Why is Rwenzori called Mountain of the Moon?

Why is Rwenzori called Mountain of the Moon?

The reference to Mount Rwenzori as Mountains of the Moon came from Greek explorers trying to locate the source of the Nile. A merchant called Diogenes reported that the source of the Nile came from a group of mountains which the indigenes of the land called Mountains of the Moon because of their snow-capped whiteness.

Are Rwenzori mountains safe?

Hunwick assured me the Rwenzoris have been safe and tranquil since 2009, and his outfit has opened trails and camps all the way to Mount Stanley's highest spike, Margherita Peak.

Where is Rwenzori located?

western Uganda The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas.

Which type of mountain is Rwenzori?

Unlike most African snow peaks, the Ruwenzori is not of volcanic origin but is a gigantic horst of six separate glaciated masses, reaching a high point in Mount Stanley at Margherita Peak (16,795 feet [5,119 m]).

How mountain Rwenzori was formed?

The Rwenzori Mountains were formed as a result of a shift in the Earth's crust over 3 million years ago. This shift caused an uplift of rock made up of gneiss, quartzite and granite. It is believed that the shift in tectonic plates pushed the mountain block upwards and tilted it to form the high peaks of the range.

Does Uganda have snow?

There are no organised Uganda ski areas and indeed the country very rarely sees any snow, but the country's Ruwenzori Mountains, which lie along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are some of the highest on the continent reaching heights of up to 5,109m (16,761 feet) and have glaciers on their upper ...

How long does it take to climb Mount Rwenzori?

It consists of a hike lasting six nights and seven days, starting from the headquarter of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park at Nyakalengija. Then the trail follows a circular path around Mount Baker, spending the night in five different Huts, and reaching a maximum altitude of 4.372 m. at Scott Elliot Pass.

What is the tallest peak in the world?

Mount Everest, located in Nepal and Tibet, is usually said to be the highest mountain on Earth. Reaching 29,029 feet at its summit, Everest is indeed the highest point above global mean sea level—the average level for the ocean surface from which elevations are measured.

Why is there snow on mountain Rwenzori?

Before then, the mountains were speculated to be a source of the famous Nile River. It was later discovered that, indeed, melting snows from the Rwenzori Mountain Range feed various tributaries of the Nile River.

How Mountain Rwenzori was formed?

The Rwenzori Mountains were formed as a result of a shift in the Earth's crust over 3 million years ago. This shift caused an uplift of rock made up of gneiss, quartzite and granite. It is believed that the shift in tectonic plates pushed the mountain block upwards and tilted it to form the high peaks of the range.

How do I get to Rwenzori?

• Currently, the best access to the Rwenzori is from Uganda. The Entebbe Airport, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is excellent with frequent connections to Nairobi. It is actually a much more modern airport than Nairobi and may become increasingly prominent if the unrest in Kenya during 2008 continues.

Where is the Rwenzori Mountains National Park?

• About Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Location. This mountain is located in south-western Uganda on the eastern side of the western Albetine Rift valley. Rwenzori lies along the border of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo and also edges the DRC’s Virunga National park.

Is it possible to visit the Rwenzori Range in the eastern Congo?

• Although this is quite some distance from the Rwenzori, any entry into the Eastern Congo will involve some risk in this regard. Virunga National Park reports that it is possible to access the range at this point. There is a fee of USD 200 as well as an additional fee of USD 116 to sleep in the huts.

How long does it take to climb Rwenzori?

• Above 4,500 metres the snow and glaciers add that special dimension to the wondrous views throughout this pristine mountain range. Rwenzori Trekking Services offers a variety of trekking and climbing options from one day to twelve days to suit your style of adventure and schedule.