Rwenzori Mountain (commonly known as the "Mountains of the Moon") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1991, this national park spans the Kabarole, Bundibugyo, and Kasese districts and neighbours the DRC’s Virunga National Park.
Renowned for noticeable peaks and permanent snowfields despite its equatorial location, it is considered one of Africa’s most spectacular and unique mountain ranges. Following this, Rwenzori is home to Africa’s third-highest mountain peak (Margherita Peak at 16,763 feet), and features glaciers, waterfalls, snowfields, and alpine lakes. Unlike Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, this range is non-volcanic, composed of crystalline rock. Key peaks include Mount Stanley (5,109m), Mount Speke (4,890m), and Mount Baker (4,843m).
Due to its impressive landscape, the Park is a premier mountaineering and hiking destination, with summit treks to Margherita taking 7–8 days for skilled climbers. It boasts incredible biodiversity, including over 70 animal species, 217 bird species, and 19 Albertine rift endemics. Its distinct vegetation zones range from African savannah (elephants, zebras) and bamboo forests to heath and Afro-Alpine zones (giant lobelias, tree groundsel), and finally to storm-swept glaciers at the summit.