ABOUT PACKAGE
The 5109m Rwenzori or mountains of the moon is the snow source of the Nile referred to by early geographers, 17 centuries before european explorers marked it on their map. The high Rwenzori is montane wonderland, the trails to snow peaks following glaciers - carved valleys filled with fantastically coloured mosses and rare Afro - alpine plants that include the giant forms of lobelias, heathers and ground sets.
Much of the Snow Capped Rwenzori Mountains can be climbed by anyone who is reasonably fit without special equipment other than good hiking boots, warm and water proof clothing. However most of the higher peaks and certain other sections do require mountaineering equipment and previous experience. The 7 days Rwenzori hiking via the central trail, may be tough but rewarding activity, taking you through many vegetation zones and culminating in the peaks. The 7 days Rwenzori trekking central circuit trail is the main trail and can be completed in about 6-7 days depending on the itinerary one chooses. This 7 days Rwenzori mountain central circuit hiking safari allows seeing closely the main mountains, Speke, Baker, Stanley, Savoia with possible climbing up to the peaks like Margherita. You also experience five different vegetation zone, from the tropical forest and bamboo zone up to the alpine area and glaciers. Mount Stanley's 5109m Margherita peak, which stands on the Uganda - Congo border, is the third highest point in Africa. The Uganda section of the mountain was gazetted as the 995 sq km Rwenzori mountain National Park in 1991 and was recognized as a world heritage site in 1994
Safari Highlights
Mountain hiking Peak climbing Forest walks Vegetation types Snow at the Equator Superlative experience Myth come alive Touching ice and snow at the equator Full mountaineering satisfaction Stratified vegetation zone.
FULL ITINERARY 7 days 6 nights
DAY - 1
Nyakalengija (1615M) to Nyabitaba Hut (2651M) Trek Starts
Leave hotel after breakfast and drive to Nyakalengija (Rwenzori Mountaineering Office) arrive early enough to meet your guide, porters & get ample time to pack for the trek. Walking starts right from office through farmlands to the park boundary continue & follow the Mubuku River, crossing the Mahoma tributary a long steep hike starts taking you through ridges (6-7 hours) to Nyabitaba hut .On this trail you have a chance to see Rwenzori Turaco, White & black colubus, Blue monkeys & calls of chimpanzees.
DAY - 2
Nyabitaba (2651M) to John Matte Hut (3505M)
Depart Nyaitaba hut early enough and follow a trail that drops down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, At the junction of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers Pass through the bamboo forest, continue through a long and exhausting stretch of slippery mosses-covered rocks that gets you to Nyamileju rock shelter from where Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen. Proceed through zones of groundsel, giant heather, lobelia and Finally reach John Matte Hut, for dinner and Overnight
DAY - 3
John Matte (3505M) to Bujuku (3962M)
The hike takes up to 5 hours, crossing the Bujuku River, you will enter into the Lower Bigo Bog(home to the giant lobelia) using the board walk and through a steep climb (ladders) you will get through to the upper Bigo Bog that ushers you to Bujuku lake with views of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Finally climb to Bujuku hut set in a valley below Stuhlmann pass. Dinner & overnight.
DAY - 4
Bujuku (3962M) -Kitandara hut (4023M)
From Bujuku huts go through more bogs climb the steep slope along the lake and ascend to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m.Continue to the head of a metal ladder that takes you over a steep section. At this point trail divides into two, right trail leads to Elena pass and Mt Stanley and the left trail gets you to Scott –Elliot pass down to Lake Kitandara.
NB: If anyone is interested in scaling the Magherita peak (5019m) get your night at Elena pass, climbing skills are essential and you will need crampons, ice axe, harness and ropes. It is best to bring your own equipment even though we can hire it if necessary.
DAY - 5
Kitandara (4023M)– Guy Yeoman (3505M)
From Kitandara hut the trail ascends steeply up goes along the base of Mount Baker and proceeds to the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass. From the field pass, take on the long trail to Bujongolo rock shelter. base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. Night and dinner at Guy yeoman.
NB: This is the most difficult part of the circuit as it has a lot of rocks, endless bogs and steep and slippery paths.
DAY - 6
6 Guy Yeomen (3505m) – Nyabitaba (2651M)
The descend to Nyabitaba huts from Guy Yeoman takes 5-6 hours but with an early start and condition of your knees you can make it back to Nyakalengija. Otherwise take a night at Nyabitaba hut
DAY - 7
Nyabitaba (2651m)-- Nyakalengija (1615m)
Walk down from Nyabitaba hut to starting point and transfer to Kampala. Dinner and overnight at global ground hotel