Mount Stanley, DRC

Mount Stanley, DRC 

Mount Stanley is the third tallest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is about 3,000 feet taller with Mount Kenya only surpassing it by 90 meters. Mount Stanley reaches a peak of 16,762 feet (5,109 m) and is a contributing factor to UNESCO World Heritage Status ascribed to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

The mountain is comprised of two summits of similar heights, which are accompanied by eight different lower peaks. Mount Stanley, named after the explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley, is part of the Rwenzori range. The range of mountains are the only alpine and glaciered mountain range in Africa.

The range of mountains have been affectionately referred to as the “mountains of the moon,” and are considered a potential source of the Nile River. Mount Stanley and the range of mountains have the distinction of being the wettest mountains in Africa.

Although glaciers are retreating throughout the range, Mount Stanley is still known to feature glaciers as part of its majestic nature. However, ice glaciers are projected to be completely gone by 2025.

Epic Democratic Republic of the Congo Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound