Views of the Earth

The Western Rift Valley in January

The Western branch of the Great African Rift Valley, also called Albertine Rift, is a large breach in the earth crust located in the center of the African continent. Several large lakes can be found in the rift, from background to foreground lake Albert, lake Edward, lake Kivu and the northern part of lake Tanganyika. Between lake Albert and lake Edward the Rwenzori Mountains raise to more than 5000m altitude, containing some of Africas last glaciers. Between lake Edward and lake Kivu the Virunga volcanos can be seen.