Mountains and Mountains and lots more mountains, snow
covered peaks, glaciers on the equator, yet there are two factors that prevent
many people from visiting this fantastic, tallest mountain range in all of
Africa - Time and Money. In most cases people take a 8 day journey through
the mountains can cost just for the hike and fees over 800 dollars USD per
person. That does not include the transport and extra things
needed. We get many requests for the Rwenzori Mountains but the price and
the time factors involved limit people from enjoying this fabulous region of
Uganda, plus you will need a lot of less equipment and supplies.
The Rwenzoris – the legendary Mountains of the
Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial
snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes
are well covered with moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge
tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with
giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale
scene.
The Rwenzori is not volcanic like other East Africa’s major mountains but
is a block of rock up-faulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley.The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map
on 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as
meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”The park hosts over 70 mammals including six Albertine Rift endemics;
four are endemic to the park and three are rare species Other mammals include
the elephant, chimpanzee, Rwenzori otter and leopard. Though wildlife is
difficult to spot in the dense forest, do look out for primates such as colobus
(Angola and black-and-white varieties are both present) and blue monkeys; small
antelope such as bushbucks; and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned
chameleon.
About 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift
endemics...- The forest zone at 1800m contains a diversity of birds including
the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome
Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred
Robin, Rwenzori Batis and many more, as well as some of the world’s rarest
vegetation.
The mountains are a world-class hikingdes tination. A nine
to twelve-day trek will get average skilled climbers to the Margherita summit –
the highest spot with 5,109m above sea level on Mt. Stanley. Shorter,
non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
Conditions in the Rwenzori mountains are quite challenging even to an
experienced hiker, as mountain is known for its steep and slippery trails with
frequent rainfall and cold temperatures, fog and muddy terrain.Despite all the challenges, people still arrange trips and get to the
Margherita peak. It's worth a try due to the exciting experience you will
attain. The dry season covers the months of July-August, December-February and
so its relatively dry for inexperienced hikers.
No matter the season, its recommended that you should
bring a raingear, sleeping bag, warm clothing and hat, pairs of gloves, heavy
socks, gum/rain boots, gaiters and a walking stick for easy balance and support
, and plus a basic first aid kit.
Porters stay around the mountain thus help visitors carry their heavy equipments and food, leaving you with a little pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera, water and any other light luggage for an enjoyable experience. You can purchase your own food, and Rwenzori Mountaineering Service can provide cooking kit and cooks to help in preparing it.
No comments:
Post a Comment