Rwenzori Mountain Hike
Rwenzori Mountains National Park the fabled Mountains of the Moon provide the third highest point in Africa. The lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich moist montane forest. As you go higher, the vegetation opens up to huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers” creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.
The park sits within the bird rich Albertine Rift, arguably one of the world’s most critical birdlife corridor. Birding opportunities are greatest in the montane forest. Bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds and barbets are some of the 220 species found in Rwenzori. These include several Albertine endemics and 17 species that are endemic to the park.
The neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
Safari Highlight of Climbing Rwenzori Mountain
Day one:
Nyakalengija (around 1,615m) to Nyabitaba hut (around 2,651), 5 hours; altitude gain 1,036m) from Nyakaengija, it’s a 10km ascent to Nyakitoba hut, passing first through forest there cultivations then through forest there is also piped water supply at the hut.
Day two:
Nyabitaba hut (2651m) to John Matte hut (3,505m). 7 hours; altitude gain: around 854m, this is the longest and most strenuous day’s walk. From Nyabitaba hut the path descends through the forest for a short time before it crosses the Bujuku River at the Kurt Schafer Bridge which was built in 1989.
Day three:
John Matte hut (3505m) to Bujuku hut (3962m), 5 hours; altitude gain 457m, this stage takes up to 5 hours depending on the condition of the bigo bigo, which are often knee deep in mud through a boardwalk has now been constructed across part of it. On the way Lake Bujuku has a magnificent setting between Mt. Stanley, Speke and Baker.
Day four:
Bujuku hut (3962m) to Kitandara hut (4,023m), 3-4 hours; altitude gain 61m , from Bukuju hut you will ascend to Scott Elliot pass (4372m) which is the highest point on the central circuit trail, before descending to the two kitandara lakes. The hut is next to the second lake.
Day five:
Kitandara hut (4,023m) to guy Yeoman hut(3,262m), 5 hours descent 518m, the stage starts with a steep ascent of fresh field pass (4,282) then a descent to Bujongolo cave (3,702m).
Day six:
Guy Yeoman hut (3,505) to Nyakalengija (5 hours 1890m) a 5 hours descent from Guy Yeoman hut to Nyabitaba hut (a descent of 851m).
Six days hike to Mount Higi di Savoia
Is a six day loop trail summiting the 4,620m Weisman’s peak and 4,627m Stella peak on Mt. Luigi di Savoia. A longer variation on this nine days loop trail incorporating a summit of Mt Stanley’s (5,109m) Margherita peak. Kindly Contact Gorilla Tracking Africa for more details.
