The Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon,” form Virunga’s western boundary, rising sharply from the Albertine Rift to elevations exceeding 5,100 meters. This range is one of the few places in Africa where permanent glaciers still exist, though they are receding due to climate change. The rugged peaks, often shrouded in mist, contrast the surrounding lowlands, contributing to the park’s dramatic topographical variation.
The Rwenzoris are classified as a block-fault mountain range formed by the uplift of ancient Precambrian rock along tectonic fractures. Unlike volcanic formations such as Nyiragongo, these mountains were created by rifting rather than magmatic activity. Their unique geological history has resulted in steep, jagged summits, deep valleys, and extensive bogs interspersed with alpine meadows.
Ecologically, the Rwenzoris support a sequence of distinct vegetation zones, each shaped by altitude and climate. The lower slopes are dominated by montane forests, home to species such as forest elephants, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and Rwenzori turacos. Higher elevations transition into bamboo thickets and heathlands, where giant lobelias and groundsel trees—some reaching six meters—thrive in the thin air. Above 4,000 meters, the environment becomes increasingly inhospitable, with sparse vegetation giving way to glaciers and snowfields.
Hydrologically, the Rwenzori range is crucial in regional water cycles, feeding rivers that sustain wildlife and human populations downstream. Meltwater from the glaciers contributes to the Semliki and Nile River systems, reinforcing the mountains’ significance beyond their visual impact.
Rwenzori Treks from the Virunga
Virunga National Park offers very spectacular trekking and climbing trips to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north of the park. Known as the mountains of the moon and these reach a height of 5,109m and contain the largest glaciers left on the African continent.
Those who trek and climb in the Rwenzoris will also experience a very stunning variety of land scapes, including bamboo forests , alpine meadows, lakes and the snow capped peaks. The flora and fauna of the Rwenzori is also diverse. The forest elephant, okapi, chimps, and the bird species that make the Rwenzoris their home. The best weather in the Rwenzori usually happens from January through mid-March and June to late August.
The Virunga National Park offers spectacular trekking and climbing trips to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north of the park. Known also as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori reach a height of 5,109 m (16,761 ft) and contain the largest glaciers left on the African continent. Those who trek and climb in the Rwenzori will experience a stunning variety of landscapes, including bamboo forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and snowcapped peaks. The flora and fauna of the Rwenzori is equally diverse. Forest elephant, Okapi, chimpanzees, and numerous bird species make the Rwenzori their home. The best weather in the Rwenzori usually happens from January through mid-March and June to late August.
Getting There
Most people fly into the town of Beni and then take a local taxi to Virunga’s Mutsora ranger station. Flights from Goma can be arranged through local tour operators. Visitors also travel overland to the Rwenzori by coming through Uganda and crossing into the DR Congo at the Mpondwe/Kasindi border.
Important Information
The cost of a permit for the Rwenzori is $200 for both trekkers and climbers. For an additional $116, visitors are welcome to overnight in the huts along the track. At this time, the park is not able to supply gear or food for guests, so please come prepared. Trekkers wanting only to reach the summit hut will need good hiking boots, rain gear, and a warm base layers. Those wanting to climb Margherita Peak or any of the other summits will need to bring their own climbing hardware, crampons, and ice axes. Bivouac gear is also a good idea. A Virunga ranger accompanies all trekkers and climbers and independent porters are available for hire. Porters negotiate their prices on the spot, but the cost is typically less than a dollar per kilogram with a maximum of 15 kg/porter.