Description

Often referred to as Africa’s legendary mountains of the moon, the Ruwenzori’s offer one of the best trekking experiences in Africa. From lush tropical rainforests to snowy alpine peaks the route is both challenging and spectacularly beautiful.

Highlights

• Trekking in Uganda’s lush tropical rainforests
• Ascending the glaciers in Africa’s Alps
• Summiting the Ruwenzori’s highest peak at 5109m

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport on the shores of Lake Victoria. Once through customs you’ll receive a warm welcome by your guide. Depending on time of your arrival you will have some refreshments, a partial city tour around Kampala, and time to change money. Check in at African Hotel Kampala (*3 star) where you will be staying overnight.

Day 2:
An early start, after breakfast you will be transferred to Kasese (the foot hills of Mt. Ruwenzori). En-route you will have lunch and stop at various places of interest. In the evening there are optional village walks available should you wish to familiarize yourself with the place. Accommodation and dinner is at the Hotel Margherita.

Day 3:
The day starts with a morning transfer to Nyakalengija on to Ibanda, from where the hike starts. Your climb takes you through thick Equatorial vegetation for approximately 5-6 hours before arriving at the Nyabitaba hut (2650 meters) which is your overnight stop.

Day 4:
After an early breakfast, you start the morning hike crossing the Kurt Sharfer Bridge. Here you’ll have a chance to stop and marvel at the sparkling Mobuku river confluence. From there the route climbs through the open patches of Lobelia and Heath moss forest before proceeding up to the John Matte hut for the overnight stop.

Day 5:
Another early start, the route takes you through the giant Lobelias and heath trees. Continuing on you ascend to the Bigo Bog and scenic landscape of Lobelias and giant Groundsels. Dinner and overnight stop at Bujuku hut (3997 meters).

Day 6:
Today’s hike heads off from the valley with it’s scenic alpine vegetation and head on to ascent Mount Victoria and Mount Speke at (4890 meters)

Day 7:
The route takes you through the lovely views of the Savoia and Elena glaciers, then up through to the Scott Elliott pass (4372 meters) from where you proceed through the snow to the Elena hut for overnight rest.

Day 8:
Today is your final ascent to the Alps of Africa! Departing early morning you ascend to the snowy Alexander peak (5092m); and then onwards to the highest peak at 5109m. If the weather’s clear there’ll be some great photo opportunities from the summit. Thereafter descend to the beautiful lake Kitandara for overnight stay at Kitandara hut. (3900m).

Day 9:
After an early breakfast the descent begins. Stopping for a picnic lunch along the way, you continue down to Guy Yeoman hut for dinner and overnight’s rest.

Day 10:
Your last day on the mountain, descend to Nyabitaba and proceed to Ibanda and check in Hotel Margherita where you’ll be staying overnight.

Day 11:
After an early breakfast you will have tiem to pack your bags before transferring to Mbarara for lunch. From there you return to Kampala. En route you may stop occasionally to stretch your legs and take photos at the equator. In Kampala check into the Africana Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12:
Departure and Kampala city tour depending on time of Flight.