Africa has glaciers in 3 locations: the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Kenya. In total, Africa's glaciers cover an area of around 10km².
Tragically, the future of Africa’s glaciers is uncertain due to global warming. In 1906, 43 glaciers were scattered across 6 peaks within the Rwenzori Mountains. These glaciers covered an area of around 7.5km², around half of the total surface area of Africa’s glaciers at the time.
By 2005, 3 of these glaciers had disappeared, and the Rwenzori’s glaciers only covered an area of 1.5km².
Eyes on the prize; heading to the summit.
If you were given the chance to trek through lush jungle, driven on by the thought of snow capped peaks; to pick your way through a lunar landscape coloured by plants seemingly …
The highest of six peaks in the Rwenzori mountain range, and the third-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Mount Stanley stands tall at 5,109 metres.
At 5,109 metres, Margherita Peak is the highest point on Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountains, and the third-highest peak in Africa. It is the crown jewel of the …
4 African countries have glaciers. The Rwenzori Mountains are located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Stanley’s peak, Margherita Peak, reaches a height of 5,109m.
Mount Kenya is located in the centre of Kenya. With an elevation of 5,199m, it is the second-tallest mountain in Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in northern Tanzania and its height of 5,855m makes it the tallest mountain in Africa.
Taking a break under metres of ice and snow.
The largest glaciers in Africa are situated on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Credner Glacier and Furtwängler Glacier are among the largest.
Credner Glacier is rapidly retreating due to its high exposure to sunlight on the north-western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro.
If Credner Glacier continues to retreat at the same rate, it may vanish by 2030.
In 2020, Klaus Thymann’s expedition confirmed that Mount Baker and Mount Speke no longer have glaciers. Thymann used comparative images to prove that 2 of Africa’s 5 glaciated peaks have been lost.
Tragically, the present moment is your last chance to see Africa’s glaciers before they vanish forever. Mount Stanley’s glacier is the only remaining glacier in the Rwenzoris, and studies suggest that it may vanish by 2025.
Richard Taylor of University College London has warned of the catastrophic impacts of glacial melting on the surrounding ecosystems in East Africa.
Picture perfect day at the start of the trek
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