10
Days Rwenzori Mountain Trek
Trip
Highlights:
- Rwenzori Mountains commonly known as the "Mountain
of the moon'. The Rwenzori is the longest mountain rante in
Africa with its Loftiest peaks, Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra
(5083m) on Mount Stanley, are exceeded in altitude elsewhere
in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, both of which
are extinct volcanoes standing in isolation above the surrounding
plains.
- The Rwenzori Mountains are unique among East Africa's major
peaks in that they are not Volcanic in Origin, but they do
rise directly from the Rift valley floor and their formation,
like that of Kilimanjaro and Kenya, was linked to the (4,727m),
Mount Gessi (4,715m) and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627m). The
Rwenzoris are known primarily for their challenging hiking
and climbing possibilities but the range also supports a diversity
of animals including mammal and 177 bird species, several
of the latter being Albertine Rift Endemics.
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Day 1: ARRIVAL
After Breakfast Our Driver/Guide will meet up with you
at your Accommodation in Entebbe to start on the Journey
to Kasese.
The Journey will take about 5 hours through Mubende District
with a lunch stop in Fort Portal at the Gardens Resturant
before Heading to Ibanda at the Foot of the Rwenzori for
your Accommodation at RMS headquarters/Rwenzori Basecamp. |
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DAY 2: START
OF THE EQUATOR GLACIERS TOUR
Early in the morning transfer to Nyakalengija (1646 meters)
where you will start your climb into the mountains. The hike
takes you along the Mubuku River and through thick equatorial
vegetation before arriving at the Nyabitaba hut (2650 meters).
You might hear chimpanzees or see blue monkeys. Dinner and
overnight in Nyabitaba hut. Total hiking time: 5-7 hours Ascent:
1200 meters Day 3: JOHN MATTE HUT
After early breakfast you will start the hike through the
Kurt Sharfer Bridge to marvel at the sparkling Mubuku river
confluence. In the afternoon you will reach the Nyamuleju
hut from where you might enjoy a nice view at Mount Stanley
and Speke. Climb through the open patches, lobelia, and
heath moss forest when proceeding up to the John Matte hut
(3415 meters) for overnight.Total hiking time: 7 hours Ascent:
915 meters
Day 4: BUJUKU HUT
Depart early through the giant Lobelias and heath trees.
You ascend to the Bigo Bog and scenic landscape of lobelias
and giant groundsels. You will pass lake Bujuku, majestically
settled between the famous mountains. Continue to a rock
shelter called Cooking Pot and soon you will arrive at your
final stop for today. Dinner and overnight at the Bujuku
Hut (3960 meters). Total hiking time: 3-5 hours Ascent:
560 meters
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Day 5 : ELENA
HUT
Head off from the valley with scenic alpine vegetation consisting
Giant Groundsels and Lobelia and continue to ascend Mount
Victoria and Mount Speke at 4890 meters. Depart through the
lovely views of the Savoia and Elena glaciers, scale further
through to the Scott Elliott pass and proceed through the
snow to the Elena Hut (4560 meters) for overnight rest. The
Elena Hut will be your base for the final conquer of the Rwenzori
Mountains. Total hiking time: 3-5 hours Ascent: 470 meters
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Day 6: FINAL
ASCENT TO THE ALPS OF AFRICA!
Early morning ascent to the snowy Alexander peak (5092 meters)
and then onwards to the highest peak at 5109 meters, the famous
Margherita! Thereafter we directly descend to the beautiful
lake Kitandara for overnight stay at Kitandara hut (4020 meters).
Total hiking time: 3-5 hours Ascent: 670 meters - Descent:
1090 meters Day 7: GUY YEOMAN HUT
After early breakfast a long descent begins. First we climb
from Lake Kitandara to the Fresh field Pass from where you
can look into the neighbouring country Congo. We will have
a picnic lunch on the way and continue our journey while
descending to the Guy Yeoman hut (3260 meters) for dinner
and overnight. Total hiking time: 5-7 hours Descent: 1000
meters
Day 8: NYABITABA HUT
The last part of the hike! Drop very steeply along the Mubuku
river and join the original route near the Bujuku river.
Dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut (2650 meters).
Total hiking time: 5-7 hours Descent: 600 meters
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Day 9: KASESE
Today we descend to Nyakalengija which will take approximately
2-3 hours. Then we proceed to Kasese to check in at Hotel
Margherita/Rwenzori International Hotel/Mweya Safari Lodge
for Relaxation.
Day 10: KASESE TO KAMPALA
A last chance to enjoy the enchanting peaks of the Mountains
of the Moon. The drive back to kampala will take either
the Fort Portal or the Ishaka-Mbarara Route with a Lunch
Stop at Agip Motel and proceed with another stop at the
Equator after shopping and coffee break, you will be transferred
to you Accommodation in Entebbe at Entebbe Airport Guest
house/The Boma Guest house/Gately Inn/Entebbe Travelers
Inn
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