10 DAY RWENZORI MOUNTAIN TREKKING ADVENTURE
The Rwenzori’s 120 km mountain stretch or Mountains of the Moon as are popularly known and described by Greek Astronomer Ptolemy in AD 150 has six peaks with Margherita-5109m being the highest peak on Mount Stanley. It is Africa’s highest range, rivaled only in altitude by the lone Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. Ardent hikers who have tried out other Mountains say the Rwenzoris are the most daring in Africa.
The trails pass through rainforest with monkeys and birds, bamboo forest, before leading to the high-altitude moorland zone, a landscape of strange giant lobelias, dwarfed by black rock and snow. Different large mammals exist in the lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are favoured more for their awesome scenery and changing vegetation.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
In this tour, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and you embark on the journey towards the west of the country, past beautiful country side of rural farms, markets and homesteads. Drive through to Fort Portal town for lunch as you enjoy the cool breeze and wonderful view of the Mountains. Continue towards Park headquarters, dinner and overnight at Rwenzori Base Camp Guest House or Ruboni Community Bandas.
DAY TWO
After early breakfast, transfer to Park offices to acquire equipment and guides. Proceed past mud and wattle homes gradually ascending through elephant grass and crop gardens. It takes about 40 minutes to the edge of the Park. The path then goes along the Mobuku river, climbing over rocks and steep river bank before reaching the Muhoma river in two and a half hours. After crossing, climb through open fern slopes and forest up to Nyabitaba Hut (2652m) for a rest, dinner and overnight.
DAY THREE
Have early breakfast and embark on this longest and most wearing out walk. From Nyabitaba Hut the trail briefly slopes through forest then crosses the Bujuku River through Kurt Shafer Bridge at the glittering Mobuku river confluence. Continue with the steep and rocky trail as you enter the Moorland zone where flowering plants are abundant. Have lunch at Nyamileju Hut or in Rock shelter. Climb through open patches Lobelia and Moss forest before changing course for two hours walk to John Matte hut. Dinner and overnight here.
DAY FOUR
Have breakfast and leave early. The climb gets marshy through the giant Lobelias and heath trees. You move up to the Bigo- Bog and a panoramic landscape of Lobelias and gigantic Groundsels. This hike takes up to five hours, depending on the condition of the two Bigo Bogs, which are often Knee-deep in Mud .On the way to the hut, you will pass Lake Bujuku, which has a magnificent setting between mounts Stanley, Speke and Baker. Later, go for dinner and an overnight at Bujuku hut (3997 meters).
DAY FIVE
Breakfast at leisure and proceed on a muddy hike through steep cliffs. This is a section of Giant Groundsels and Lobelias that characterize the higher section of the Mountain. Ascend further to Elena Hut which acts as a base for the final assent of the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains. Meals and overnight at Elena Hut (4541m)-
DAY SIX
Rise up very early before sunrise and climb to the snowy Alexander (5092m) peak then proceed through to the highest peak- Margherita peak (5109m). If whether conditions are favorable, sunset would find you at the peak where you would take pictures. From here, descend to the Kitandara Lakes. Meals and overnight is at the Kitandara Hut 4,023m. –
DAY SEVEN
The descent gets you through beautiful views of the Congo and the alpine moss. The trail then leads through the Bujongolo and Kabamba rock shelters. This trip takes an average of 6 hours to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m. Meals and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut (3260m).-
DAY EIGHT
From Guy Yeoman Hut, the descent of about 6 hours starts heading to Nyabitaba through the heather zone, Mobuku River and the Bamboo forest before heading to your final hut in the Mountains. Meals and overnight at Nyabitaba hut (2650m).-
DAY NINE
The last 2 or 3 hours ends a morning descend to Nyakalengija trail-head (1600m) where you will transfer to Kasese and check in at Margherita Hotel for lunch and deserved afternoon rest. Have dinner and overnight here.
DAY TEN
Have breakfast at leisure and proceed to Kampala through Fort Portal. Reach the city in the early afternoon.
End of Rwenzori Mountain climbing Tour
RATES PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
The above price includes;
-The cost of ground transportation and fuel to and from Rwenzori Mountains
- Driver and his expenses
- Accommodation and meals
- Mountain climbing fees
But it excludes; Expenses of a personal nature for example laundry, beers, tips to staff and any other personal expenses.
