Main Info
The Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa. Its loftiest peaks, Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5,083m) on Mount Stanley, are exceeded in altitude elsewhere in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, both of which are extinct volcanoes standing in isolation above the surrounding plains. The Rwenzori mountains are unique among the east Africa’s major peaks in that they are not volcanic in origin, but they do rise directly from the rift valley floor and their formation, like that of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, was linked to the geological upheaval that created the Rift. In addition to Mount Stanley, there are four other glacial peaks on the Rwenzori – Mount Speke (4,890m),Mount Emin(4791m), Mount Gessi(4,715 m) and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627 m).
Known primarily for its challenging hiking and climbing the Rwenzori ranges also support a diversity of animals, including 70 mammals and 177 bird species, several of the birds being Albertine Rift Endemics. The forest zone is home to a diversity of birds, including Rwenzori Turaco, barred long-tailed cuckoo, long eared owl, handsome francolin, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Archer’s ground robin, Lagden’s bush shrike, golden-winged sunbird, apalis, illadopsis and many more. These legendary mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty and provide a unique habitat for many rare and indigenous plants and animals. The highest mountain in the range, Mt. Stanley, is the third highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya
The giant lobelia and the groundsell are hallmarks of the Ruwenzori. All of the above make this park an unforgettable visitor destination. Decreasing temperature with increasing altitude have resulted in marked zoning of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists and a delightful experience for visitors. In fact, more people visit the Ruwenzori to explore and experience the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers. The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough to hike the Central Circuit Trail.
Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits. However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest months are July, August and December, January and February. Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical fit.
- Air fares
- 4 Nights Hotel Accomodation
- Tour Guide
- Entrance Fees
- All transportation in destination location
Excluded
- Departure Taxes
- 5 Star Accommodation
Itinerary
Download BrochureOn arrival at Entebbe international airport you will be meet by and Travel driver guide after clearing immigration formalities and transfer to Kampala for night stay. Overnight Speke Hotel (D).
Depart for Kasese after breakfast at the hotel, lunch will be taken in Fort portal before heading for Kasese for final purchases of the fresh fruits, before dinner and night stay. Overnight at Margherita Hote (BLD).
Morning transfer to Nyakalengija for weighing and porter allocation before starting the climb of about 5 hours to the first hut. Picnic lunches will be served this day before climbing through the moss to the Nyabitaba Hut(2650metres) for dinner. Overnight Nyabitaba Huts (BLD).
Start early after breakfast and climb through the Kurt Shafer Bridge that crosses the Mobuku River Confluence. This 5 hour hike takes you through the bamboo, Lobelia and heath finally ending at John Matte Hut (3350m). Overnight John Matte Huts (BLD).
The climb this day gets boggy as you hike through Giant heather, Lobelias and groundsel through the Cooking Pot to the overnight hut at Bujuku (3977) Hut..-The average hiking time for this section is 4.5 – 5 hours . Overnight at Bujuku Huts (BLD).
Breakfast at leisure and proceed on a muddy hike through steep cliffs. This is a section of Giant Groundsels and Lobelias that characterized the higher section of the Mountain. Ascend further to Elena Hut which acts as a base for the final assent of the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains. Meals and night stay at Elena Huts (4541m). Overnight Elena Huts (BLD).
Rise up very early before sunrise and walk through the snow to Margherita peak (5109m). If whether conditions are favorable, sunset would find you at the peak where you would take pictures. From here, descend to the Kitandara Lakes. Meals and night stay at the Kitandara Hut 4,023m. Overnight Lake Kitandara Huts (BLD).
The descent gets you through beautiful views of the Congo and the alpine moss. The trail then leads through the Bujongolo and Kabamba rock shelters. This trip takes an average of 6 hours to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m. Overnight at Guy Yeoman Huts (BLD)
The descent of about 6 hours starts to Nyabitaba through the heather zone, Mobuku River and the Bamboo forest before heading to your final hut in the Mountains. Overnight at Nyabitaba hut (BLD).
The last 2 or 3 hours ends a morning descend to Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m). where you wait for safari vehicle will transfer you to Kampala. Overnight Speke Resort (BLD)
