RWENZORI
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Rwenzori is
the highest mountain range in Africa which is 120kms long and 48
kms wide that contains 6 snow – capped peaks, and 3 glaciers.
The mountain provides mountaineering and hiking opportunities with
its non-volcanic mountains capped with ice and snow, massive ice-rime
sculptures, awe-inspiring vegetation, spectacular scenic beauty
and unique fauna. The whole region is covered with mist, making
it a somewhat eerie, but still fascinating destination. Besides
experiencing the climbing of the peaks and glaciers, explore and
view the fascinating vegetation and plants that grow to absurd proportions
like the lobelias and heather. The Rwenzoris also support a diversity
of animals including mammal and 177 bird species. Visiting the mountains
is better during July and August, and December to February. Enjoy
living in the huts that are available along the central hiking circuit
at convenient stopping points. Accomodation is also available at
various hotels like Margherita Hotel, Saad Hotel and several inexpensive
lodges.
Below is the 10 day Rwenzori Climbing Itinerary:
Day
01: Arrival in Uganda.
You will be transferred to Mbarara town by our driver guide /tour
representative, on arrival at Entebbe International Airport through
Kampala. Stopover at the Equator especially at Modhasha Art and
Craft shop and take photographs. That will be before heading for
the plateau of the mountains of the moon. Then proceed to hotel
Margherita for dinner and overnight rest.
Day
02: Equator Glaciers Tour Starts.
Wake up early for a transfer to Nyakalengija off Fortportal road.
Move to Ibanda to start your 5-6 hour climb into the mountains.
Your climb will take you through thick Equatorial vegetation before
arriving at the Nyabitaba hut 2650 meters in the late evening It
is a 5 hours ascent to Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation
then through Forest. Dinner and Overnights at Nyabitaba Hut .
Day
03: John Matte Hut.
This is the most strenuous and longest day's walk, with a minimum
of seven hours . From Nyabitaba hut the path descends through forest
for a short time before it crosses the Bujuku River at the Kurt
Schafer bridge .Take breakfast, begin on a morning hike through
the Kurt Shafer Bridge to wonder at the sparkling Mobuku river conflux.
The path is good for the first couple of hours, but it becomes steeper
and very rocky as you enter the moorland Zone where heather plants
are Prolific. Have Lunch at Nyamileju Hut where there is a little
used and rather run-down Hut , as well as a rock shelter. A climb
through the open patches, Lobelia, and Heath moss forest before
maneuvering a 2 hours 'walk to the John Matte hut for an overnight.
Day
04: Bujuku Hut.
Retreat early through the giant Lobelias and heath trees. You move
up to a panoramic landscape of Lobelias and gigantic Groundsels.
This take up to five hours , depending on the condition of the two
Bigo Bogs, which are often Knee-deep in Mud .On the way to the hut
you will pass lake Bujuku ,which has a magnificent setting between
mounts: Stanley, Speke and Baker. Later, go for dinner and an overnight
at Bujuku hut
Day 05: Mount Victoria & Mount
Speke.
Leave early morning for the valley in with scenic alpine vegetation
consisting of huge Groundsels and Lobelia and ascent Mount Victoria
and Mount Speke at (4890 meters).
Day
06: Elena Hut.
Depart through the gorgeous panorama of the Savoia and Elena glaciers.
Climb further through to the Scott Elliott pass (4372 meters) and
proceed through the snow to the Elena hut for overnight rest.
Day
07: Final Trip To The Alps Of Africa!
Early morning climb up to the snowy Alexander peak (5092m); and
then move onwards to the supreme peak at (5109m), it gives a good
panoramic view. There after descend to the beautiful lake Kitandara
for overnight stay at Kitandara safaris hut (3900m).
Day
08: Descent, Guy Yeoman Hut.
After early breakfast, plunge starts. Have a Picnic luncheon on
your way, after which we carry on journey to Guy Yeoman hut for
dinner and overnight's rest.
Day
09: Back To Kasese.
Descend to Nyabitaba and proceed to Ibanda and check in hotel Margherita
for overnight rest.
Day
10: Back To Kampala.
Transfer back to Kampala then proceed to Entebbe
Airport for probably your evening flight.
END OF THE HIKING SAFARI
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