10 Days Rwenzori Central Circuit
Rwenzori National Park
10 Days Rwenzori Central Circuit
Rwenzori National Park
Overview
This 10 days safari takes you trekking the Rwenzori Mountains which involves hiking to the highest peak- Margherita which is at an altitude of 5,109m. After the hike, you choose an added wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park located just near the Rwenzori ranges or have a gorilla trekking safari.
Included/Excluded
- Airport transfer from and back to the airport.
- 9 Overnight stays and Accommodation in Mountain Huts and Lodges with on fullboard basis.
- Mountain Hiking Permit, Entrance fees, Rescue Fees , Porters, guide fees, Cook, Gas.
- Fuel & Transportation in Good condition 4*4 Vehicle with pop up roof.
- A professional english speaking driver Guide.
- A professional and Experienced English speaking Guide.
- All relevant government tax.
- All activities as indicated in the program.
- Free Mineral Water in the vehicle while on the Tour.
- Flight and visa fees to Uganda and back home.
- International Travel insurance.
- AMREF emergency evacuation insurance.
- Any Optional activities or those not included in the program.
- Tips, souvenirs, any soft/ alcoholic drinks and any personal purchases.
- Mountain Climbing equipment.
Tour Plan
Day 1 | Arrival in Entebbe.
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport meet your guide from Nsavi Safaris who will then transfer you to your hotel for an overnight.
Day 2 | Drive to Kasese.
Today you proceed to Kasese have a stop at the equator and take some photos, also you will pass by tea plantations along the way. Proceed to your lodge for an overnight.
Day 3 | Trek to Nyabitaba Hut (2651m).
The central circuit starts at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services offices at Nyakalengija (1615m). You will arrive in the morning to allow ample time to rent equipment and meet your guides and porters. The trail begins by passing through farmland to the park boundary beyond which it follows the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma tributary before starting a long, steep climb up onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba hut. The hike takes around 6 -7 hours. During this part of the trip you may hear chimpanzee and see black and white colobus, blue monkey and the brilliantly coloured Rwenzori turaco.
Day 4 | Trek to John Matte Hut (3505m).
From Nyabitaba follow the trail that drops down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Passing through the bamboo forest, traverse through a long and exhausting stretch of slippery moss-covered rock. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen before passing into the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. The hike takes around 7 -8 hours. Finally, reach John Matte Hut after passing through the tiring bog, for dinner and overnight at the hut.
Day 5 | Trek to Bujuku Hut (3962m).
From John Matte Hut the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Jumping from tussock to tussock, the bog is finally crossed but rarely without the feet sampling some of the freezing ooze below. The upper Bigo bog gives way to Bujuku Lake, with views of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Bujuku Hut, well located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is set in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass. The hike takes around 4 -5 hours Dinner and overnight at Bujuku hut.
Day 6 | Trek to Elena Hut (4541m).
Leaving Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical Groundsel Gully as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. At the head of the gully a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes the trail on he left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. Those climbing the peak will have their Dinner and overnight at the coolly and Icy Elena Hut. The hike takes around 5 -6 hours.
Day 7 | Trek to Marghertia peak (5109m), Kitandara Hut (4030m).
For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, 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, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzori. Prepare for you return through the Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara. The hike takes around 3-4 hours.
Day 8 | Trek to Guy Yeoman (3261m).
From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass(4282m). At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long trail passing the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. Overnight at Guy yeoman. The hike takes around 6 -7 hours.
Day 9 | Trek to Nyabitaba Hut (2651m), Nyakalengija (1615m).
Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing upwards to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit. Hiking back and complete your trek by the evening The hike takes around 7 -8 hours.
Day 10 | Departure & Entebbe.
After an early breakfast, you will start your journey back to Kampala. Cross the equator and have time to take photos at the equator. Buy a few souvenirs, have a quick lunch and later proceed to Entebbe International Airport where you will connect with your evening onward flight back home.
What you need for this safari.
RECOMMENDED HIKING GEAR
Technical Clothing
1 Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended
Fleece Pants
Shorts (optional)
Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
Knit Hat, for warmth
Handwear
1 pair of Glove, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 pair of Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)
Footwear
1 pair of Hiking Boots, warm, water proof,
1 pair of Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
1 pair of Sunglasses or Goggles
1 pair of Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
1 Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended)
1 Water Bladder, Camelback type (optional)
1 Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
1 Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 Sleeping Pad, self-inflating or closed-cell foam
1 Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
1 Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
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