Duration of stay 10 days 9 nights
Period During the dry season, between December and March, between June and July, between September and October
Ideal for those who want a trek at high altitude but very rich in vegetation and marshes, also touching peaks and glaciers, which develops in length in the central part of the most impressive mountain range in Africa.
Where you will go You will visit Africa's largest mountain range, the Rwenzori Mountains, starting from the village of Nyakalengija up to Mount Baker, to arrive at the final climb on Mount Stanley to the top of Margherita.
Day 1 - Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to Kampala for overnight.
Day 2 - The Rwenzori Mountains
In the morning, after breakfast, we leave Kampala heading west for Fort Portal, where we will have lunch and the last purchases of food for trekking. Arrival in the evening at the foot of the mountains and overnight in a lodge.
Day 3 - From Nyakalengija Refuge to Nyabitaba Refuge, 2,652 m.
Walking time: 5 hours - Habitat: mountain forest - Difference in altitude: 1,037 m.
In the morning we will reach the offices of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park near Nyakalenjija, at 1615 m. Here the introductory briefing of the organizers will take place, the backpack and all baggage will be weighed and the missing equipment can be rented. After the preparations are completed, you still cross the areas cultivated by the Bakonjo up to the park entrance. Bakonjo will also be your bearers, very robust, resistant to fatigue and altitude and friendly and caring. The first stop will take us through the forest, along the course of the Mubuku river. If we are lucky during the walk we will be able to hear the cries of the chimpanzees, spot the turaco of Rwenzori, various species of monkeys or even see the delicate chameleons up close. The arrival point for the day is the Nyabitaba Refuge, 2652 m where we will have dinner and spend the night. From this place you can enjoy a good view of the Portal Peaks 4.627 m to the north and Mount Kyniangoma which is right in front.
Day 4 - From Nyabitaba refuge to John Matte refuge, 3,505 m.
Travel time: 6 hours - Habitat: bamboo forest and heathland - Altitude difference: 762 m.
From Nyabitaba Refuge we will continue to Kurt Shafer Bridge, which crosses the Mubuku River just below its confluence with the Bujuku River. Here begins the real "central circuit", right to go up and left to go down. The vegetative zone is now that of the bamboo forest. We will climb up to a rocky wall that leads to the Nyamuleju Refuge, where the moorland area begins, we will continue through a marshy stretch dotted with magnificent plants including the giant lobelia and the Seneci, to the John Matte Refuge, 3,505 m, where we will stop for the dinner and overnight. From here we can finally see the snowy peaks of Mount Stanley.
Day 5 - From the John Matte Refuge to the Bujuku Refuge, 3,962 m
Journey time: 4 - 5 hours - Habitat: alpine area - Difference in altitude: 457 m.
From the John Matte Refuge, cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo Bog, a marshy area rich in vegetation where we will live the exciting adventure of jumping between one tussock and another. After a rocky climb, you arrive at the Bigo Refuge and then enter the upper Bigo Bog. From this extraordinary valley we can glimpse Mount Stanley again. Finally we will arrive at Bujuku Lake and, still crossing a marshy area, at Bujuku Refuge, 3,962 m. Here begins the alpine area, where the grass becomes scarce and low. The refuge is well located under Mount Speke, in the direction of the Congo. In front of the refuge you can enjoy the best view of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley.
Day 6 - From Bujuku refuge to Elena refuge 4.430 m.
Journey time: 3-4 hours - Habitat: alpine area - Difference in altitude: 468 m.
From the Bujuku refuge after a swampy stretch, we will climb a steep rock face to the Groundsel Gully. A deviation of the path leads to the Elena Refuge. 4,430 m. arrival point for all those who intend to climb Mount Stanley to the top of Margherita. Instead, following the central circuit, we will continue directly to the Kitandara refuge, crossing the Scott Elliot pass, 4,372 m. The highest point of the central circuit. From here the view is truly spectacular: you can see the Bujuku valley, Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia and Mount Stanley just above.
If, on the other hand, our tour involves climbing to a peak, we will rest at the Rifugio Elena before attempting to climb early in the morning.
Day 7 - From the Elena Refuge to the Kitandara Refuge, 4,023 m.
Walking time: 6 hours - Habitat: glacier / alpine area - Difference in altitude: - 1554 m.
If our tour includes the summit, today is the day of the final ascent to the Margherita peak on Mount Stanley, 5,109 m. It can take about 3 to 4 hours to complete the business. To climb it is necessary to be equipped with crampons, ice ax and rope, to cross what remains of the ancient glacier. The first climber who managed to climb the summit was Prince Luigi Amedeo of Savoy Duke of Abruzzi, at 9.30 am on June 18, 1906. At that time the snows and the glacier were much more extensive and therefore also the height of the summit . Today, the plaque left by the commemorative expedition of the 100th anniversary in 2006 remains.
The descent begins along the path that will take us to Lake Kitandara Superiore and Inferiore, to the Kitandara Refuge, 4,023 m arrival point of the day. This last stretch can take about three hours of walking. The refuge is the starting point for the ascents to Monte Baker and Monte Luigi di Savoia.
Day 8- Stage 6: From the Kitandara refuge to the Guy Yeoman refuge, 3,261 m
Walking time: 5 hours - Habitat: alpine zone / groundsel zone - Difference in altitude: - 762 m.
From the Kitandara refuge we will climb a steep wall in the direction of Mount Baker, up to the Freshfield pass, 4,282 m, a long stretch of undulating high mountain clearing. Immediately afterwards the descent begins again through steep rocks. We will pass the rocky shelters of Akendahi, Bujongolo and Kabamba, where the Kabamba valley begins, to finally reach the Guy Yeoman Refuge, 3,261 m. Journey time about 5 hours. The refuge enjoys a privileged and panoramic position, close to the Mubuku river and overlooking Mount Baker.
Day 9- Stage 7: From the Guy Yeoman refuge to return to Nyakalengija
From the Guy Yeoman refuge you can complete the circuit by descending directly to Nyakalenjija in about 7 hours of walking. Alternatively, you can stay another night at Nyabitaba Refuge. The path follows the course of the Mubuku and Kuchuku rivers, with all the plants typical of the heather area up to the bamboo area. From the Nyabitaba refuge, the short walk starts to see Lake Mahoma. Upon arrival in Nyakalenjija you will be taken to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 10
After breakfast, we return to Kampala and continue to Entebbe Airport in time for the coincidence with the international flight.
Guidelines for the preparation of the trek
Equipment required for the central circuit: backpack, sleeping bag for low temperatures and a mat, rubber boots, water-proof pants, poncho or rain jacket, heavy jacket, gloves, scarf and cap, sweater, torch.
Extra equipment required to climb the Margherita peak: crampons, snow gloves, snow goggles, hiking boots, rope and ice ax.
We provide: food, cook, cooker, cutlery, and the necessary for cooking. Remember that the calculation of 25 kg per person for baggage also includes food, which on average can be around 10 kg per person.
What can be rented in Uganda: Much of the equipment can be rented from the warehouse at the park offices. However, we suggest that you let us know in advance what type of equipment you would like to rent on the spot or buy in Uganda, so that we can check its availability. Also ask for the rental rates.
Package Included
• Full board during the trekking
• Accommodation in huts and hotels according to the program
• Transfer to Rwenzori and return by 4 × 4 vehicle
• Guide, porters, cook
• Maximum 25 kg per person (food included)
• Entrance fee to the Rwenzori Park
• Emergency rescue costs in the Rwenzori Mountains
The package does not include
• Flight and tourist insurance
• Visa, to be done at the airport upon arrival (100 USD per person)
• Trekking equipment
• Extra weight (over 25kg per person)
• Changes to the program while trekking.
RATE PER PERSON for a minimum of 2 people:
USD 2 310 per person (minimum 2)
RATE PER PERSON for minimum 4 people: 4
USD 2035 per person (minimum 4)
Extra charge for climbing Mount Stanley (Margherita peak): USD 165
Other peaks: Monte Speke 165 USD, Monte Baker 165 USD, Monte Luigi di Savoia 165 USD
Extra carriers: USD 100 per carrier (12 kg)
Uganda Safaris
GORILLA TREKKING, SCIMPANZE’ TREKKING, QUEEN ELISABETH, MURCHISON FALLS
9 days / 8 nights
Discovering the garden of Africa!
Uganda Safaris
GORILLA TREKKING, SCIMPANZE’ TREKKING, QUEEN ELISABETH, MURCHISON FALLS
9 days / 8 nights
Discovering the garden of Africa!