9-Days Hike in the Rwenzori
Day 1: Kampala to Kasese
Drive from Kampala in the morning and proceed to the western part of the country. Travel by either passing through Masaka-Mbarara which is 422km drive by 4X4 vehicle that takes you through Queen Elizabeth national park. This takes 7-8 hours and arrive in Kasese town. The alternative is using Mityana-Fortportal kasese road which is 372 km drive that takes 6-7 hour drive to Kasese. On reaching either Mbarara or Fortportal, your driver will stop you for a lunch and then proceed to kasese and to your hotel for an overnight.
Day 2: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by your guide and then head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarter at Nyakalengija, 1.646 m. At this point you receive briefing from your guide or the tourism officer. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass and then join the forest zone . You follow the Mubuku river, until crossing the Mahoma river. The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and a beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m. which is the arrival point for the day. From the location, you are facing on the North the Portal Peaks 4.627m, in front Mount Kinyangoma. During the day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco, three horned chameleons which is endemic in the Rwenzoris, common bulbul birds, yellow eyed tinkle birds, wood pecker, mountain elephants and hearing the voices of the chimpanzee, Kasese town. This hike takes between 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
From Nyabitaba Hut you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. During this day, it takes you to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer bridge and then you start the bamboo/memolopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and its at this point where you can see red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku river. The final point is John Matte Hut, 3.414 m. for spending the night. From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte it can take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.
Day 4: From John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m.
From John Matte Hut you cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where you experience how to jump from tussock to tussock. Currently, there is a constructed walk board on both lower and upper bigo bogs that makes a clear view of the mountain sceneries. And this is the point where you start the alpine savannah zone of little vegetation. During this day you will be able to see the beautiful gardens of gaint lobelia, asanasio black berries, wild carrots, Alcamilla, lake Bujuku, sun birds, red duikers, rock hyrax and more.
Depending on the weather, you may be able to view the peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke. You finally arrive at Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m. From Bujuku, here starts the diversion for whom intends to climb Mount Speke. For those climbing Margherita and Alexandra peaks it is advised to proceed to Elena Hut for overnight. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 5: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (4541m).
From Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical Groundsel Gully as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. At the head of the gully a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. During this day, you be able to see Mount Speke glacier on Victoria Emmanuel, Margerita peak on Mount Stanly and the nice view of Lake Bujuku, amazing rock path and so many others. Finally you will reach for an overnight at the Coolly & Icy Elena Hut. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 6: Elena Hut – Margherita peak (5109m) and then Kitandara
For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed.
Reaching back to Elena hut, prepare for sloping down to Kitandara hut through Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation with beautiful gardens of flowering Asanasios, giant lobelias, and rough boulders, descend to the twins Lakes of Kitandara where you will enjoy the shores of Kitandara Lake which is worthy beach life and overnight at the Kitandara Hut. This also takes you to 2-3hours but ascending down throughout the hut. However, basing on the time reached at Elena hut after margarita, you talk with your guide to have another night at Elena hut which will lead to an extra day.
Day 7: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m.
From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4.282 m. At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long trail passing through bogy and slippery rocks that leads you to Bujongolo rock shelter the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. The hut is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, vegetations dominated by the giant lobelias and rivers. Overnight at Guy yeoman and this takes 5-6 hours.
Day 8: Guy Yeoman Hut back to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In this day you complete the central circuit by going back to Nyabitaba Hut. The trial is attractive along the valley of the Mubuku and Kichuchu rivers, rich in plants and flowers of the heather zone before reaching the bamboo forest. Time to reach Nyabitaba is about 4- 5 hours. Eventually, you decide to descend directly to Nyakalengija, adding 2-3 more hours or stay at Nyabitaba hut for an overnight. Here it may depend on the decision of the client to either make it a one way journey from Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija or to have an overnight at Nyabitaba. However most clients prefer to make it one way journey from Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija/Park Head Quarter. Picked by your driver to Kasese town for an overnight.
DAY 9 : Kasese -Kampala
In the morning, take breakfast and drive to Kampala either through Kasese-Fortportal road (372km) or Mbarara-Masaka road (422km) to reach Kampala /Entebbe for a flight back home.
11- days trip Rwenzori hiking and gorilla tracking
Day 1: Kampala to Kasese
Drive from Kampala in the morning and proceed to the western part of the country by either passing through Masaka-Mbarara which is 422km drive by 4*4 vehicle that takes you through Queen Elizabeth national park crossing the Equator line that takes 7-8 hours and arrive in Kasese town or by using Mityana-Fortportal kasese road which is 372km drive that takes 6-7 hour drive to Kasese. On reaching either Mbarara or Fortportal, your driver will stop you for a lunch and then proceed to kasese and to your hotel for an overnight.
Day 2: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by your guide and then head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarter at Nyakalengija, 1.646 m. At this point you receive briefing from your guide or the tourism officer. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass and then join the forest zone. You follow the Mubuku river, until crossing the Mahoma river. The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and a beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m. which is the arrival point for the day. From the location, you are facing on the North the Portal Peaks 4.627m, in front Mount Kinyangoma. During the day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco, three horned chameleons which is endemic in the Rwenzoris, common bulbul birds, yellow eyed tinkle birds, wood pecker, mountain elephants and hearing the voices of the chimpanzee, Kasese town. This hike takes between 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
From Nyabitaba Hut you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. During this day, it takes you to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer bridge and then you start the bamboo/memolopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and its at this point where you can see red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku river. The final point is John Matte Hut, 3.414 m. for spending the night. From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte it can take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.
Day 4: From John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m.
From John Matte Hut you cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where you experience how to jump from tussock to tussock. Currently, there is a constructed walk board on both lower and upper bigo bogs that makes a clear view of the mountain sceneries. And this is the point where you start the alpine savannah zone of little vegetation. During this day you will be able to see the beautiful gardens of giant lobelia, asanasio black berries, wild carrots, Alcamilla, lake Bujuku, sun birds, red duikers, rock hyrax and more.
Depending on the weather, you may be able to view the peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke. You finally arrive at Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m. From Bujuku, here starts the diversion for who intends to climb Mount Speke. For those climbing Margherita and Alexandra peaks it is advised to proceed to Elena Hut for overnight. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 5: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (4541m).
From Bujuku, the trail takes you
through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through
the magical Groundsel Gully as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. At the
head of the gully a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the
trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and
Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your
left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. During this day,
you be able to see Mount Speke glacier on Victoria Emmanuel, Margerita peak on
Mount Stanly and the nice view of Lake Bujuku, amazing rock path and so many
others. Finally you will reach for an overnight at the Coolly & Icy Elena
Hut. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 6: Elena Hut – Margherita peak
(5109m) and then Kitandara
For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of
the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about
5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this
mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and
very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for
only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross
the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude
sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the
highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions
even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed.
Reaching back to Elena hut, prepare for sloping down to Kitandara hut through Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation with beautiful gardens of flowering Asanasios, giant lobelias, and rough boulders, descend to the twins Lakes of Kitandara where you will enjoy the shores of Kitandara Lake which is worthy beach life and overnight at the Kitandara Hut. This also takes you to 2-3hours but ascending down throughout the hut. However, basing on the time reached at Elena hut after margarita, you talk with your guide to have another night at Elena hut which will lead to an extra day.
Day 7: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m.
From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4.282 m. At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long trail passing through bogy and slippery rocks that leads you to Bujongolo rock shelter the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. The hut is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, vegetations dominated by the giant lobelias and rivers. Overnight at Guy yeoman and this takes 5-6 hours.
Day 8: Guy Yeoman Hut back to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In this day you complete the central circuit by going back to Nyabitaba Hut.The trial is attractive along the valley of the Mubuku and Kichuchu rivers,rich in plants and flowers of the heather zone before reaching the bambooforest. Time to reach Nyabitaba is about 4- 5 hours. Eventually, you decide todescend directly to Nyakalengija, adding 2-3 more hours or stay at Nyabitabahut for an overnight. Here it may depend on the decision of the client toeither make it a one way journey from Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija orto have an overnight at Nyabitaba. However most clients prefer to make it one way journey from Guy YeomanHut direct to Nyakalengija/Park Head Quarter. Picked by your driver to Kasesetown for either an overnight or continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
Day 9: Kasese-Bwindi Impenetrable National park
One this day, it is 6-7 hours drive which is worth the game drive to Queen Elizabeth National park because the way to Bwindi bisects the park into two. During this day, you expect to view the beautiful land scapes of the queen and some animals such as Elephants, Buffalos, Antelopes, warthogs, baboons etc. After the park you will connect the community homes and later to Bwindi Impenetrable National park for dinner and then an overnight at Ruhiija Gorilla Friends tented camp
Day
10: Gorilla tracking – The great memorable experience
After
morning breakfast, you will get ready, along with your packed lunches and water
to embark on the lifetime memorable experience in this magnificent forest for
gorilla tracking. The trail you use may reward you with exciting moments of the
giant mountain gorillas, this will be a reward of the ultimate gorilla
experience, as well as other primates that inhabit the forest. If time allows,
you will have an evening community walk.
You will return to the lodge for dinner and peaceful overnight at the safari
lodge, or drive to either Kabale or Mbarara for an overnight.
Day
11: Return back to Kampala OR depart at Entebbe airport.
After breakfast, we will make our scenic journey through the beautiful terrain
of the rolling hills with terraced landscape, an area referred as the “Switzerland of Africa“.
Observe the systematic cultivation of the Bakiga along the mountain slopes and
enjoy the experience of what has been referred to as the Switzerland of Africa
because of its cool nature. We will continue to Kampala reaching the capital
late afternoon / evening. Dinner and overnight in Kampala. Your driver-guide
will drive you to your Hotel in Kampala or to Entebbe airport for departure
5 – Days Bujuku
Day 1: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by your guide and then head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarter at Nyakalengija, 1.646 m. At this point you receive briefing from your guide or the tourism officer. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass and then join the forest zone . You follow the Mubuku river, until crossing the Mahoma river. The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and a beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m. which is the arrival point for the day. From the location, you are facing on the North the Portal Peaks 4.627m, in front Mount Kinyangoma. During the day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco, three horned chameleons which is endemic in the Rwenzoris, common bulbul birds, yellow eyed tinkle birds, wood pecker, mountain elephants and hearing the voices of the chimpanzee, Kasese town. This hike takes between 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
From Nyabitaba Hut you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. During this day, it takes you to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer bridge and then you start the bamboo/memolopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and its at this point where you can see red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku river. The final point is John Matte Hut, 3.414 m. for spending the night. From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte it can take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.
Day 3: From John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m.
From John Matte Hut you cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where you experience how to jump from tussock to tussock. Currently, there is a constructed walk board on both lower and upper bigo bogs that makes a clear view of the mountain sceneries. And this is the point where you start the alpine savannah zone of little vegetation. During this day you will be able to see the beautiful gardens of gaint lobelia, asanasio black berries, wild carrots, Alcamilla, lake Bujuku, sun birds, red duikers, rock hyrax and more. Depending on the weather, you may be able to view the peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke. You finally arrive at Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 4: From Bujuku-John Matte hut
Leave Bujuku hut early retracing out route back to john maate. Descend back through the 3-4 hours. This involves descending, steep slopes and rocks and wadding through this trail passing through mud, crossing rivers and deep mud back to John maate hut for lunch and an overnight.However the client may decide with the guide and continue descending to Nyabitaba Hut for an overnight.
Day 5: John maate Hut-Nyabitaba and proceed out of the national park
LeaveJohn Maate hut early retracing out route back to the park gate. Descend backthrough the 6-8 hours. This involves descending, steep slopes and rocks andwadding through this trail passing through mud, crossing rivers and deep mudback to Nyabitaba hut for lunch and continue descending through Mubuku Riverand through fields to the Park Headquarters.
7 Days trip
Day 1: Kampala to Kasese
Drive from Kampala in the morning and proceed to the western part of the country by either passing through Masaka-Mbarara which is 422km drive by 4*4 vehicle that takes you through Queen Elizabeth national park crossing the Equator line that takes 7-8 hours and arrive in Kasese town or by using Mityana-Fortportal kasese road which is 372km drive that takes 6-7 hour drive to Kasese. On reaching either Mbarara or Fortportal, your driver will stop you for a lunch and then proceed to kasese and to your hotel for an overnight.
Day 2: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by your guide and then head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarter at Nyakalengija, 1.646 m. At this point you receive briefing from your guide or the tourism officer. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass and then join the forest zone . You follow the Mubuku river, until crossing the Mahoma river. The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and a beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m. which is the arrival point for the day. From the location, you are facing on the North the Portal Peaks 4.627m, in front Mount Kinyangoma. During the day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco, three horned chameleons which is endemic in the Rwenzoris, common bulbul birds, yellow eyed tinkle birds, wood pecker, mountain elephants and hearing the voices of the chimpanzee, Kasese town. This hike takes between 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
From Nyabitaba Hut you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. During this day, it takes you to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer bridge and then you start the bamboo/memolopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and its at this point where you can see red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku river. The final point is John Matte Hut, 3.414 m. for spending the night. From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte it can take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.
Day 4: From John Maate Hut – Elena hut 4541m
From John Matte Hut you cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where you experience how to jump from tussock to tussock. Currently, there is a constructed walk board on both lower and upper bigo bogs that makes a clear view of the mountain sceneries. And this is the point where you start the alpine savannah zone of little vegetation. During this day you will be able to see the beautiful gardens of giant lobelia, asanasio black berries, wild carrots, Alcamilla, lake Bujuku, sun birds, red duikers, rock hyrax and more. On reaching Lake Bujuku, you will take the shortcut that lead to Elena hut leaving the diversion to Bujuku camp
During this day, you be able to see Mount Speke glacier on
Victoria Emmanuel, Margerita peak on Mount Stanly and the nice view of Lake
Bujuku, amazing rock path and so many others. Finally you will reach for an overnight
at the Coolly & Icy Elena Hut. This day hike takes between 8-9 hours.
Day 5: Elena Hut – Margherita peak
(5109m) and then Kitandara
For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of
the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about
5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this
mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and
very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for
only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross
the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude
sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the
highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions
even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed.
Reaching back to Elena hut, prepare for sloping down to Kitandara hut through Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation with beautiful gardens of flowering Asanasios, giant lobelias, and rough boulders, descend to the twins Lakes of Kitandara where you will enjoy the shores of Kitandara Lake which is worthy beach life and overnight at the Kitandara Hut. This also takes you to 2-3hours but ascending down throughout the hut. However, basing on the time reached at Elena hut after margarita, you talk with your guide to have another night at Elena hut which will lead to an extra day.
Day : Kitandara Hut-the park gate
From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the
headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the
south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4.282 m. At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and
Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long trail passing
through bogy and slippery rocks that leads you to Bujongolo rock shelter the
base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. The hut is surrounded by
a beautiful landscape of mountains, vegetations dominated by the giant lobelias
and rivers. Have lunch at Guy yeoman and
this takes 4-5 hours. In this day you complete the
central circuit by going back to Nyabitaba Hut. The trial is attractive along
the valley of the Mubuku and Kichuchu rivers, rich in plants and flowers of the
heather zone before reaching the bamboo forest. Time to reach Nyabitaba is
about 3- 4 hours. Eventually, you decide to descend directly to Nyakalengija,
adding 2-3 more hours or stay at Nyabitaba hut for an overnight. Here it may
depend on the decision of the client to either make it a one way journey from
Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija or to have an overnight at Nyabitaba. However most clients prefer to make it one way
journey from Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija/Park Head Quarter. Picked by
your driver to Kasese town for an overnight.
DAY 7 : Kasese -Kampala
In the morning, take breakfast and drive to
Kampala either through Kasese-Fortportal road (372km)
or Mbarara-Masaka road (422km) to reach Kampala /Entebbe for a flight back
home.
NOTE:
This itinerary involves 5 days 4nights hiking in the mountainand 2 days transfers from kampala to kasese and then back from kasese tokampala
Kibale-Rwenzori-Bindi Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe airport.
You will arrive at the airport, picked and transferred to the hotel ( Anderita Beach Hotel) which will have been booked by Weismann Safaris & Expeditions-Uganda where you will be briefed by our tour guide and share any other related issues to the trip then have dinner and an overnight.
Day 2: Kampala-Fortportal
Drive from Kampala in the morning and proceed to the western part of the country by passing through Mityana-Fortportal kasese road which is 290km drive that takes 5- 6hour drive to Fortportal. On reaching Fortportal, your driver will stop you for a lunch and then be transferred to Kibale forest National Park, the capital world of primates Such as chimpanzee, baboons and monkeys which is 20kms drive and to your hotel for dinner an overnight.
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking-Kasese town
Take an early breakfast and then start your primate tracking adventure in the forest The park’s site guide will take you through this adventurous experience where you may be blessed with enormous encounters of various forest primates like the L’hoest, black faced colobus monkeys, baboons and other forest species. After tracking, then drive to Fortportal for Lunch and continue to Kasese town at TJ Global Hotel to arrange your Rwenzori hiking equipment.
Day 4: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by your guide and then head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarter at Nyakalengija, 1.646 m. At this point you receive briefing from your guide or the tourism officer. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass and then join the forest zone . You follow the Mubuku river, until crossing the Mahoma river. The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and a beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m. which is the arrival point for the day. From the location, you are facing on the North the Portal Peaks 4.627m, in front Mount Kinyangoma. During the day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco, three horned chameleons which is endemic in the Rwenzoris, common bulbul birds, yellow eyed tinkle birds, wood pecker, mountain elephants and hearing the voices of the chimpanzee, Kasese town. This hike takes between 5-6 hours.
Day 5: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
From Nyabitaba Hut you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. During this day, it takes you to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer bridge and then you start the bamboo/memolopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and its at this point where you can see red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku river. The final point is John Matte Hut, 3.414 m. for spending the night. From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte it can take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.
Day 6: From John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m.
From John Matte Hut you cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where you experience how to jump from tussock to tussock. Currently, there is a constructed walk board on both lower and upper bigo bogs that makes a clear view of the mountain sceneries. And this is the point where you start the alpine savannah zone of little vegetation. During this day you will be able to see the beautiful gardens of gaint lobelia, asanasio black berries, wild carrots, Alcamilla, lake Bujuku, sun birds, red duikers, rock hyrax and more. Depending on the weather, you may be able to view the peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke. You finally arrive at Bujuku Hut, 3.962 m. From Bujuku, here starts the diversion for whom intends to climb Mount Speke. For those climbing Margherita and Alexandra peaks it is advised to proceed to Elena Hut for overnight. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 7: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (4541m).
From Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical Groundsel Gully as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. At the head of the gully a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. During this day, you be able to see Mount Speke glacier on Victoria Emmanuel, Margerita peak on Mount Stanly and the nice view of Lake Bujuku, amazing rock path and so many others. Finally you will reach for an overnight at the Coolly & Icy Elena Hut. This day hike takes between 4-5 hours.
Day 8: Elena Hut – Margherita peak (5109m) and thenKitandara
For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed. Reaching back to Elena hut, prepare for sloping down to Kitandara hut through Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation with beautiful gardens of flowering Asanasios, giant lobelias, and rough boulders, descend to the twins Lakes of Kitandara where you will enjoy the shores of Kitandara Lake which is worthy beach life and overnight at the Kitandara Hut. This also takes you to 2-3hours but ascending down throughout the hut. However, basing on the time reached at Elena hut after margarita, you talk with your guide to have another night at Elena hut which will lead to an extra day.
Day 9: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m..l
From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4.282 m. At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long trail passing through bogy and slippery rocks that leads you to Bujongolo rock shelter the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. The hut is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, vegetations dominated by the giant lobelias and rivers. Overnight at Guy yeoman and this takes 5-6 hours.
Day10 : Guy Yeoman Hut back – Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
The trail is attractive along the valley of the Mubuku and Kichuchu rivers, rich in plants and flowers of the heather zone before reaching the bamboo forest. Time to reach Nyabitaba is about 4- 5 hours. Eventually, you decide to descend directly to Nyakalengija, adding 2-3 more hours or stay at Nyabitaba hut for an overnight. Here it may depend on the decision of the client to either make it a one way journey from Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija or to have an overnight at Nyabitaba. However most clients prefer to make it one way journey from Guy Yeoman Hut direct to Nyakalengija/Park Head Quarter. Picked by your driver to Kasese town for an overnight. However, depending on the time you are back from the mountain, you may continue to kabale tracking area and an overnight at Trekkers hotels or in Kabale Town at Cephas hotel.
Day 11: Gorilla tracking-The great memorable experience
After morning breakfast, you will get ready ,along with your packed lunches and water to embark on the life time memorable experience in this magnificent forest for gorilla tracking. The trail you use may reward you with exciting moments of the giant mountain gorillas; this will be a reward of the ultimate gorilla experience, as well as other primates that inhabit the forest. If time allows, you will have an evening community walk.You will return to the lodge for dinner and peaceful overnight at the safari lodge, or drive to either Kabale or Mbarara for an overnight.
Day 12: Return back to Kampala OR depart at Entebbe airport
After breakfast, we will make our scenic journey through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape, an area referred as the “Switzerland of Africa”. Observe the systematic cultivation of the Bakiga along the mountain slopes and enjoy the experience of what has been referred to as the Switzerland of Africa because of its cool nature.We will continue to Kampala reaching the capital late afternoon / evening. Dinner and overnight in kampala. your driver-guide will drive you to your Hotel in Kampala or to Entebbe airport for departure.