Mount Gessi

Mount Gessi is situated in the northern section of Mount Stanley, Speke, and Mount Baker, adjacent to Mount Emin. The summit was named in honor of the Italian adventurer, Romulo Gessi. The mountain is divided from Emin by a little valley within Rwenzori Mountains National Park and comprises the twin summits of Lolanda at 15,470 ft and Bottego at 15,418 ft. Gessi, standing at 15,018 feet (4,578 meters), is one of the six Rwenzori mountains located in the Northern Triangle, which also comprises Mount Stanley, Baker, and Speke. Gessi is the fifth highest peak in Uganda, situated within a small canyon that continues southward as it diverges from Mount Emin.

The mountains are situated along a rocky north-south axis, with the highest peak oriented southward. The Mount Gessi expedition features lodges and incline pathways on both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ugandan sides. The trek to Gessi entails a brief route from Mutsori in Congo to its summit, with the majority of the local tribesmen consistently present to serve as porters and guides. Numerous shanties have been conserved in the Rwenzori.

Mount Gessi, Rwenzori Mountains

The Mount Gessi hike commences in Mugusu Valley and traverses the forest below to Roccato Pass, navigating through dense foliage and rocky outcrops. It subsequently leads you to the ridge between the two peaks. The summit is believed to have been formerly enveloped by glaciers that have since disappeared. Duke’s ascent path has deteriorated, currently consisting of a series of excessively moss-covered steep stones that are only appropriate for novices.

The Story of the Mountain

Named after Romolo Gessi, an Italian adventurer and soldier from the 1890s who had a significant influence. In the Central African region, Gessi is esteemed for his bravery and expertise in the exploration of new territories. His expedition was highly esteemed since it facilitated a deeper comprehension of Africa’s diverse landscapes, and the naming of this peak in his honor underscores the significance of his contributions and the influence they had on subsequent explorers. In the 19th century, Romolo Gessi toured Africa, and his studies and efforts to map the continent facilitated subsequent explorations, including the discovery of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Similar to other summits in the Rwenzori mountain range, Mountain Gessi boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including endemic species like as the Rwenzori Turraco, observable in the verdant woodlands preceding Nyabitaba Camp. Other wildlife, including black and white colobus monkeys, may also be encountered. The mountain harbors numerous plant species that can be utilized as herbal remedies to cure different illnesses.