Ruwenzori Trek - Mountains of the Moon

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. Africana Hotel*** B&B. 

We drive Via Fort Portale to Queen Elizabeth National Park, not far from Rwenzori National Park. We stay overnight in a lodge outside the park, with beautiful views and the chance to observe wildlife. Hippo Hill Lodge / full board.

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.

The most technically demanding day leads us first along Lake Bujuku, then over steep paths and an intermediate pass - with breathtaking views of Mount Stanley and the Stanley Plateau, the largest glacier in Africa - to the highest point of the trekking trip, the Scott Elliot Pass (approx. 4550m)! The descent below Mount Baker leads to the picturesque Kitandara Lake (4000m), approx. 4-6 hours. Overnight at a hut / full board.

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.

****Hippo Hill Resort, shared twin/double, FB

A famous national park in Uganda named after Queen Elizabeth II, known for its stunning wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos, as well as boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel. We will drive on classical Safari with unlimited game drives during the day. 

****Hippo Hill Resort, shared twin/double, FB

Morning safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we can see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, lions, garzels, zebras and many other animals. After lunch we drive back to Kampala (5-7 hours) for a farewell dinner. Hotel, B&B.

Extension for gorilla tracking or safari (Queen Elizabeth, Kabale, Murchsion Falls). If you are participating with fellow climbers (please see Rwenzori Expedition under Climbing), you can spend the extra 3 days this way. Please ask us for more information!

Flight & arrival at home (or extension in Uganda, Africa)