By Ezaruku Draku Franklin

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has indefinitely suspended hiking to the
Margherita Peak, the highest point on Rwenzori, following a deep crack on
the ice. The authority says the decision comes as a precautionary measure
after a comprehensive assessment conducted by the team in response to
reports of a crevasse formation in the Margherita glacier.

According to the National Geographic Channel, a crevasse is a deep,
wedge-shaped opening in a moving mass of ice called a glacier. Crevasses
usually form in the top 50 meters (160 feet) of a glacier, where the ice is
brittle. Below that, a glacier is less brittle and can slide over uneven
surfaces without cracking. The inflexible upper portion may split as it moves
over the changing landscape.

They also form when different parts of a glacier move at different speeds.
When traveling down a valley, for example, a glacier moves faster in the
middle. The sides of a glacier are slowed down as they scrape against
valley walls. As the sections advance at different speeds, crevasses open
in the ice.

“To make hiking safer, we are exploring the option of installing a permanent
ladder at a strategic location on the right side of the Margherita glacier. This
alternative route will provide a safer passage for hikers to Margherita
Peak,” a statement issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority says.

Alternative sites

The authority did not state for how long Margherita peak hike will be
suspended, but instead advised those intending to hike to go to the
alternative sites. Mountain Rwenzori is a melting point of peaks of various
sizes and heights and each offers a unique attraction and views, which
tourists and hikers can take advantage of.

“In the interim, we encourage visitors to explore other picturesque peaks
within Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Notable alternatives include
Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range.
These routes offer breathtaking views and unique experiences amidst the
stunning landscape of the park,” the statement says.

Hangi Bashir, the UWA spokesperson did not respond to our calls to
explain for how long the suspension will last.

Encyclopedic Entry, that has offered extensive information on crevasses
says those which are usually deep, steep, and thin, are a serious danger for mountaineers and goes on to say that sometimes, a thin layer of snow
may form over a crevasse, creating a snow bridge, which blend in with the
surrounding landscape, hiding the crevasse. It adds that thin snow bridges
usually cannot hold a person’s weight, so mountaineers secure themselves
to each other with rope. All experienced mountaineers are trained in
crevasse rescue.

UWA says it prioritizes the safety and well-being of our clients and
therefore to safeguard their lives, a precautionary measure had to be taken
to protect them from dangers.

“We are committed to ensuring that all clients safely enjoy their visit to
Rwenzori Mountains National Park. We will continue to monitor the
situation closely and provide updates on the status of hiking activities to
Margherita Peak as developments unfold,” the authority said.

About Margherita Peak

Margherita Peak standing at a majestic height of 5109m on Mount Stanley
in the Rwenzori mountains, is ranked 3 rd highest in Africa, and runs from
the middle of Lake Albert towards the North, and Lake Edward to the south
on the Congo-Uganda border. This summit, which takes between six to
eight days, according to Uganda Wildlife Authority is the third highest in Africa following Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

The peak, according to history was first climbed by an excursion headed by
Luigi Amedeo Abruzzi in 1906 the Duke of Abruzzi, J. Petigax, C. Ollier, as
well as J. Brocherel, and was named after Queen Margherita of Italy.

The margherita peak is the forerunner of the high-altitude Rwenzori loop
that starts from the rich forests at the edge, before rising high beyond the
clouds towards Margherita’s glacial summit.

Set beyond Africa’s immense ice layer, the hike continues up exceeding
the Margherita Glacier, towards the rock scramble to Mount Stanley peak –
Africa’s 3 rd highest summit – in the Rwenzori ranges and hence the highest
peak in Uganda.

The frequently used trail, that traverses via Elena Hut, is the same as the
one that was used by pioneers long ago. Due to gradual ice melting over
the past decades as a result of global warming, the glaciers in the
Rwenzori mountains are rapidly recoiling, hence worth visiting. (Source:
Uganda Wildlife Authority)