Mt Rwenzori – Central Circuit

Duration

12 Days

Minimum Age

-

Fitness Level

-

Accomodation

2x - Lodge
1x - Hotel
7x - Hut
1x - Farm

Overview

Standing at 5,109m, the Rwenzori also referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ lies in Western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The permanently snow-capped peaks are among the highest range mountains in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountains offer a stunning view of glaciers and landscapes. The central circuit is the main trail up the Rwenzori Mountains. The circuit offers the opportunity to ascend the peaks and glaciers of Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and see Mount Luigi di Savoia and Mount Baker up close.

 

Tour Map

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Tour Plan

Day 1 Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival we are met by a Kibo Slopes representative. We are transferred to our hotel for a pre-briefing. Later dine and spend the night at Kaazi Beach Hotel.

Accommodation: Kaazi Beach Hotel

Meal Plan: D B

Day 2 Drive to Fort Portal

After breakfast we drive to the western part of the country through central Uganda. It is a 5 to 6-hour long drive. On the way we stop for a traditional lunch served on banana leafs. In the afternoon we arrive at Fort Port Portal and have time for a stroll through the arguably prettiest town in Uganda. The town is also the centre of Uganda’s tea growing area and has numerous restaurants and coffee shops.  Dinner and Overnight will be at the Kluges Guest Farm at the outskirts of the town.

Accommodation: Kluges Guest Farm

Meal Plan: D B

Day 3 Hike to Nyabitaba (2660 meters)

The climbing adventure starts today on Ruwenzori. After our morning breakfast we drive to Ruwenzori Mountaineering Services-RMS for a detailed briefing at Nyakalenga (1600m) After all the introductions to our crew, we start our hike through the plantations and homes of the Bakonjo, the people of the mountain. We then follow the Mobuku River, cross the Mahoma River, pass through an open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest, up to Nyabitaba Hut (2.652m). This will take about 5 to 6 hours. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hut.

Accommodation:  Nyabitaba Hut

Meal Plan: L D

Day 4 Hike to John Matte (3414 meters)

From Nyabitaba Hut, we cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. We reach a steep rocky area, which leads to Nyamuleju Hut. This point marks the start of the giant lobelia and groundsel zone. The way proceeds through a swampy area along the Bujuku River full of plants. After a 6 hour hike we arrive at John Matte Hut, (3.414m) for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation; John Matte Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 5 Hike to Bujuku Hut ( 3962 meters)

From John Matte Hut we cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where we jump from tussock to tussock. Upon reaching Bigo Hut, we enter the upper Bigo bog and proceed to Lake Bujuku, where the alpine savannah zone starts. At the southern end of Lake Bujuku is a majestic setting with Mt Baker in the South, Mt Speke in the North and Mt Stanley in the west. We finally arrive at Bujuku Hut (3.962m). Today’s hike can take up to 5 hours. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Bujuku Hut.

Accommodation: Bujuku Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 6 Ascending Mt. Speke (4890 meters)

Early in the morning we start the hike through Stullmans pass (4192m) with spectacular views of Virunga National park of DR Congo to Mt Speke (Victoria Emanuele peak, 4890 m). Solid alpine experience is required to manoeuvre through the steep rocky and partly snow covered terrain. The ascend takes us 4 – 5 hours. The descend back to Bujuku Camp from the summit (Victoria Emanuele offers spectacular views of the Bujuku Valley and the Margeritha and Albert Peaks on Mount Stanley.

Accommodation: Bujuku Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 7 Hike to Elena Hut (4541 meters)

Leaving Bujuku, the trail takes us through moss draped Groundsel vegetation, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical and forest of Groundsel Gully.  We turn to our right up to Elena Hut (4541 m) and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on our left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes the trail on the left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. We have dinner and overnight at the coolly and Icy Elena Hut. Today hike takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Accommodation: Elena Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 8 Ascend Margeritha Peak (5109 meters)

Very early in the morning at 2.00 am, we attempt climbing the highest peak, Margherita (5109 m) of Mount Stanley. The climb takes about 4 -5 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, and ice.  Solid alpine experience crampons and harness are mandatory. The Descend from Margherita peak back to Elena Hut will take us about 2 – 3hours.

After our lunch at Elena hut, we descend to the Scott-Elliot pass (4372 m), we passe through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders before descending to Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara camp (4430 m).  Today’s total hiking time is between 10 and 12 hours

Accommodation: Kitandara Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 9 Descend to Guy Yoeman

From Lake Kitandara we climb to Freshfield Pass, (4.282m), a long flat area of high alpine mossy glades, before descending the circuit among rocky and boggy areas. The panorama is dominated by the glaciers of Mt Stanley and Mt Baker. A muddy trail leads to Akendahi, Bujongolo and Kabamba rock shelters, where the Kabamba valley starts down to Guy Yeoman Hut, (3.261m). Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Guy Yeoman Hut.

Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 10 Descend to Nyakalengiija

We have our breakfast before sunrise so as to start our long and final descend at 6.00 am. First we tackle a steep descend down a valley to Kichuchu rock shelter. The trail is difficult and muddy in some spots therefore we need to help each other descend slowly. Finally, we reach the bamboo forest and a tussock grass bog, before we cross the Mahoma River and other two minor streams. We are back in the tropical forest and follow the ridge down to Nyabitaba Hut (5 hours).

After lunch and a short rest, a 3 hour descend takes us to Nyakalengija, where our cars are waiting to take us to Ihamba Safari Lodge soon after a short farewell ceremony with our crew. Dinner and Overnight stay will be at the lodge.

Accommodation: Ihamba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

Day 11 Queen Elizabeth Game Drives

After breakfast we proceed on game drives on Queen Elizabeth, until lunchtime at Mweya Safari Lodge. In the afternoon we take a boat trip on Kazinga Channel, a natural 36km-long channel between Lake George and Lake Edward. Here, we spot Elephants, Hippos, Nile crocodiles and many water birds including African skimmers, African fish eagles, cormorants, saddle-billed storks and pelicans from a position of sheer comfort. Dinner and overnight stay as previous day.

Accommodation:  Ihamba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: D B

Day 12 Transfer to Airport

Today we return to Kampala and proceed Entebbe airport for departure.

Included

  • - Meal plan as specified –BB (bed and Breakfast), HB (Half board; breakfast and dinner), FB (Full board; breakfast, lunch and dinner) on the mountain
  • Airport transfers and safari on 4x4 vehicles
  • English speaking driver guides
  • Food, guides and porters during the hikes
  • Queen Elizabeth park fees
  • Lunch Mweya Safari Lodge
  • Boat on Kazinga Channel

Excluded

  • International arrival and departure
  • Drinks in hotels and lodges/ telephone/ laundry/visa fees/ tips


Important

Best months: June to August & December to February


Group Package(Fixed Departures)
Departure Dates
1 Dec 2024 - 10 Dec 2024: $3320

Individual Package

From 4 Pax $4,150.00 p.p.s

*Residents and Citizens discount available


Help Me Plan the Individual Package

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Group Package(Fixed Departures)
Departure Dates
1 Dec 2024 - 10 Dec 2024: $3320

Individual Package
From 4 Pax $4,150.00 p.p.s
*Residents and Citizens discount available
Help Me Plan the Individual Package
8
$4,150.00
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