Mount R(u)wenzori is on the border of Ugana and Congo and the mountains are also called as "The mountains of the moon". It is a combinationation of densed forest, misty slopes, lakes formed in craters much green vegetation and snowy mountains.
Day 1: Arrival at Rwenzori Maintains National Park: walking to Nyabibati Hut
Early in the morning we arrive from Kampala at Rwenzori Mountains National park and the Rwenzori mountaineering services (RMS)
offices at Nyakalengija in the morning getting ready to start hiking. The hiking begins from the park
headquarters 5,400 ft (1.646 m) walking past typical “mud wattle” Bakonzo homes to the park boundary in 40 minutes then we proceed to Nyabitaba hut 2652 5-7 hours for overnight.
In this part of the trip you may be able to hear chimpanzees and sometimes you can see black
and White colobus and blue Monkeys behind the hut, we can also catch a glimpse of Rwenzori
Turaco.
Day 2: Walking Nyabibati Hut to John Matte Hut
After an early breakfast we continue westward through the Kurt Shaffer bridge to marvel at the
Mobuku River confluence, the muddy, slippery trail
climb steadily up through the bamboo forest.
After
5 hours of walking from Nyabitaba, you reach the hut
at Nyamuleju and its accompanying
rock shelter,
climbing through the open patches, the giant Lobelia
and the groundsel zone before
proceeding up to
John Matte Hut 3.414 m for overnight.
The typical time to reach John Matte from
Nyabitaba is
about 7 hours. Some hikers consider this to be the
most tiring and longest day of the
circuit so an early
start is important.
Day 3: Walking from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
We leave John Matte Hut to cross Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, where your first
experience of jumping from tussock to tussock on a grassy bog begins. The trail is muddy and
follows the left (southern) edge of the lower Bigo bog until it reached a round metal “uniport” Bog
hut and its rock shelter. A steep section pas the hut leads to the Bigo bog, in the last half of this
bog a board walk has been constructed which makes walking easier and prevents hikers from
damaging the bog.
After a lunch break the narrow stream at the upper end of the bog continue
criss-crossing the river to L. Bujuku. Beyond the north end of the lake is a rock shelter called cooking pot and a short distance further is Bujuku Hut (3.962 m) where to stay for overnight.
Time needed to reach Bujuku from John Mattes is 3 - 5 hours. Here there are chances of seeing
the Red Duikers and at night calls of the Rock hyraxes are common.
Day 4: Walking from Bujuku Hutto the Elena Hut
From Bujuku hut leave directly to newer trail which rises and falls twice before finally climbing
steeply through magical moss draped groundsel vegetation to Scott Elliot pass. At the steepest
section is a short strong ladder after which a right hand branch will lead to Elena Hut (4,430 m).
This steep, rocky trail when wet or icy can be slippery. Continuing straight and a few steps below
the pass, there is a sheltered spot for a break; from here there is a second trail to the right to
Elena hut the base camp for climbing to Margherita peak (5,109 m) in the Stanley complex which
requires an additional day or two. This can only be attempted with an ice axe, mountain boots,
crampons, ropes and prior arrangement (these are the extra days added on request).
Day 5: Walking from the Elana Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut
An early start is advisable to avoid overheating on the steep but lovely hour-long climb to Lake
Kitandara (4.282 m) to the fresh field pass. Viewing west-ward on clear days leads into
neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Northward Margherita and its Glaciers still
dominate the horizon. Fresh filed is a long flat traverse through beautiful high Alpine mossy glades,
then the trail begins the circuit’s long two-day descent. Rock shelters at Bujongolo and Kabamba
are optional overnight stop-over’s but it is the best to push through the seemingly endless mud to
Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m)
Day 6:
Walking from the Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba Hut
We descend early after breakfast to Nyabitaba Hut. This path from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba is
difficult in some parts. Typical hikers make Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba in 5 hours. You should
decide to make it to Nyakalengija: it is 2-3 hours depending on the condition of your knees and
your desire to reach a comfortable bed and bath. Late evening walking can be good for watching
birds and sharp eyes can catch a glimpse of the brilliant green but changeable Rhino serous
chameleon.
Day 6: Walking from the Nyabitaba Hutto the Park Headquartes
Today we descend to the park headquarters (2-3 hours for Nyabitaba to park H/Q) then to your hotel in
case you’re staying overnight or transfer to Kampala.
Price indication: US $ 1200 per person.
Price inclusive of:
- Transport in 4x4 vehicle with pop up roof
- All park entrance fees
- Accommodation in huts and camps
- Rescue fee;
- Transfer from Nairobi airport to your hotel;
- All Government taxes and levies
- 3 meals a day vegetarian and non-vegetarian
- Guides, rangers and porters allowances
Exclusive of:
- For first night or last night accommodation in Arusha, but we will be happy to arrange them for you!
- International air transportation to and from Arusha.
- Expenses of personal nature such as visas, travel/baggage insurance, en route lunches, laundry, tips, etc.
- Christmas, New Years and Eastern supplementary fees
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