The nearest peak is Mount Stanley, which is 3.55 km (2.21 mi) to the south-southwest.

The Baganda, who could see the mountains from far, used to call them 'Gambaragara', which means 'My Eyes Pain', a reference to the shining snow.

Early European explorers visited the region in the search for the source of the Nile.

Due to the large amount of rainfall Mount Speke receives, it is criss-crossed by many rivers and streams.

There is also a variety of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzee, monkeys, leopards and antelope.