Description
For centuries these mystical mountains on the border between Uganda and DR Congo have been revered as the Source of the Nile. The ancient philosopher Ptolemy referred to them as ‘the Mountains of the Moon’ in 350AD and they remain little explored despite being the highest mountain range in Africa. The lofty summits of the main mountains are often enveloped in cloud so that for months the permanent icefields of the highest peaks are hidden from view. It was not until a century ago that the Abruzzi expedition climbed many of the peaks in the range for the first time. 2006 is your chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of that expedition by reaching the summit yourself.
The popular central circuit begins from the Nyakalengija amidst the thick forests that are home to chimpanzees and forest elephant. As we progress steadily upwards, heavy tropical forests give way to a wide variety of flora and fauna making the climb unique. The luxuriant vegetation that thrives on this rain-soaked massif is nothing short of phenomenal and with each gain in altitude, this remarkable growth changes. Each night we sleep in sturdy mountain huts constructed to survive the weather and keep us dry. We cook hearty meals and enjoy the company of those who have taken the challenge with us.
As part of the central circuit, our guided climbs give the chance to summit Margherita Peak (5109m) on Mt. Stanley which is the highest peak in the range. The final assault on the summit will require the use of ropes and crampons on the icefields but you do not need any previous experience. While you have the opportunity, we invite you to join in what will be a very challenging but ultimately extremely rewarding climb. Please take this opportunity to climb one of the world’s greatest mountain ranges – the Ruwenzoris.
Itinerary:
9-days ex Kampala (including a possible summit day on Margherita peak, Mt Stanley)
Prices:
€1530 (15 people)
€1595 (11-14 people)
€1730 (8-10 people)
€2040 (5-7 people)
The price includes:
Park entrance fees*, peak fees, international guide, local guides and porters (Ruwenzori Mountain Services), accommodation in basic mountain huts, heating fees, rescue fees, all meals whilst on the mountains, instruction and the use of harnesses, ice axes, crampons and ropes. Transport from Kampala and back. NB. Park entrance fees may be subject to change without notice.
Ruwenzoris – Mountains of the Moon
Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Ibanda (near the trail head) and stay overnight. Evening briefing, distribution of food loads and final preparation.
Day 2: Drive from Ibanda to Nyakalengija road head (1900m). Register with Uganda Wildlife Authority, listen to briefs and arrange porter loads. Walk from the trail head up the Mubuku river system to Nyabitaba Hut (2650m) 3-4 hours walk. Look for fresh forest elephant trails, listen to the magic of the tumbling rivers and watch for monkeys and chimpanzees.
Day 3: Descend the ridge to the Mubuku river then climb through bamboo forest toward John Matte Hut (3380m). The trail is steep and challenging ascending along the north side of the Bujuku river through giant heather forest (6-7 hours)
Day 4: Trek from John Matte Hut (3380m) to Bujuku Hut (3977m). We encounter the first of notorious bogs for which the Uganda approach to the peaks is famous. Traverse around Bigo Bog and Lake Bujuku. Look for the Everlasting Flower (known to remain on the plants for 40-years) and giant lobelias.
Day 5: Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut (4580m). Climb steeply from Lake Bujuku to Abruzzi’s camp and then on to Elena Hut near the foot of the Mt. Stanley Plateau.
From the valley floor, scree slopes heavily populated with giant lobelias give way to polished slabs of rock and short wall climbs lead to Elena Hut (2.1/2 hours). Sleeping space is tight.
Day 6: Elena Hut to Margherita peak (5109m) then down to Kitandara Hut (4027m). Early morning traverse of the Elena glacier to the Stanley Plateau where crampons will be required. Cross this in a NW direction and follow the Margherita glacier to the col and to choose a route to the summit. Descend to Kitandara Hut for a comfortable night.
Day 7: Kitandara Hut (4027m) to Guy Yeoman Hut (3450m) Climb steeply to the Freshfied pass (4280m) then down follow open ridges to the spectacular Bujongolo rock shelter. Enjoy dozens of waterfalls of the upper Mubuku river system en route to Guy Yeoman hut.
Day 8: Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba hut. Drop very steeply alongside the Mubuku river, past Kichuchu (another rock shelter) and join our original route near the confluence of the Bujuku river (3.1/2 hours).
Day 9: Nyabitaba Hut to the Nyakalengija road head (2-hours). Descend steeply off the ridge and enter the warm rainforest. Look for the tropical forest birds and monkeys. Drive directly back to Kampala.
Anita –
uganda is God’s own country. Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday .