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Rwenzoris, 'Mountains of the Moon' - 9 Day, 8 Night Safari

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Detailed Trip Description

The Rwenzori mountains, also known as the "mountains of the moon" or the "the Alps of Africa," are located in western Uganda on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rwenzoris is 100 Km long and about 40 Km wide.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Masaka

 
Sightseeing

Drive through the towns of Masaka, then Mbarara to Kasese with lunch enroute.

Masaka Sightseeing picture
Hotel

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Margherita.


Day 2 - Uganda

 
Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut.
Hiking

Reach the Rwenzori mountaineering services head office early, hire equipment and arrange for guides and porters. Immediately after, hiking starts from the park headquarters at 1,646 meters. The trail to Nyabitaba a distance of 10 Km takes 4 to 5 hours and an ascent of 1,200 meters. The trail at the beginning goes through homes and fields progressing through bamboo, high elephant grass and dense bushes.

Uganda Hiking picture
Rock Climbing

You will climb over rocks and bluff, crossing river Mahoma then ascending steeply Nyabitaba hut. Watch out for white colobus, blue monkeys and the Rwenzori turaco. Over night at the Nyabitaba hut.


Day 3 - Uganda

 
Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte hut.
Rock Climbing

This trail takes between 5 to 6 hours with an ascent of 762 meters. From Nyabitaba hut take the trail to the left of the hut for about half a kilometer then take the right fork, dropping to the Kurt Shafer Bridge just below the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers. After ascending and then descending though muddy, slippery paths and passing through many rock formations, we finally reach Nyamuleju hut. Here you will begin to see the giant lobelia found only in very high altitude tropical African mountains. From Nyabuleju hut take the left pass through Kisalala water fall, the path drops to a river then up through heather to John Matte hut 3,414 meters. This should take about one hour. Over night at John Matte hut.

Uganda Rock Climbing picture

Day 4 - Uganda

 
John Matte hut to Bujuku hut.
Hiking

This 6 Km trail takes 5 to 6 hours and gaining an ascent of 560 meters. After one and a half of wading your way through fords and crossing a river, this muddy trail leads to the edge of lower Bigo bog and eventually to the Bigo hut which also commands a very good view of the surrounding peaks. Continue through the upper Biggo bog. The leads to drier ground and after criss crossing the river, this leads to the Bujuku Lake . This is also the best place for seeing the Margherita, the summit of Stanley . Continue the trail for about 30 minutes up the valley to Bujuku hut at 3962 meters. This hut is very popular because of being the closest to the peaks of Speke, Baker and Stanley. Watch out for red duikers. Over night at Bujuku hut.


Day 5 - Uganda

 
Bujuku hut to Kitandara hut.
Hiking

This trail covers only 4 Km begins with an ascension of 390 meters then a descent of 340 meters. The trail starts by ascending and then falling twice followed by a steep ascend, giving way to a groundsel vegetation at 4372 meters. Then to Scott-Elliot pass which is also the main col between mount Stanley and mount Baker. Another descend leads to Kitandara hut at 4023 meters. Here you will spend your overnight.


Day 6 - Uganda

 
Kitandara hut to Guy yeoman hut.
Rock Climbing

This 5 Km stretch involves ascent and descent and takes 5 to 6 hours. While at Lake Kitandara you can enjoy the view of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prepare for a steep climb over boulders and through thick mud before the path gives way to a more level ground at the Fresh field pass. You can get a clear view of mount Stanley. After a steep descend of climbing rocks and wadding through thick mud, arrive at Guy Yeoman hut at 3,262 meters.


Day 7 - Uganda

 
Guy Yeoman hut to Nyabitaba.
Hiking

This trail which covers 6 Km takes 4 to 5 hours. This involves descending a very steep slope. It passes deep mud and crosses rivers until you finally arrive at Nyabitaba hut for an overnight.


Day 8 - Kampala

 
Nyabitaba hut to Nyakalengija.
Hiking

Leave Nyabitaba hut early retracing our route back to the Rwenzori mountain services offices. This 10 Km trail usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Descending through Mobuku river and through fields to the RM's offices to hand over the rented equipment. Drive back to Kampala with lunch en route.


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