Rwenzori & Gorillas

You leave early this morning for Kasese.

Starting at Rwenzori Mountaineering Services’ offices in Nyakalengija, the core circuit is arranged in a circle. The trail begins by meandering through farmland until the park’s border, beyond which it follows the Mubuku River and crosses its Mahoma tributary before beginning an arduous ascent up a sizable ridge to reach Nyabitaba lodge. It takes 6 to 7 hours to complete the hike. You might hear chimpanzees during this portion of the journey and observe black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and the vibrantly colored Rwenzori Turaco in addition to seeing and hearing them.

Follow the path from Nyabitaba that descends through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, which is located just below where the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers converge. Travel across a tiresome length of moss-covered rock as you pass through the bamboo grove. Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen from the Nyamileju rock shelter before entering the area with the gigantic heather, lobelia, and groundsel. After trudging through the exhausting muck, arrive at John Matte Hut to have dinner and spend the night.

The trail descends from John Matte Hut to bridge the Bujuku River and enter Lower Bigo Bog, which is home to enormous lobelias. The bog is eventually spanned by leaping from tussock to tussock, but rarely without the feet tasting some of the icy sludge below. Bujuku Lake, with views of Mt. Baker to the south and Mt. Stanley to the west, emerges from the upper Bigo bog. Ideally situated in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, Bujuku Hut is found in a little valley just below Stuhlmann Pass. At Bujuku hut, you can eat and stay the night.

As you leave Bujuku, the trail leads you through additional swamp before climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and via the enchanted Groundsel Gully as it makes its way to Scott-Elliot Pass, which is at 4372 meters. A metal ladder at the gully’s entrance allows you to ascend a steep part before the trail splits in two. While the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes, the trail on your right leads up to Kitandara Hut and brings those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Mount Stanley on a steep trail over big stones. The chilly and icy Elena Hut is where climbers will eat their dinner and spend the night.

Continue to the Stanley Glacier’s base if you want to reach Margherita Peak (5109 m). Depending on the weather and the rate of ascent, the trek up Margherita takes anything from 5-7 hours to complete. On this challenging hike, you will cross three glaciers as well as slick rock, ice, and exposed parts that are open on all sides. Note that only experienced climbers with good physical fitness should attempt this route. Cross the Stanley Plateau on the glaciers, then continue your ascent. Scramble to the top of Margherita, the highest mountain of the Rwenzori, after becoming accustomed to the fog, altitude sickness, and chilly weather. Get ready to head back through the beautiful Scott-Elliot pass and toward Bujuku Lake.

In case of inclement weather the previous day, today should be used for rest or a trip to Kitandara Lake. Climbers with a lot of motivation can ascend Mt. Baker, which is 4843 meters high (Edward-tip). It takes roughly 8 to 9 hours to ascend and descend, in part because of the exposed boulder fields.

Take the trail that branches off from Mount Baker’s base and ascends steeply up the headwall from Kitandara, continuing along the mountain’s southern flank to Fresh Field Pass. From here, one can see Mount Stanley to the north and the western edge of the Congo. Take the long trail via Bujongolo, the base camp for the famous expedition led by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906, as you descend from the pass.

It takes four to seven hours to descend from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija. Start your return hike, and finish it by dusk. You will proceed to Kasese for an overnight.

You will drive to Bwindi in preparation for your Gorilla trekking experience.

You will rise early this morning and travel to Bwindi to go gorilla trekking. One of the most thrilling animal experiences on the planet is going on a mountain gorilla trek. The journey will take between two and six hours, but it will be well worth it. A professional ranger will guide you and share fascinating information about the local flora and fauna as well as the gorillas’ way of life.

You’ll start your journey back to Kampala after breakfast. You have the option of driving or flying to Entebbe. Travel across the equator and spend time taking pictures there. Purchase a few trinkets, then enjoy a quick picnic lunch. You will then drive to the airport.