8 days Best of Rwenzori central circuit Hiking Safari
Best of Rwenzori central circuit Hiking Safari
This 8 days Best of Rwenzori central circuit Hiking Safarioffers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the wonders of the “Mountains of the Moon.” Over eight days, you will trek through lush landscapes, traverse alpine meadows and conquer challenging peaks. The Rwenzori central circuit hike safari offers an exhilarating adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. This challenging trek is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a truly unique and rewarding experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful and remote regions.
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to some of the most diverse and dramatic scenery on the African continent. The central circuit hike takes you through a variety of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows, and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
The hike typically takes 7-9 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 65 kilometers. Along the way, hikers will encounter challenging terrain, including steep ascents, rocky paths, and potentially unpredictable weather conditions. It is essential that participants are in good physical condition and have previous hiking experience.
The central circuit hike begins at the park headquarters in Nyakalengija and follows a well-established trail that winds its way through the heart of the Rwenzori Mountains. Along the route, hikers will have the opportunity to stay in basic mountain huts or camp under the stars, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the mountains.
One of the highlights of the central circuit hike is the opportunity to summit Margherita Peak, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains at an elevation of 5,109 meters. This challenging climb requires technical skill and a head for heights, but the sense of achievement and the unparalleled views from the summit make it a truly unforgettable experience.
In addition to the physical challenges of the hike, participants will also have the chance to encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna, including unique species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth. The Rwenzori Mountains are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and numerous bird species, adding an extra dimension to the hiking experience.
For those seeking a truly immersive adventure, the central circuit hike can be combined with a visit to nearby communities and cultural attractions, providing a deeper understanding of the local way of life and traditions. This can include interactions with local guides and porters, as well as visits to traditional villages and markets.
It is important to note that the central circuit hike is a challenging and remote trek that requires careful planning and preparation. Hikers should be aware of the potential risks and be equipped with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a reliable backpack. It is also essential to be accompanied by an experienced guide who is familiar with the terrain and can provide support and guidance throughout the journey.
The Rwenzori central circuit hiking safari offers a truly unique and unforgettable adventure for experienced hikers looking to explore one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain ranges. With its stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and physical challenges, this trek provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Rwenzori Mountains, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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| Included |
- Transportation in a 4 X4 safari vehicle
- An experienced English-speaking Guide
- Park entrance
- Full board accommodation service
- All Meals and bottled water while on the safari
- Airport transfers
- All activities indicated in the itinerary
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| Excluded |
- International flights
- Visa and Air tickets
- Personal Expenses like Beer, Cigar, Wine, Crafts
- Tips
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Details
Safari highlights
Arrival and pick up
Hike from Nyakalengijja to Nyabitaba hut
Trek to John matte hut
Trek from John matte to Bujuku hut
Trek from Bujuku to Elena hut
Elena hut to Kitandara
Kitandara hut to Guy Yeoman hut
Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba and Nyakalengija
Upon arrival at Entebbe international Airport you will be welcomed by a representative from African Safari Tour Holidays who will give you brief about your 8 Days Best of Rwenzori Hike Safari. Depending on your arrival time you might have a city tour in Kampala or drive direct to your overnight accommodation for dinner and a night rest.
After breakfast, we will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about your Rwenzori hiking Safari. You will begin your hike in Nyakalengija and hike through the Bakonzo communities up to the Rwenzori national park, where you will begin the central circuit trail hiking through the thick tropical forest. Mt Rwenzori national park contains a variety of wildlife species, including black-and-white colobus, chimpanzees, forest elephants, duiker, L'Hoest's monkeys, three-horned chameleon, and many more. There is much more to see on this hike than just hiking, with several bird species to name, such as the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, and Rwenzori Batis. You will dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut.
Following breakfast at John Matte Hut, ascend through dense forest underbrush for approximately forty minutes to reach Kurt Shafer Bright at the meeting point of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Spend the next few hours hiking through bamboo forests and over slick rocks, where you may spot a variety of bird species. After climbing to Nyamulejju Rock Shelter, stop for lunch here and take in the breathtaking views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. Then, continue hiking through the alpine forest to John Matte Hut. John Matte Hut is located near the Bujuku River, so you can enjoy evening swimming there. After swimming, you can take in the views of the Margherita glacier and Mount Stanley between Alexandra and Margherita peaks. You will have dinner and overnight stay at John Matte Hut.
After breakfast in the early morning, cross the Bujuku River and hike through the forest to the lower Bigo Bog, a swampy valley area that is thought to be the most difficult portion of the Rwenzori mountain hike due to its extreme mud. You might come across enormous lobelias, everlasting flowers, and groundsels while hiking. From here, you'll hike steeply along a ridge to the beginning of the upper Bigo bog. After the board hike, you'll attempt to make your way through the last little muddy area without walk boards to get to Bujuku Hut. From here, you can see Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley in clear view. You will have and night stay at Bujuku Hut.
From Bujuku Hut, hike to Elena Hut via the sides of the upper Bigo Bog and the steep slopes of Lake Bujuku. This trail leads to the 4372-meter-high Scott-Elliot Pass, where you will cross a steep section at the top of the gully with a metal ladder, hike through swamps, and descend to Kitandara Lakes before reaching Elena Hut. The highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains, Elena Hut offers a good view of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, but be prepared for the cold as it is part of Mount Stanley. You will have dinner and overnight stay at Elena hut.
This day will begin very early, with a hike to the summit of Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley and an ascent through the Stanley Plateau. This is a rocky, steep point that may require you to use ropes to help you hike. Your guide will demonstrate how to use the ropes while you are on the ice, as some equipment used on the glacial portions requires the use of crampons and an ice ax. The most difficult portion of climbing Mount Rwenzori is reaching the bottom of the Margherita glacier, which you will reach after a few hours of hiking. Climb to the summit of Margherita Peak (5109 meters) atop Mount Stanley. You will have dinner and overnight stay at Elena hut.
Hike through the foot of Mount Baker after breakfast, and then proceed to the southern flank of the Rwenzori Mountain. From there, descend through a muddy rock shelter at Bujangolo, which served as the base camp for the illustrious 1906 expedition led by the Duke of Abruzzi. You will have dinner and overnight accommodation at Guy Yeoman Hut by the Mubuku River.
Following breakfast, hike through the bamboo forests to Nyabitaba Hut, where you will stop for lunch. After hike to Nyakalengija, you will arrive in Nyakengija late in the afternoon. From there, you can drive back to Entebbe or Kampala to catch your next flight back to your home country.
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