valleys, misty forests, and alpine meadows.

A Geological and Ecological Wonder

The range has been shaped by millennia of glacial activity, creating a unique terrain of deep gorges, sparkling lakes, and six major mountain massifs, each rising above 4,500 meters above sea level. At 5,109 meters, Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley is Uganda’s highest point and the third-highest mountain in Africa.

The True Source of the Nile?

Long believed by early explorers to be the fabled source of the White Nile, the Rwenzoris remain an enduring symbol of mystery and exploration. Their glacial meltwaters continue to feed tributaries of the Nile River, reinforcing their hydrological significance.

A Biodiversity Hotspot

The Rwenzoris are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and high level of endemic species. Dense montane forests give way to giant lobelias, tree heathers, and other bizarre afro-alpine vegetation found nowhere else on earth. The mountains support a rich array of wildlife including:

• Rwenzori colobus monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Forest elephants
• Numerous endemic birds and amphibians

For Trekkers and Climbers

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers some of Africa’s most challenging and rewarding treks. Multi-day expeditions take visitors through varied ecological zones to snow-covered peaks—a rare spectacle on the equator. The Central Circuit Trail and Kilembe Trail are popular routes for climbers and nature lovers alike.