10 DAYS UGANDA SAFARIS MOUNTAINEERING SAFARI ON MOUNT RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
Day 1 Kampala-Queen Elizabeth National Park
Have an early briefing and then set off for Kasese passing via Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have a stopover at Mpambire to see the royal drum makers in Buganda kingdom. Another stop over at the Equator the imaginary line which is believed to divide the world into two hemisphere passes. Have lunch at Mbarara and then descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park one of the biggest savanna parks in Uganda. Dinner and overnight at Jacana
Day 2 Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m)
After breakfast begin the climb to Nyabitaba hut and later connect to Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m). Meet our guides and porters and then begin hiking up to Nyabitaba hut. Passing via the homesteads and the local plantations is quite a memorable experience! Follow the trail along the Mubuku River, through landslides and up and down rocks and bluffs. Cross the Mahoma River and climb steeply through the bracken fern slopes and Podocarpus forest to Nyabitaba Hut for an overnight(FB)
Day 3 John Matte Hut (3350m)
From Nyabitaba take the trail drops down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers. This steep ascent takes you through the bamboo forest, traversing a long and exhausting stretch of slippery moss-covered rock. From Nyamileju rock shelter, on clear days, Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be glimpsed before passing into the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. The final stretch to the John Matte hut is across a tiring bog, the first of many for which the mountain is infamous. Overnight at John Matte Hut (FB)
Day 4 Bujuku Hut (3900m)
Immediately after John Matte Hut, the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, 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. Be prepared for this spectacular setting which can be very cold for you as well as to even the Rwenzoris inhabitants. Overnight at Bujuku Hut (FB)
Day 5 Elena Hut (4541m)
Leaving Bujuku, through more bog, the trail climbs the steep slopes west of the lake, passing 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 splits into two. The right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders. The left path leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. For those sleeping at the basic Elena Hut the nights may be very cold and icy (FB).
Day 6 Margherita Peak (5109m)
For those climbing Margherita peak (5109m) continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. Depending on the weather and the individual’s acclimatization, it can be a four to seven hour walk to the summit of Margherita. This is a tough walk over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. It is only for the physically fit and is a technical climb which requires roping up, crampons and appropriate equipment for cold, windy and icy conditions. It is best to attempt the final climb in a minimum group of 4 - two climbers and two guides; (a supplement for the extra guide has to be paid for at the time of booking). Climb on to the glacier, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Subject to altitude sickness, fog and weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita, crown of the Rwenzori. Due to the altitude and the tough conditions it’s not a guarantee that everybody will make it to the summit. Therefore do not get disappointed if you do not. Returning to Scott-Elliot pass, there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. Once over the pass the trail enters an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders. Descend to the Kitandara Hut for overnight, past the Kitandara Lakes. (For those who do not wish to climb the peak, a more restful day walking from Elena Hut to Kitandara Hut 4,023m.) (FB)
Day 7 Guy Yeoman Hut (3260m)
From Kitandara, the trail 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. On a clear day there are views into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, the long muddy descent continues, passing the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906 (FB).
Day 8 Nyabitaba Hut (2650m)
The hike will take you through the path down that can be slippery and muddy with little to hold on. There fore it requires careful balancing over the vertical mud or steep rocks. An overnight stop at the Nyabitaba Hut is a pleasant rest after the exertion of the previous days (FB).
Day 9 Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m)
From the Nyabitaba hut you will take a gentle descend down the muddy paths to the trailhead. Arriving late morning, transfer to Kasese for lunch and then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. While on the drive keep out an eye for the wild game that make this park a superb safari territory. In the afternoon time permitting, take on a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds can be seen over the lake shores. Dinner and Overnight accommodation at Mweya/Jacana (FB)
Day 10 Queen Elizabeth-Kampala
Start your day with an early morning game drive. Proceed to the Lodge for breakfast. Check out of the lodge and depart for Kampala, having lunch en route. Arrival in Kampala late afternoon (HB)
