Do you know the fascinating and little-studied glaciers of the Rwenzori National Park in Uganda ? Let’s discover together why these « Mountains of the Moon » are so important to our planet.
In Uganda, the glaciers of the Rwenzori mountains, also known as the « Mountains of the Moon, » are truly special! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are among the least studied in Africa. Long ago, there were about thirty glaciers, but today, only about ten remain. These glaciers have fascinated people for centuries.
In the 2nd century, Ptolemy named these mountains the « Mountains of the Moon » because they seemed as distant and mysterious as the moon itself. In 1888, a European explorer named H.M. Stanley was the first to see these glaciers with his own eyes. He was amazed and described the mountains as « celestial castles »!
Later, in 1906, Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of the Abruzzi, led the first European expedition to study these glaciers. With more than 300 local porters, they climbed the mountains and named the highest peak « Margherita Peak » in honor of the Queen of Italy. This expedition truly began the scientific study of the Rwenzori glaciers.
These glaciers are very special because they influence the climate and the unique biodiversity of the region. Even though they receive a lot of precipitation, they often get more rain than snow. That’s why they are melting quickly. In 1906, there were about thirty glaciers, but today, only a few remain.
With the help of the NGO « Project Pressure, » scientists and explorers are working hard to study these glaciers before they disappear completely. Some think they could melt entirely within ten years. It is therefore very important to study and protect them.
These glaciers are not only important for science. They also have great cultural and heritage significance for the people of the region. The Rwenzori mountains are one of the wettest places on the planet, and they play a crucial role in providing water to the Nile River.
