Rwenzori Mountains with EWP / RTS

This trip provides either 9 or 10 days trekking in the Rwenzori. The gradual height gain allows for excellent acclimatisation. Although you never have to walk fast or cover great distances a good degree of fitness is required as the terrain is quite demanding.
The best (dry) seasons are mid-December to early March and from early July to mid-August. Out os season the mountains can be spectacularly clear and garbed with snow - but the walking is then much tougher - boggier.

Programme

Arrive in Entebbe, transfer the hotel. (Lake Victoria Serena resort for Luxury and Backpackers hostel for Budget)
Transfer to Kasese. Depart by 8am so that can get to the Rwenzori in the mid-afternoon, organize all our trekking equipment ready to depart by 8.30am the next morning. (Sandton Hotel for Luxury and Trekkers Hostel for Budget)
Kilembe to Samalira. 8.6km, 5-7 hours, from 1,667m to 3,171m.The trek starts at Trekkers Hostel just beyond Kilembe. Meet your guides, briefing at 8am, start walking at 8.30am. Walk 2.2km to the RMNP rangers post, 1,727m. Here you pay your park fees and sign in.
Now walk along a path through tall grassland and ferns which give way to magnificent pristine montane forests with tall trees, thick undergrowth and a multitude of different species of birds, butterflies and primates.
Here it is common to see various primate and hear the cries of chimpanzees echoing around the valleys. Around our lunch spot at 2,570m it is often possible to see the black and white Colobus monkeys, Blue monkeys and also the Red tailed monkey.
After lunch we continue to climb, now more steeply, passing a rock shelter (2,785m) previously used by hunters. Soon we enter the bamboo zone. Above this we reach more open ridges with fantastic views of the valleys and hills below looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance. Samalira (meaning "lookout") Camp is at 3,147m. (Mobile network available at this camp). Fine stream nearby.
Samalira to Kiharo, 6.9 km, 4-5 hours from 3,171m to 3,380m. After a hearty breakfast we first cross a small stream and then climb steeply for about 200 metres up a narrow ridge. The thick moss covering the ground and rocks under the giant heather trees is spectacular. The views give us the impression that we could take off and fly across the many ridges and valleys far below. You can see Kilembe village deep in the valley and across Lake George. Soon the trail becomes less steep as we pass over Chavumba (meaning heaven) at 3,316m them cross a small flat valley to climb up a steady ridge through moss covered trees and misty forests to the top of the ridge at 3,515 metres. Now we descend steadily for about 1 km. before descending a steeper drop of about 200 metres into the Nyamwamba valley and a well-earned lunch break at Polies Rock Shelter 3,249m.
After lunch we climb steadily following the Nyamwamba River for 1.6km though old giant heathers covered in old man's beard moss to Kiharo Camp at 3,380m. located below an overhanging cliff, with towering peaks above.
Kiharo to Bigata, 6.8 km, 4-5 hours from 3,380m to 4,059. After an early breakfast we follow the Nyamwamba valley to the watershed at 4,183m. This is a spectacular walk through towering lichen-covered giant heathers, mossy rocks, passing beneath towering peaks till you reach the wider upper Nyamwamba. From here you climb steadily along the valley floor with small bogs and forests of giant lobelias. Both sides of the valley are lined with sheer cliff faces as we near the watershed. Bigata camp at 4,059m, lies beyond this above Lake Kopello commanding spectacular views over the Nyamugasani valley with its 9 lakes.
Bigata to Butawu, 6 km, 5-6 hours from 4,059m to 4,006m via 4,450 m. We follow the Batoda valley to Bamwanjara Pass then descend to Kachope Lakes. The pass offers spectacular scenery of the main peaks, particularly on a clear day. A steep descent through groundsel forests leads to Kachope Lakes.
On the right one can see McConnell's Prong named after a British explorer and geologist. The Kachope lakes area is one of the few areas where on a misty day one may catch glimpse of the Rwenzori leopard. Little research has been done on this animal and it is more rare than the snow leopard. After passing Kachope Lakes we descend steeply then climb to Butawu Camp.
Butawu to Margherita (Ridge) Camp. 4.1 km, 3-5 hours from 4,006m to 4,487m. Today is a relativately easy walk past Kitandara Lakes and climb through Scott Elliott pass to our camp situated on the ridge leading to the Stanley Plateau. Along the way we have fantastic views north to Lake Bujuku and Mt Speke. To the south you see Kitandara Lakes and Wiesmanns Peak. Here you can get a good sleep before climbing any of the peaks on Mt Stanley such as Margherita and Alexandra.
Ascend Margherita, return to Butawu. 11 km, 10 hours. High point 5,109m. It is best to start climbing no later than 4am. So is best to get up at 3.30am have a quick cup of coffee or tea and some light high energy snacks and set off. It takes about one and a half hours to reach the Stanley Plateau glacier at 4,765m. Steeper sections of this scramble have rope handrails.
Here we need to put on crampons and harnesses although there are few crevasses. At sunrise the scenery is spectular on a clear day. You then reach the upper weather station (4,830 m) where a mini via ferrata or easy scramble leads onto the Margherita glacier leading to Magherita Peaks. Your guide will decide on the best alternative in prevailing conditions. Climb up the glacier to a col between Alexandra and Magherita now scramble up easy rocks (handrail) to the main peak. At times the rocks are covered with snow and ice and may be slippery but mostly it is firm rock. Descend using the same route down to Margherita Camp for lunch. After a rest we continue down back to Butawu Camp.
Butawu to Bigata, 6 km, 5-7 hours via Bamwanjara Pass.We follow the route of day 6 in reverse.
Bigata to Mutindwa, 5.8 km, 4-6 hours from 4,059m to 3,688m.We start down the Nyamugasani valley across open moreland and large areas of tussock grass. As this is a valley floor it is relativately flat and boggy. We cross an open pass to gain the Mulyambuli valley. After passing several small waterfalls and moss covered valleys we reach the Mutinda with fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks directly ahead.
Mutinda to Kalalama, 4.2 km, 3-5 hours from 3,688m to 3,134m. In the morning you may decide to take the option of climbing to the top of Mutinda Lookout (3,975m), this takes about 1 hour and offers fantastic views as you stand on the moss covered peak. This climb is steep and near the top we have constructed a wooden ladder to enable you to climb more easily. After taking in the views and unique atmosphere you then descend to the rock shelter and a cup of tea or coffee before descending to Kalalama. This adds about 2 hours or more to your trek.The walk down to Kalalama follows a rocky river where in places you are required to rock hop down alongside the stream. The atmosphere is truly unique as the valley is closed in and often misty, creating the ideal environment for mosses and lichen. As we near Kalalama Camp we pass though a flat valley dotted with Gaint Lobelia. Some say this is one of the most beautiful sections of the entire trip. Sleep in Kalalama Camp which is perched on a high ridge overlooking the Kilembe valley and Kasese town.
Kalalama to Kilembe, 11.7 km 4 hours. Descend down through the bamboo forests along a steep ridge. As we leave the bamboo the ridge steepens through mountain montane forest the Mulyambuli river. Now the going eases to the Rangers Post 1,727m. After lunch and signing out of the park we walk down to Trekkers Hostel. Overnight at the Trekker's hostel for Budget and Fort Motel for Luxury.
Transfer to Kampala.Lake Victoria Serena for Luxury and Backpackers hostel for Budget. We can as well transfer direct to the airport depending on the time of the flight.
Transfer to the airport.

The 13 day trip is identical to the 10 day trip except days 10 and 11 are combined to make for a longer descent.
If the group decide to climb Mt Baker this can be done either instead of Margherita on 13 day programme OR it can be fitted in as an extra on the 14 day programme by saving time elsewhere - this must be negotiated with the guides.

Rwenzori Ruwenzori Mountains Trek

Rwenzori Trek to Margherita

13 or 14 days