11 Days Rwenzori Mountain Climbing Trip in Uganda

Mountain Rwenzori Hiking Special 11days


Day 1: Arrival in Uganda (Entebbe International airport)
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, our company representative shall welcome you and transfer to the selected hotel in Kampala or Entebbe town.


Day 2: Leave for Rwenzori Mountains of the moon
It is 5-7hours drive to Rwenzori mountaineering services from kampala. We shall have enroute stop at the Equator for photographs, lunch in Mbarara town. Overnight in Kasese.


Day 3: Start Hiking to Nyabitaba hut
Have breakfast, briefing, then fully equipped, with the your guides and porters set out hiking from trail head (1646m) walking past typical mud Bakonjo villages, proceeding gradually up through elephant grass and garden plots. The trail follows Mubuku River and involves climbing over rock and bluff to reach Mahoma river. Climb through open bracken fern slopes and podorcapus forest up to Nyabitaba hut. At this stage, expect an encounter with chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys behind the hut and also catch glimpse of the brilliantly colored Rwenzori Turaco. Total average time from Nyakalengijjo to Nyabitaba hut is 5-7 hours and the total elevation gained is 4000ft (1200m). O/N at Nyabitaba hut.


Day 4: Nyabitaba hut to John Matte
An early start from Nyabitaba since this circuit is relatively the longest. From this hut the trail leads west wards and then drops steeply to Kurt Shaffer bridge crossing bellow the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers. By turning right to the bridge you begin to climb the central circuit anticlockwise since the clockwise direction is much more difficult and adds considerable danger for you and your porters. You will proceed to Nyamiliju hut and its accompanying rock shelter.
Continue to John Matte if you still feel strong enough. This will be through challenging bog full of extraordinary plants. It is 7hours from Nyabitaba hut to John Matte and the elevation gain3000ft (915m).


Day 5: John Matte to Bujuku
Cross Bujuku River to enter the lower Bigo bog, experience jumping from tussock to tussock on grassy bog. There is a steeply section from the hut which will lead you to upper Bigo bog to Bujuku. The southern end of the lake is in the majestic setting, with Mt. Baker to the south, Mt. Stanley to the west, and Mt Speke to the North. The trail route along The Lake’s Northeastern shore crosses the most challenging mud on the trip. Beyond the lake there is a rock shelter called “cooking pot” and a short distance further is Bujuku hut. Due to frequent mists this Bujuku hut is quite cold.
It is 5 hours and Elevation gained is 1800ft (560m). Duikers, at night and the calls of the rock Hyraxes are common. We stay at Bujuku hut.


Day 6: Bujuku to Elena
Set out for a newer trail which rises and falls and finally climbs through magical moss draped groundsel vegetation at 14345ft (4372m) to Scott Elliot Pass. The ascension to Elena is a steep rock trail which when wet or icy can be slippery. Slightly ahead, is a sheltered spot below the Pass where you can make a stop over. From here go straight to Elena Hut which is the base camp for climbig16763ft(5109m) to Margherita peak in the mount Stanley complex, which requires a day or two and can be attempted with an axe, mountain boots, crampons, ropes and prior arrangements with Rwenzori Mountaineering Services guides. This circuit continues to the left over Scott Elliot Pass and enters an alpine zone of sparse low vegetation. A chance to enjoy North of Margherita peak as you are leaving the pass. Time taken, 3-4 hours. The elevation gained 1400ft (425m) Stay at Elena hut.


Day 7: Elena to Kitandara
Some times when visitors reach here, they are normally tired. For those who might not manage or do not wish to climb Margherita peak due to unexpected altitude sickness and fog making their climbing ability lesser, there is an option of continuing left via Scott Elliot pass to Kitandara lake. This takes you beautiful scenery and finally connect you to a two day descending stretch. For those who will still feel fit, they will climb up to the summit of Margherita (5109m); here crampons and roping up may be necessary. Then descend to Kitandara hut and Stay here.(4023m).


Day 8: Kitandara to Gae Yeoman
After breakfast, proceed down to Gae Yeoman via a steep but pleasurable hour-long hike from the base of Mt. Baker. On a clear day, you can easily see the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west of Mt. Stanley. The descending continues to Bujangolo rock shelters; the base camp for the historic expedition by Duke Abruzzi in 1906. Time taken to reach Gae Yeoman Hut from kitandara is about 5-6 hours.


Day 9: Gae Yeoman to Nyabitaba
Hikers may be required to begun their journey early enough so as to get to Nyabitaba hut before dark, since this path can be some how challenging in some spots. So descending slowly facing the slope instead of outward is the only best way. Lake evening can also be good for taking a walk and viewing some of the birds and the occasional blue tailed monkey. For the Typical hikers the descending process will take 5-6 hours. Stay at Nyabitaba hut. (2650m)


Day 10: Descending

Descend gently to Nyakalengijo trail head (1600m) park headquarters. This can take 2-3 hours depending on your body fitness. Carry on to your hotel for lunch relax your tired legs and body and prepare for the journey back to Kampala.


Day 11: Head to Kampala
After breakfast, hit the road to Kampala and relax at your hotel before flying to your home the next day.
End of the tour