RWENZORI
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa which
is 120kms long and 48 kms wide that contains 6 snow
– capped peaks, and 3 glaciers. The mountain
provides mountaineering and hiking opportunities with
its non-volcanic mountains capped with ice and snow,
massive ice-rime sculptures, awe-inspiring vegetation,
spectacular scenic beauty and unique fauna. The whole
region is covered with mist, making it a somewhat
eerie, but still fascinating destination. Besides
experiencing the climbing of the peaks and glaciers,
explore and view the fascinating vegetation and plants
that grow to absurd proportions like the lobelias
and heather. The Rwenzoris also support a diversity
of animals including mammal and 177 bird species.
Visiting the mountains is better during July and August,
and December to February. Enjoy living in the huts
that are available along the central hiking circuit
at convenient stopping points. Accomodation is also
available at various hotels like Margherita Hotel,
Saad Hotel and several inexpensive lodges.
Below is the 10 day Rwenzori Climbing Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in
Uganda.
You will be transferred to Mbarara town by our driver
guide /tour representative, on arrival at Entebbe
International Airport through Kampala. Stopover at
the Equator especially at Modhasha Art and Craft shop
and take photographs. That will be before heading
for the plateau of the mountains of the moon. Then
proceed to hotel Margherita for dinner and overnight
rest.
Day 02: Equator Glaciers Tour
Starts. Back
to top
Wake up early for a transfer to Nyakalengija off Fortportal
road. Move to Ibanda to start your 5-6 hour climb
into the mountains. Your climb will take you through
thick Equatorial vegetation before arriving at the
Nyabitaba hut 2650 meters in the late evening It is
a 5 hours ascent to Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through
cultivation then through Forest. Dinner and Overnights
at Nyabitaba Hut .
Day 03: John Matte Hut. Back
to top
This is the most strenuous and longest day's walk,
with a minimum of seven hours . From Nyabitaba hut
the path descends through forest for a short time
before it crosses the Bujuku River at the Kurt Schafer
bridge .Take breakfast, begin on a morning hike through
the Kurt Shafer Bridge to wonder at the sparkling
Mobuku river conflux. The path is good for the first
couple of hours, but it becomes steeper and very rocky
as you enter the moorland Zone where heather plants
are Prolific. Have Lunch at Nyamileju Hut where there
is a little used and rather run-down Hut , as well
as a rock shelter. A climb through the open patches,
Lobelia, and Heath moss forest before maneuvering
a 2 hours 'walk to the John Matte hut for an overnight.
Day 04: Bujuku Hut. Back
to top
Retreat early through the giant Lobelias and heath
trees. You move up to a panoramic landscape of Lobelias
and gigantic Groundsels. This take 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
Day 05: Mount Victoria & Mount Speke.
Leave early morning for the valley in with scenic
alpine vegetation consisting of huge Groundsels and
Lobelia and ascent Mount Victoria and Mount Speke
at (4890 meters).
Day 06: Elena Hut.
Depart through the gorgeous panorama of the Savoia
and Elena glaciers. Climb further through to the Scott
Elliott pass (4372 meters) and proceed through the
snow to the Elena hut for overnight rest.
Day 07: Final Trip To
The Alps Of Africa! Back
to top
Early morning climb up to the snowy Alexander peak
(5092m); and then move onwards to the supreme peak
at (5109m), it gives a good panoramic view. There
after descend to the beautiful lake Kitandara for
overnight stay at Kitandara safaris hut (3900m).
Day 08: Descent, Guy
Yeoman Hut. Back
to top
After early breakfast, plunge starts. Have a Picnic
luncheon on your way, after which we carry on journey
to Guy Yeoman hut for dinner and overnight's rest.
Day 09: Back To Kasese. Back
to top
Descend to Nyabitaba and proceed to Ibanda and check
in hotel Margherita for overnight rest.
Day 10: Back To Kampala. Back
to top
Transfer back to Kampala then proceed to Entebbe Airport
for probably your evening flight.
END OF THE HIKING SAFARI |