Hiking Safari Uganda 10 days

The Rwenzoris

The Rwenzoris (‘Mountains of the Moon”) lie along the border of Uganda and the DR Congo with a height of 5,100m above sea level. The range is about 100 km in length and about 50 km in width. The Rwenzori mountain range is the highest in Africa. Its peaks are so unique from the rest. These beautiful, often mist-shrouded mountains are non-volcanic and offer mountaineers and walkers splendid country and wonderful views. It is the highest mountain range in Africa. The Rwenzoris are referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon simply because the Roman Geographer Ptolemy Circa (AD 150) believed them to be the Lunae Montes predicted by the ancient Greeks to be the source of The Nile river. The mountain peaks thereof have been named after early explorers to Uganda. Some of those in the centre of the range have snow cover-these include Mount Stanley (5,110m), Speke (4,889m), Baker (4,843m), Gessi (4,797m), Emin (4,791m) and Luigi di Savoia (4,626m). On Mt. Stanley are the twin summits of Alexandra (5,044m) and Margherita (5,110m).

With their geographical nature, the Rwenzoris can boast of their challenging hiking and climbing possibilities notwithstanding the diverse flora and fauna on different altitude zone each with its own microclimate. The Rwenzoris support mammals and over 177 bird species, several of them being Albertine Rift Endemics.

Day 1:
Our tour guide will receive you on your arrival at Entebbe International Airport-from there you will head for Western Uganda. You will have an overnight at Hotel Margherita as you prepare to move very early in the morning to Mt. Rwenzori.

Day 2: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut
Wake up at 7.00 am and get a heavy breakfast. Our guide will immediately transfer you to Nyakalengija (1,615m) - the trailhead off Fort Portal road as you struggle to access Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m) through thick tropical vegetation. There is a campsite and safe parking near the office. Nyakalengija is 10 km before Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation then through forest. By evening, you will be to access the Hut. At the Hut, there is piped water supply-have an overnight here.

Day 3: John Matte to Bujuku Hut
Wake up very early in the morning and prepare for this most hectic and longest trek. Depending on the two Bigo Bogs, which are often knee-deep in mud, it may take you up to five hours before accessing the Bujuku Hut. En route you will be able to view Lake Bujuku that has a splendid setting between mounts Speke, Stanley Baker. Bujuku Hut will enable you to easily access Mt. Speke, and this may necessitate you to spend an extra night here.  In case you intend to climb the highest point in the range, Margherita Peak on Mt. Stanley(5,109m) you will need to start from Elena Hut(4,541m)- 2 km off the loop trail and about four hours’ walk from either Bujuku or Kitandara Huts. Have an overnight at Bujuku Hut.

Day 4: Bujuku Hut to Kitandara
Wake up very early in the morning and ascend to the highest point in the loop trail, Scott Elliot Pass (4,372m), thence accessing Kitandara lakes.  Have an overnight at Kitandara Hut, which is on the second lake. This journey will take you over four hours.

Day 5: Kitandara Hut to Kabamba Cave
Early in the morning, you will ascend a steep slope to Freshfield Pass (4,282m) and then descend to Bujongolo Cave (3,720m).  En route the trail to Kabamba Cave(3,450m) there is a magnificent waterfall and a rock shelter where you can stay overnight as an alternative to Guy Yeoman Hut.

Day 6: Guy Yeoman to Elena Hut
Very early in the morning you will move through gorgeous scenery of Savoia and Elena glaciers as you ascend through the Scott Elliot pass and go through the snow to Elena Hut. Have an overnight at Elena Hut.

Day 7: Accessing snow-covered Alexander peak
After an early morning breakfast ascend the snow- covered Alexander peak (5,092m) and proceed to the Supreme peak (5,109m). At this point, you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of world around you. I can imagine the nice photographs you will take! Thence descend to Kitandara Safaris Hut (3,900m) for an overnight just at the shores of Lake Kitandara.

Day 8: Kitandara to Guy Yeoman
Early in the morning have your breakfast and thereafter have a picnic to Guy Yeoman for your dinner and an overnight.

Day 9:
In the morning, return to Kasese via Nyabitaba and lake Mahoma. You may choose to stay an overnight at Nyabitaba Hut or proceed to Margarita Hotel to a comfortable rest from the long strenuous exercise.

Day 10:
Early in the morning move back to Entebbe International Airport for your evening flight.