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9-Day Rwenzori Hiking Central Circuit: Unforgettable Ascent

Embark on the 9-Day Rwenzori Hiking Central Circuit, the ultimate ascent of this iconic African mountain. Starting from Nyakalengija, the base camp, follow the Mobuku river valley, circumventing Mount Baker, and finally ascending Mount Stanley to reach Margherita Peak. Traverse five distinct vegetation zones, ranging from mountain forest to alpine, with altitudes from 2,800m to 3,500m. Respect gradual acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. UWA-developed trails feature basic mountain huts for accommodation.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala-Mbarara – Kasese.

the 9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Central Circuit starts when Our driver/guide picks you up from Kampala at your hotel or place of residence and transfer to Kasese via Mbarara for lunch at the Agip Motel Mbarara. The journey takes you along the L. Victoria on a good road to Mbarara. From here, the landscape charges to a hilly and fertile area with tea and banana plantations. Dinner and overnight at the Margarita Hotel or Rwenzori Base Camp Guest House.

Day 2: Kasese-Nyakalengija.

First day hiking – Nyakalengija 1600m – Nyabitaba Hut 2650m

From the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarter at Nyakalengija, 1.646 m, you will receive the briefing from the guides, with the possibility of hiring equipment for rwenzori hiking. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonjo, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass. You follow the Mobuku River, until crossing the Mahoma River . The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m, which is the arrival point for the day. This will take from 5 to 6 hours. From the location, you are facing on the North the Portal Peaks , 4.627 m. and in front Mount Kyniangoma . During the day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco and hearing the chimpanzees.

Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut 2650m – John Matte Hut 3380m

Descend the ridge to the Mubuku River then climb through bamboo forest toward John Matte Hut (3380m).  The afternoon is tiring boulder hopping ascending along the north side of the Bujuku river through giant heather forest (4.1/2-5.1/2 hours)

Day 4: John Matte Hut (3380m) – Bujuku Hut 3972m

Trek from John Matte Hut (3380m) to Bujuku Hut (3977m).  We encounter the first of notorious bogs for which the Uganda approach to the peaks is famous.  Traverse around Bigo Bog and Lake Bujuku.  Look for the ‘everlasting flower’ known to remain on the plants for 40-years!

Day 5: Bujuku Hut 3900m- Elena Hut 4541m

From Bujuku Hut you climb through moss draped groundsel vegetation, to Scott Elliot Pass , 4.372 m., between Mt. Baker and Stanley . Here you divert to Elena Hut, 4.540 m. for spending the night before climbing Mt. Stanley

Day 6: Elena Hut- Kitandara Hut

Elena Hut 4541m – Punta Margherita 5109 m. – Elena Hut 4541m- Kitandara Hut, 4.023 m. Elena Hut to Margherita peak (5109m) then down Elena Hut 4541m .  Early morning traverse of the Elena glacier to the Stanley Plateau where crampons may be required.  Cross this in a NW direction and follow the Margherita glacier to the col and to the summit (3 hours).  Descend to Elena Hut and after you descend to Upper Kitandara lake and through thick mud to Lower Kitandara lake where is located Kitandara Hut, 4.023 m. Time to complete the hike about 3 hours more. From Kitandara Hut you can proceed for climbing Mount Baker or Mount Luigi di Savoia and the peak Vittorio Sella. Enjoy the view of Mt. Luigi di Savoia.

Day 7: Kitandara Hut – Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m.

From Lake Kitandara you climb to Freshfield Pass, 4.282 m., a long flat of high alpine mossy glades, before descending the circuit among rocky and boggy areas. The panorama is dominated by the glaciers of Mounts Stanley and Baker and Mount of Savoy. A muddy trail leads to Akendahi, Bujongolo and Kabamba rock shelters, where starts the Kabamba valley down to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m. This can take up to 6 hours. The hut is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, vegetations and rivers.

Day 8: Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba hut

Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba hut.  Drop very steeply alongside the Mubuku River, past Kichuchu, another rock shelter and join our original route near the confluence of the Bujuku River (3.1/2 hours) .

Day 9: Nyabitaba- Nyakalengija base camp back to Kampala

Nyabitaba Hut to the Nyakalengija road head (2-hours).  Descend steeply off the ridge and enter the warm rainforest.  Look for the tropical forest birds and monkeys. Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe with lunch on the way for either return flight.

Inclusions

  1. Transportation in safari vehicle
  2. Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
  3. Accommodation and  meals during the hike
  4. Accommodation in Mountain huts and camps/Hotels
  5. Transfers with 4wd vehicle
  6. Rwenzori Hiking Fees
  7. Park Entrance fees
  8. Professional Guide fees
  9. Porters 25kg per person
  10. Professional cook
  11. Park Entrance fees
  12. Rescue fees in case of emergency rescue on Rwenzori Mountains

Exclusions

  1. Hire of hiking equipments
  2. International flight (can be arranged if required)
  3. Visa and personal insurance
  4. Drinks, tips and gratuities
  5. Personal expenses laundry, souvenirs etc
  6. Any item or activity not mentioned in the tour package.

What to come with:

Sleeping bag, rucksack, sleeping mat, good hiking gumboots, water proof trousers,  rain coat, heavy worm jacket, hand gloves, scarf and cup,  jumper, torch, Light changeable clothing, sweaters, insect repellants, sun cream, sun glasses, hat, binoculars, and cameras etc.