Rwenzori Ruwenzori Chimpanzees Mountain Gorillas

As early as 150 AD Ptolemy had written of the "Mountains of the Moon", where snows fed the lakes, sources of the Nile". The Rwenzori range lies along the western border of Uganda and represents a true mountain range composed of several massifs; it includes Africa's third highest summit, Point Margherita (5109m). These massifs offer great attractions to climbers, walkers and naturalists. There are several endemic species of birds including the brilliant Rwenzori turaco, also monkeys, red forest duiker, hyrax and leopard. Some elephant and buffalo live in the lower valleys. Though the flora is similar to other East African mountain ranges it is exceptionally luxuriant mainly as a result of the high rainfall in the area; however, from mid-December to the end of February and from mid-June to mid-August there is little rain and good climbing weather.

On this trip we complete the Mubuku - Bujuku circuit with time to explore or to climb two of the main summits, Margherita and Speke. This is a tough, fully porter-supported trek involving some difficult terrain comprising bogs, deep undergrowth & boulders. The difficulties underfoot are easily made up for by the exotic vegetation and scenery. The main summits require the use of an ice axe and crampons on Margherita and possibly on Speke. On each mountain there are short steps involving climbing (grades I to II, French PD).

Our trip finishes with a visit to the rolling plains and lakes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Take a boat journey on the Kizinga Channel with its abundant animal life by the water's edge. Then we transfer to the Bwindi Forest famous for its habituated mountain gorilla population. On the way we stop off to hopefully see chimpanzees in the Kyambura river gorge.

Gorilla tracking is a major tourist attraction in Bwindi Forest. Four gorilla groups are currently available to be visited on daily basis. Book at least 3-6 months in advance to ensure that requested dates are available. Gorilla tracking is strenuous but after the Rwenzori you will be in top condition for it. Bwindi is also a beautiful reserve with a checklist of 350 birds, it boasts of more than 300 species of butterflies and 100 species of mammals.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

1. Depart from UK.
2. Arrive at Entebbe and meet your guide. Drive to Fang Fang (2 star) hotel in Kampala. Discuss programme with guide, change money. B&B accommodation basis.
3. Drive down to Kasese in the southwest passing through Mubende. Stop for lunch at Travellers Inn in Fort Portal. Continue to Kasese overnight at Virina Gardens. Full board.
4. After breakfast drive to Nyakalengija and the Rwenzori Mountain National Park gate. You will meet your mountain guides and porters and sign into the park. This day you walk through coffee plantations, then after crossing the Mahoma river you climb the steep, forested ridge with fine views of the Portal Peaks to Nyabitaba Hut (2500m, 4-5 hours walking).
5. Descend to the bridge spanning the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Ascend to the John Matte hut (3200m, (4-5 hours walking).
6. Beautiful walking beside the Bigo Bog takes us to the Bigo Hut. The upper Bigo Bog is crossed on a causeway of planks, now a steeper section leads to Lake Bujuku. Possible spectacular views of the Stanley Plateau. Night at Bujuku Hut (4000m) which lies 20 minutes beyond Lake Bujuku (4 hours walking).
7. Either visit Lac du Speke on the other side of the Stuhlmann Pass, or climb to Mt Speke, or rest. Second night at Bujuku Hut.
8. Walk to the Elena Hut (4540m) located below the Stanley Plateau.
9. Climb Margherita, 5109m, crossing the Stanley Ice Plateau. An early start is essential in order to have the best chance of good views, particularly the dramatic drop down to the rain forests of the Congo. After a rest and lunch descend to the Kitandara Lakes and Hut (4000m, 8-10 hours). The hut here arguably occupies the most enchanting location in the Rwenzori, dominated by the western face of Mt Baker.
10. After climbing steeply up to the Freshfield Pass (4280m), descend to the Guy Yeoman Hut (3500m), situated in the giant heather forest. Along the way pass the beautiful Kabamba water falls.
11. Descend to Nyabitaba walking through boggy areas of Kamatu and Kichuchu, then through bamboo forest.
12. Descend to Nyakalengija. Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After check in go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel return to Mweya Safari Lodge. Full board and total luxury compared to the mountain trip.
13. We set off early in the morning and head to the Kyambura wildlife reserve. Here we will be able to track chimpanzees in the tropical rain forest. This involves several hours of hiking in the Kyambura river gorge. This beautiful river valley is home to many species of birds and butterflies. We drive on to the Bwindi National Park where we go on a guided bird viewing walk before a very comfortable rest at the Buhoma Homestead, a mini resort inside a thick forest offering clean accommodation with warm showers, flushing toilets and solar power lighting. Full board.
14. After an early morning briefing we embark on one of the most exhilarating experiences in life. The gorilla search may last 1 hour to 10 hours. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres of the gorillas and will be allowed to sit around these animals for a whole hour gazing into their big round eyes. Return to Buhoma Homestead. Full board.
15. Leave the guesthouse and set off to Entebbe for your flight back. Lunch en-route in Masaka.
16. Return to UK.

Excluded: Personal expenses, travel and health insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, laundry services, personal phone calls & emails, porter services and tips, beverages other than those offered with meals.

Mountaineering Extension:
Those who are keen to ensure they ascend Margherita and who want to have a chance to attempt Mount Baker may consider a two day extension to fit in between days 8 and 9 in the programme above:

1. Spare day in the programme - to allow for a delayed ascent of Margherita or this can just be a well-deserved rest day at Kitandara.
   
2. Ascend Mount Baker 4,843M and hopefully have clear views of the Stanley Group. Descend to Kitandara lakes hut.