Mount Ruwenzori National Park

The Ruwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation, and arguably surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty, wonder and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park, covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. 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. Its highest peak, Margharita, rises 5109 m above sea level. 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.

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Mount Ruwenzori Hiking Adventures

Day 1 Kampala - Kasese.
A full Scenic days drive from Kampala takes you across the Equator and through the Rift valley to your overnight stop at Kasese.

Days 2 - 4 Trekking Days.
Assisted by guides and porters you hike up to one of the Seven intermediate stages. There is a great diversity of vegetation, the chance of sporting some wild animals and breath taking views. The route chosen for you will be based on the skill and experience you have. Camp cook will prepare meals and accommodation is in mountain huts or tents.

Day 5 Return to Kampala.
Make a slow descent into Kampala via Mbarara passing through small villages with their Ankole Cattle and viewing numerous mattock plantations arriving in Kampala late afternoon.

NB. (1) This package can be extended to 10-12 days depending on how high one would like to climb. If you are serious climbers Baker (15889) and Margarita (16763 ft) peaks are worth visit.

(2) There are numerous rugged cliffs. Rock climbing equipment is needed.

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Day 2 Mbarara – Nyabitaba hut
After breakfast, short drive to Ibanda (1,600m), the starting points of your Ruwenzori climb. After brief introductions to the crew, your trek; which takes 4 hours starts taking you along the Mubuku River to Nyabitaba Hut (2,650) where you will spend the night.

Day 3 Nyabitaba Hut – John Matte Camp.
After breakfast, cross the Mubuku River; one of the highest sources of the Nile, on a rope bridge and continue walking along the river to the Nyamileju Hut for lunch. You then continue to your trek stepping at the base of the mass tussock grass to avoid getting stuck in the rather wet ground. After about 7 hours walking, you will have reached the John matte Camp where you will spend the night.

Day 4 John Matte Camp –Bujuku Hut
Today's trek takes you up and down a cliff crossing the river severally along the Bujuku valley. The ground is permanently wet and muddy. After 5 hours, you reach the Bujuku lake where the scenic forest become bigger and bigger. After a short break, another hour's walk takes you to the Bujuku Hut (3,977-m) where you will spend the night.

Day 5 Bujuku Hut – Kitandara Hut.
Continue your hike this time walking towards the Kitandara Hut (4027 m). Today's walk is much similar to the previous day as you walk up and down cliffs using roots tussock grass for support. The last bit of your trek is by ascending the Scott - Elliot saddle (4372m) and descending again to the Kitandara Lake before proceeding to Kitandara hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Kitandara Hut – Guy Yeoman Hut.
Today's walk takes you via the Fresh field saddle (4280m) passing Bujongolo cave to Mubuku Gorge. The walk takes about 8 hours. Overnight will be at the Guy Yeoman Hut (3450m).

Day 7 Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba Hut
Descend to the Mubuku valley passing very steep water falls through a bamboo forest. Overnight will be at the Nyabitaba Hut.

Day 8 Nyabitaba Hut – Hotel Margarita.
Descend to Ibanda where vehicles will be awaiting to take you to Hotel Margarita for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 Hotel Margarita – Kampala
Drive back to Entebbe with lunch on the way for either return flight or connect to your Mt. Elgon climb with our Elgon Cross over package.

Important notice: