Mt Rwenzori, Mount Rwenzori Trekking, Hiking on the Ruwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation, and arguably surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty, wonder and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park, covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. These legendary mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty and provide a unique habitat for many rare and indigenous plants and animals. The Highest mountain in the range, Mt. Stanley, is the third highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peak, Margharita, rises 5,109 m above sea level. The giant lobelia and the groundsell are hallmarks of the Rwenzori. All of the above make this park an unforgettable visitor destination.

Decreasing temperature with increasing altitude have resulted in marked zoning of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists and a delightful experience for visitors. In fact, more people visit the Rwenzori to explore and experience the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers.

The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits. However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest months are July, August and December, January and February. Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical fit.

Trekking on the Rwenzori Mountains - 9 Days - (Enquire)

Day 1 Kampala - Mbarara.
Arrival at Entebbe airport. Transfer to Kasese via Mbarara for lunch at the Lake View Hotel. The journey takes you along the Lake Victoria on a good road to Mbarara. From here, the landscape charges to a hilly and fertile area with tea and banana plantations. Dinner and overnight at the Margarita Hotel.

Day 2 Mbarara – Nyabitaba hut
After breakfast, short drive to Ibanda (1,600m), the starting points of your Ruwenzori climb. After brief introductions to the crew, your trek; which takes 4 hours starts taking you along the Mubuku River to Nyabitaba Hut (2,650) where you will spend the night.

Day 3 Nyabitaba Hut – John Matte Camp.
After breakfast, cross the Mubuku River; one of the highest sources of the Nile, on a rope bridge and continue walking along the river to the Nyamileju Hut for lunch. You then continue to your trek stepping at the base of the mass tussock grass to avoid getting stuck in the rather wet ground. After about 7 hours walking, you will have reached the John matte Camp where you will spend the night.

Day 4 John Matte Camp –Bujuku Hut
Today's trek takes you up and down a cliff crossing the river severally along the Bujuku valley. The ground is permanently wet and muddy. After 5 hours, you reach the Bujuku lake where the scenic forest become bigger and bigger. After a short break, another hour's walk takes you to the Bujuku Hut (3,977-m) where you will spend the night.

Day 5 Bujuku Hut – Kitandara Hut.
Continue your hike this time walking towards the Kitandara Hut (4027 m). Today's walk is much similar to the previous day as you walk up and down cliffs using roots tussock grass for support. The last bit of your trek is by ascending the Scott - Elliot saddle (4372m) and descending again to the Kitandara Lake before proceeding to Kitandara hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Kitandara Hut – Guy Yeoman Hut.
Today's walk takes you via the Fresh field saddle (4280m) passing Bujongolo cave to Mubuku Gorge. The walk takes about 8 hours. Overnight will be at the Guy Yeoman Hut (3450m).

Day 7 Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba Hut
Descend to the Mubuku valley passing very steep water falls through a bamboo forest. Overnight will be at the Nyabitaba Hut.

Day 8 Nyabitaba Hut – Hotel Margarita.
Descend to Ibanda where vehicles will be awaiting to take you to Hotel Margarita for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 Hotel Margarita – Kampala
Drive back to Entebbe with lunch on the way for either return flight or connect to your Mt. Elgon climb with our Elgon Cross over package.

Important notice:

• Climbers must be prepared to walk for up to 8 hours every day via steep cliff and muddy paths.
• Climbers must bring along their own climbing gear.
• Our porters carry 8 kg of personal climbing gea

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