MOUNTAIN OF THE MOON

The Ruwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Ruwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africae "s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The regione "s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africae "s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather. Outstanding Universal Value Brief synthèses The Ruwenzori Mountains National Park provides stunning views of glacier and snow-capped mountains just kilometers from the equator, where it is contiguous with the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Having the third highest mountain in Africa at 5,109 m (after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya), the Park includes a much larger alpine area than either, covering an area of 99,600 ha of which 70% lies at over 2,500 m in height. The Ruwenzori Mountains are the highest and most permanent sources of the River Nile, and constitute a vital water catchment. Their multitude of fast flowing rivers, magnificent waterfalls and stratified vegetation make the property exceptionally scenic and beautiful. The mountains are well-known for their unique alpine flora which includes many species endemic to the Albertine Rift in the higher altitude zones including giant heathers, groundsels and lobelias. The Park also supplies local communities with various wild resources and is an important cultural heritage.