Alexander Glacier on Rwenzori mountains
Did you know that you can have a unique experience when you fly to the African continent especially on the Pearl of Africa – Uganda? The country is among the best destinations occupying thousands of attractions like game parks, reserves, amusement parks, lakes, rivers, plus the ice-covered mountains. Among the three mountains in Africa where to see the Glacier is Mount Kenya , Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori Mountains all within the east African Region.
The Rwenzori mountains is located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Mount Stanley shared borderlines of the two states. Ranging at a height of 5,109 meters, Rwenzori encompasses six massifs that are separated by deep gorges – Mount Stanley which consists that mountain’s highest peak – Margherita, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi, and Mount Luigi di Savoia.
Rwenzori ranges are made up of different peaks that are permanently snow capped and glaciated. Among these include the Alexander peak which is estimated to be standing at a height of 5092 meters above the seal level.
Located on Mount Stanley, Alexander peak is one of the highest peaks covered by the glaciers known as Alexandra. It is an ice glaciated peak standing at a height of 5092 meters making it the second highest after Margherita, the highest summit at 5109 meters.
How to hike to Alexander peak
For the best view of the Alexandra glaciers, hike through different mountains, vegetation zones, lakes and rivers as you spend your precious nights at the mountain safe and campsites and huts.
The hike to the summit of the peak takes about 6 days crossing through the alpine vegetation that comprises of huge Groundsel and lobelia. Also, during the hike, expect to have impressive views of the two glaciers – Savoia and Elena up to Elena Hut (4560 meters) where you will spend the night before proceeding to the Alexandra glaciers.
On the next day, you will depart from Elena hut ascending to the ice-covered Alexander peak whose height is estimated to be 5092 meters where the Alexandra glaciers are located and then continue to the highest summit of the Rwenzori ranges – Margherita at 5109 meters. You will have a lot fun while at the summit and also beautiful photography in the white snow.
After a while, you will depart from the beautiful summit descending to the breathtaking Lake Kitandara as you organize for a refreshing and peaceful night in Kitandara hut. The descend will continue as you cross through different vegetation zones, peaks and mountains with some stopovers at the huts for resting and overnights.
Best time to hike to Alexander peak for glacier viewing
Since the glaciated peak is located on Mount Stanley which is the highest massif on Rwenzori mountains, the best time to hike to its summit is surely the best time to hike the mystical Rwenzori mountains.
Though the mountains can be hiked all year around, the best time is during the dry season which takes place in the months of July, August and September and also in the months of December, January and February. In these months, the hiking trails are always dry and unslippery thus making it easy for the hikers. read more