MONTANE CLIMATE is experienced in highlands and mountainous regions of East Africa. Examples of these areas include; Kikuyu land (Mt. Kenya), Chagga land (Mt. Kilimanjaro), Bugisu land (Mt. Elgon), and Kigezi land.
The following are characteristics of montane climate
- The temperature decreases with an increase in height or altitude.
- They receive relief or orographic rainfall mainly on the windward side of highlands.
- The tops of the mountains do not receive as much rain as the lower slopes.
- Where altitude exceeds 4500m above sea level, the areas are covered by permanent snow/glaciers e.g. Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori.
- The leeward slopes are often dry due to the rain shadow effect e.g. Kasese and Ankole-Masaka corridor.
- Lower slopes are warmer than higher slopes.
