Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

By Daisy Carrington, for CNN

Updated 1054 GMT (1854 HKT) April 3, 2014

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The glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda used to make for an impressive sight. Now, experts think they will disappear in the next 10 to 15 years.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – The glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda used to make for an impressive sight. Now, experts think they will disappear in the next 10 to 15 years.

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The Rwenzori glaciers occur on just three of the range's peaks: Mounts Stanley, Speke and Baker. The area of the glaciers is believed to have shrunk from around 2.7 square miles in 1906 to less than 0.4 square miles today.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – The Rwenzori glaciers occur on just three of the range's peaks: Mounts Stanley, Speke and Baker. The area of the glaciers is believed to have shrunk from around 2.7 square miles in 1906 to less than 0.4 square miles today.

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The Ruwenzori range, known as the "Mountains of the Moon," straddle the border of Uganda and DR Congo. They are home to many rare plant species.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – The Ruwenzori range, known as the "Mountains of the Moon," straddle the border of Uganda and DR Congo. They are home to many rare plant species.

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Perpetual clouds over Rwenzori make it hard to measure changes to the glaciers by satellite photography. That means expeditions to the range are crucial for monitoring glacier recession.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – Perpetual clouds over Rwenzori make it hard to measure changes to the glaciers by satellite photography. That means expeditions to the range are crucial for monitoring glacier recession.

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Richard Taylor, a geology professor at University College London, says the receding glaciers indicate a rise in temperature in the region, bringing longer droughts and more intense floods.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – Richard Taylor, a geology professor at University College London, says the receding glaciers indicate a rise in temperature in the region, bringing longer droughts and more intense floods.

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The vanishing glaciers are also affecting the region's tourism industry. Some locals act as guides for visitors, and there are fears that fewer will visit without the attraction of the glaciers.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – The vanishing glaciers are also affecting the region's tourism industry. Some locals act as guides for visitors, and there are fears that fewer will visit without the attraction of the glaciers.

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From left to right, Sheila Ruyondo, Luc Hardy and Richard Atugonza, who recently finished an expedition to the Rwenzori Mountains to research its receding glaciers.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – From left to right, Sheila Ruyondo, Luc Hardy and Richard Atugonza, who recently finished an expedition to the Rwenzori Mountains to research its receding glaciers.

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Mount Stanley is 5,109 meters (16,763 feet) at its peak, making it the third highest mountain in Africa, after Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.

Photos: Last chance to see: Disappearing glaciers in the 'Mountains of the Moon'

Disappearing glaciers – Mount Stanley is 5,109 meters (16,763 feet) at its peak, making it the third highest mountain in Africa, after Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.

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