Ruwenzori Climb - Mount Stanley

You are prepared, ready to departure flight to Uganda, Entebbe.

Landing in Entebbe. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and drive you to Kampala. Check-in at the hotel, relax by the pool and in the evening dinner together to get to know all participants. Hotel B&B. 

We drive to Kasese, not far from Rwenzori National Park. We stay overnight local hotel/lodge in the city of about 70,000 inhabitants and here will meet our RMS (Rwenzori Mountaineering Service) guide for the tour.

In order to reach the National Park Headquarters in Nyakalegija, we drive to Kasese and follow the signs to the National Park. After another 15km passing small villages, we arrive at the headquarters to register. Our trekking starts! At the beginning, we pass villages, then we go deeper in the jungle, following the valley of the Mubuku River. This lower part of the mountain has a high animal population and with some luck we can see some of them. At the end of the day, as the altitude rises, the vegetation changes and after about 3-4 hours we reach the Nyabitaba hut (2650m) where we stay for the night. Full board. 

We initially climb along the Nyabitaba Ridge, then cross the valley of the Mubuku River over the Kurt-Schäffer Bridge and follow a steep path through bamboo forests. This soon clears and an afro-alpine landscape with boulders, grass plains and ferns follows. With a bit of luck you will get first views of Mt. Stanley and Point Margerita. After about 5 to 7 hours we reach John Matte Camp (3550m). Full board.

We follow the trail to the west through partly very marshy and- depending on the conditions - very wet terrain, which is partly defused by footbridges. Waterproof shoes and walking sticks are very useful here. Today we see special plants like lobelias and giant groundels ("Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro"), which only grow on the mountains of East Africa. After a steep climb, we reach Lake Bujuku, along the eastern shore and we reach the camp. Approx. 4-6 hours trekking to the Bujuku hut (4000m). Full board.

We have 3 full days to explore the mountains and do interesting glacier tours. On the first day, we plan to climb Mount Speke for further acclimatization. Overnight stays in hut/bivouac with own cooking together with the guides, cook/kitchen. Half board.

A possible plan would be:
Day 7: Ascent of Mount Speke.
Day 8: Ascent to Elena Hut (4541m)
Day 9: Ascent of Mount Stanley, Margehrita Peak (5109m)

Mount Stanley, the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains, consists of three peaks: Alexandra (5083m), Margehrita (5109m) and Albert (5101m). Our goal is to reach the highest point. The crossing or a direct ascent from Bujuku Camp (alternative normal route) can be discussed on site.

This day is also our reserve day for mountaineering. Then we descend to the beautiful Lake Kitandara.

We ascend to Freshfield Pass (4400m), a wide plateau below Mount Baker, and then descend over partly steep and slippery paths into the valley of the Mbuku River. There, after a hike of about 4-6 hours, we reach the Guy Yeoman Hut (3500m) / full board.

We go back down to Nyabitaba Hut, where the Central Circuit closes, then continue to the headquarters (about 4-5 hours hike). After saying goodbye to the support team, we will be picked up and drive to Hippo Hill Resort, full board.

A full day of safari with game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we can see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, lions, garzels, zebras and many other animals. Overnight at Hippo Hill Resort, full board.

After breakfast, we drive back to Kampala (5-7 hours) for a farewell dinner. Hotel, B&B, or dayroom. In case of a night flight transfer to the airport.

Flight & arrival at home.