Ruwenzori Mountains

The 120km Rwenzori chain is regarded to be the legendary snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, described by Ptolemy in AD150. Reaching an elevation of 5,109m, it is also Africa's tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Kirimanjaro.

The distinctive glacial peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers, who rate the Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of all African mountains.

A variety of large mammals inhabits the lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation. The trails lead through rainforest rattling with monkeys and birds, then tall bamboo forest, before emerging on the high-altitude moorland zone, a landscape of bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by black rock and white snow, looking for all the world like the set of a science fiction film.

SIZE:

998 sq km

LOCATION:

On the Congo border close to Kasese.

If you like mountaineering, the (5,119 m) high, snow covered Rwenzori Mountains - also known as the 'mountains of the moon' and protected as which is also a World Heritage Centre - will offer you the unique experience you've been looking for. The mist-shrouded peaks provide stunning back drops to this magnificent mountain. Ever since the Rwenzori became known to the World, its features have been changing. Today, the most visible and probably preventable, changes in the Rwenzori are the fragile vegetation along the trails. A trip into the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one, which must be planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is 'be prepared!' You can do the central circuit in just 7 sevens and the excellent guides will be there to add flavor to your experience. More days can be added on request at an extra fee per day. The few who have climbed this mountain have promised to come back. For reservation and more information please contact us

THE CENTRAL CIRCUIT TRAIL

DAY ONE: Arrive at Rwenzori mountains national park and the Rwenzori mountaineering services (RMS) offices at Nyakalengija in the morning getting ready to start hiking. Hiking begins from the park headquarters 5,400ft(1646) walking past typical “mud wattle” Bakonzo homes to the park boundary in fourty minutes then proceed to Nyabitaba hut 2652 5-7hours for overnight. In this part of the trip you may be able to hear chimpanzees and sometimes you can see black and White colobus and blue Monkeys behind the hut, we can also catch a glimpse of Rwenzori Turaco.

DAY TWO: An early breakfast then continue westward through the Kurt Shaffer bridge to marvel at the Mobuku River confluence, the muddy, slippery trail climb steadily up through the bamboo forest. After 5 hours of travel from Nyabitaba, you reach the hut at Nyamuleju and its accompanying rock shelter, climbing through the open patches, the giant Lobelia and the groundsel zone before proceeding up to John Matte Hut 3,414m for overnight. Typical time to reach John Matte from Nyabitaba is about 7 hours. Some hikers consider this to be the most tiring and longest day of the circuit so an early start is important.

DAY THREE: Leave John Matte hut to cross Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, where your first experience of jumping from tussock to tussock on a grassy bog begins. The trail is muddy and follows the left (southern) edge of the lower Bigo bog until it reached a round metal “uniport” Bog hut and its rock shelter. A steep section pas the hut leads to the Bigo bog, in the last half of this bog a board walk has been constructed which makes walking easier and prevents hikers from damaging the bog. After a lunch break the narrow stream at the upper end of the bog continue criss-crossing the river to L. Bujuku. Beyond the north end of the lake is a rock shelter called cooking pot and a short distance further is Bujuku Hut (3,962m) where to stay for overnight. Time to reach Bujuku from John Mattes 3-5 hours. Here there are chances of seeing the Red Duikers and at night calls of the Rock hyraxes are common.

DAY FOUR: From Bujuku hut leave directly to newer trail which rises and falls twice before finally climbing steeply through magical moss draped groundsel vegetation to scott Elliot pass. At the steepest section is a short strong ladder after which a right hand branch will lead to Elena Hut (4,430m). This steep, rocky trail when wet or icy can be slippery. Continuing straight, and a few steps below the pass, there is a sheltered spot for a break; from here there is a second trail to the right to Elena hut the base camp for climbing to Margherita peak (5,109m) in the Stanley complex which requires an additional day or two. This can only be attempted with an ice axe, mountain boots, crampons, ropes and prior arrangement (these are the extra days added on request).

DAY FIVE: An early start is advisable to avoid overheating on the steep but lovely hour-long climb to L. Kitandara (4282m) to the fresh field pass. Viewing west-ward on clear days leads into neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Northward Margherita and its Glaciers still dominate the horizon. Fresh filed is a long flat traverse through beautiful high Alpine mossy glades, then the trail begins the circuit’s long two-day descent. Rock shelters at Bujongolo and Kabamba are optional overnight stop-overs but its best to push I through the seemingly endless mud to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261)

DAY SIX: Descend early after breakfast to Nyabitaba Hut. This path from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba is difficult in some parts. Typical hikers make Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba in 5 hours. You should decide to make it to Nyakalengija it is 2-3 hours depending on the condition of your Knees and your desire to reach a comfortable bed and bath. Late evening walking can be good for watching birds and sharp eyes can catch a glimpse of the brilliant green but changeable Rhinoserous chameleon.

DAY SEVEN: Descend to the park headquarters (2-3hours for Nyabitaba to park H/Q) then to your hotel incase you’re staying overnight or transfer to Kampala.

The periods of July-August and December February, are relatively dry and are the best seasons for inexperienced hikers to trek.

BIRDING

Rwenzori Mountain National park harbors 195 bird species recorded. Most birds in Rwenzori are montane birds they’re similar to those found around Ruhizha in Bwindi impenetrable NP. The national park has 19 Albertine rift endemics. The key species here include the African Long-eared Owl, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Stuhlmann’s double collared Sunbird, Dwarf Honey guide, Shelly’s Crimson wing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Red-faced woodland Warbler, Montane Masked and collared Apalises, stripe-breasted Tit, Western Green Tinkerbird, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Red-faced crimsonwing to mention but a few.