Mt. Rwenzori Hints
A fully portered hike, Equatorial Safaris
supplies all camping equipment - although some of
the huts may be used en route as they are in good
condition; we have a high guide to climber ratio,
utilizing ropes, harnesses and ice equipment for the
summit attempt. Our cooks prepare top quality food.
The 'Rwenzori', or 'Mountains of the Moon', lies along
the western border of Uganda, on the border with the
DRC. A chain of remote fold mountains, they contain
some of East Africa's most unusual and luxuriant vegetation
and beautiful high altitude lakes. The main summit,
Margherita (at 5 109 metres), rises out of the Stanley
Plateau, the largest glaciated area on the continent.
To the west is the endless expanse of the DRC jungle
and to the east the mists and clouds that rise up
over the Lake Victoria basin. Chimpanzee, Blue Monkey,
Rwenzori Colobus, Red Forest Duiker, Hyrax and Leopard
are the commonest large mammals.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES:
1. TOUR CODE ESL/RC/110: MARGHERITA
ROUTE -12 DAYS
-
DAY 1 Met on arrival
by a representative of Equatorial Safaris and transferred
to your airport hotel, where you will overnight
on a bed and breakfast basis.
-
DAY 2 Met at the
hotel by your Equatorial Safaris representative
for your early start for the town of Kasese, a seven-hour
drive on tar roads. Check in to Margherita Hotel,
at the foot of the Rwenzori's. Bed and breakfast.
Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel
- they will lock them up for you. Pack your bag
carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit
of 12 kg, and ensure that everything has been stored
to keep dampness away - especially items like your
camera.
Leave some 'bin bags' in an outer pocket of your
bag, and show the porters where they are so that
in case of rain they can quickly cover your bag.
Keep one out for your personal backpack too!
MARGHERITA HOTEL: This hotel, situated at the foot
of the Ruwenzori Mountains, is just outside the
hustle and bustle of the town of Kasese. It has
excellent views on your objective. The rooms all
have en-suite bathrooms and are very clean and comfortable.
Large bar and dining areas ensure a little peace
and tranquillity before your climb starts.
-
DAY 3 After breakfast,
depart for the trailhead at Ibanda where porters
are allocated, loads distributed, you are briefed
by the Wildlife Authority etc. these things take
time (African time!) - please relax, sit down and
enjoy the scenery - don't get anxious about starting
off - it will only get you stressed out!!
The initial part of the trail passes through Bakonjo
farms, before climbing steeply to Nyabitaba Hut
at 2 650 metres, set on a forested ridge with good
views of Portal Peaks and the Bujuku Valley. Ensure
you keep your wet weather gear with you, there are
patches on the route where it is VERY wet and muddy,
and you may end up with pretty wet boots this evening.
Ensure your boots are waterproofed, and that you
have spare lightweight shoes to wear in camp this
evening, allowing your boots to dry.
Take it SLOWLY today; you will encounter some steep
parts on the climb. The porters walk ahead and sometimes
with you - make sure every day, that you have all
your personal gear needed with you, as you will
not have access to your bag.
Conditions are difficult on this route, and your
guide / porters will do everything they can to make
your climb pleasant and as comfortable as possible.
-
DAY 4 Start with
a rather steep downhill section where you will cross
the confluence of the Bujuku/Mubuku Rivers at the
Kurt Schafer bridge, after which you steeply ascend
through heather and giant groundsel forests to John
Matte hut, situated in a grove of giant heather
at 3 415 metres. Again, keep your wet weather gear
handy, and some snacks for the route. Drink plenty
of water. The hut is a spacious one and well worth
using, although there are nice spots to pitch your
tent if you feel the need. Eat well - at higher
levels your appetite will diminish.Learn to pace
yourself with your breathing - do not try to rush
to catch up with anyone, go at your own, most comfortable
speed and you will arrive at base camp relatively
easily.
-
DAY 5 Across the
two Bigo Bogs as well as the Kibatsi Bog, wellies
are a great help here. There are the remains of
a causeway of wooden planks across the Kibatsi bog,
which is in various states of disrepair at this
stage, up to Lake Bujuku. The shores are muddy,
the last obstacle before Bujuku Hut (3 977 m). Excellent
views of Mt. Baker, Mt Speke and Mt. Stanley if
clear.
-
DAY 6 For those
who wish, there is an opportunity here to climb
Mt Speke, whilst the rest of the group can hike
to view the Irene Lakes, returning to Bujuku to
overnight. Alternatively this can be taken as a
rest / acclimatization day.
-
DAY 7 Travelling
over the Scott Elliot pass, after which you descend
to Kitandara Hut (4 027 m). The lower of the two
Kitandara lakes is one of the most beautiful locations
on the Ruwenzori, and the Savoia Ridge always on
the skyline while walking.
-
DAY 8 A steep climb
over the Freshfield Pass (4 282m), before descending
to Guy Yeoman Hut, set in the giant heather zone
at 3 506 m. It is likely you may experience seizure
of joints - particularly knees today - keep a support
bandage with you for this descent, and perhaps some
anti-inflammatory pills/cream.
-
DAY 9: This morning
you'll start a bit earlier than usual, as you have
an extra hour or so for your descent to the gate.
A long walk today! A steep descent through the bamboo
zone, to Nyabitaba Hut, then to the road head where
the vehicle awaits. Liaise with your head guide
regarding tips - we recommend approximately USD
80-00, which the guide will apportion out amongst
the group. Any old clothes, shoes, etc. would also
be most appreciated. Whilst tips are compulsory,
and the above figure is 'expected' - anything above
that is totally at your discretion. Overnight at
Margherita Hotel, where you can start with a cold
beer or a hot bath or both!! Bed and breakfast.
-
DAY 10: Return
to Entebbe for your overnight stay at hotel. Bed
and breakfast.
-
DAY 11: Day to
explore the city of Entebbe, or to visit Ngamba
Island Chimp Sanctuary etc (our local operator will
gladly assist). Overnight stay at hotel. Bed and
breakfast.
-
DAY 12: Met at
the hotel and transferred to the airport. Departure.
Important:- Mountain service fee per person is payable
in advance, and is valid for 7 days in the Park.
This includes a park entry fee, and fees which go
directly to the upkeep of the route, huts, bridges
etc and payment of local staff and communities.
Package Includes: Mountain
Services Fees, Entebbe transport in Land cruisers,
land rover or bus, accommodation, meals and transfers
as specified, services of a professional mountain
guide, all meals on the mountain, local guides, porters,
cook, hut and park fees, rescue fees whilst on the
mountain, all camp equipment (except crampons/ice
axes), (Huts on this climb are small and often cramped
or full, so we use tents throughout - we supply quality
mountain tents and mattresses)
EXCLUDES - Airline tickets, visas,
travel insurance, tips, departure tax, drinks, items
not specified, personal equipment.
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