The Albertine Rift forms the western branch of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, beginning in northern Uganda (between Arua and Pakwach) and stretching southwards through:
• The Lendu Plateau, Ituri and Kibali river basins (DRC)
• The forests of Western Uganda and the Kigezi Highlands
• North and South Kivu (DRC), Western Rwanda and Burundi
• Itombwe to Marungu in Katanga (DRC)
• Kigoma and Mpanda regions in Tanzania and parts of northwest Zambia
• The Ufipa Plateau, including Mbizi and highlands of Rukwa region (Tanzania)
This expansive ecological corridor forms one of the most diverse and irreplaceable habitats on Earth.
Birdlife: 41 Endemic Species
The Albertine Rift is a globally recognised Endemic Bird Area (EBA), home to 41 bird species found nowhere else. This includes:
• Rwenzori Turaco
• Shelley’s Crimsonwing
• African Green Broadbill
Many of these species inhabit montane forests and wetlands, making the region a top destination for ornithologists and birdwatchers worldwide.
Mammals: 34 Endemic Treasures
The region harbours 34 endemic mammal species, ranging from elusive small mammals (shrews, bats, rodents) to flagship species such as:
• Rwenzori Duiker – Found only in high-altitude Rwenzori ranges
• Golden Monkey – Endemic to the Virunga Volcanoes
• Mountain Gorilla – A globally iconic subspecies, critically endangered
Near-endemic species include Grauer’s Gorilla and L’Hoest’s Monkey, both vital to the Albertine Rift’s ecological story.
Plants: Over 560 Endemics
The Albertine Rift’s montane ecosystems support 567 endemic plant species, concentrated in biodiversity hotspots like:
• Virunga National Park – 230 endemic plants
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park – 145 species
• Nyungwe Forest – 137 species
• Virunga Volcanoes – 124 endemic species contributing to regional floral richness
These forests are ecological treasures, offering medicinal plants, watershed protection, and habitats for countless other organisms.
Butterflies: 117 Endemic Species
With 117 butterfly species across 49 genera, the Albertine Rift accounts for 3.2% of Africa’s entire butterfly fauna. Notable figures include:
• Uganda – 44 species
• DRC – 43 species
• Rwanda – 28 species
• Tanzania – 9 species
• Burundi – 16 species
• Zambia – 1 species
This diversity surpasses even the famous Eastern Arc Mountains in Kenya and Tanzania.
Why It Matters
The Albertine Rift is a natural classroom and living laboratory. Its wealth of endemic species makes it a critical hub for conservation, research, and youth engagement. Hosting the Global Youth Conservation Festival here is not just symbolic—it’s essential.
By gathering in this biodiversity stronghold, young leaders, scientists, and conservationists can witness firsthand what’s at stake—and take collective action to protect it.