Hiking the Ruwenzori – Superb reward, magnificent scenery

The enchanted Ruwenzori mountain ranges lie in the Western Uganda along the Congolese boarder with a height of 5,100m above sea level. These unique snow - covered equatorial peaks of Ruwenzori rank among the highest ranges in Africa. Its lower slopes are mantled in moorland and rich mountain forest covering about 100 km in length and about 50 km in width.

 

Ruwenzori Mountains National Park protects the eastern slopes and glacial peaks of the 120km-long Ruwenzori Mountains a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. Most of the park is accessible only to hikers although the magnificent scenery and 19 Albertine Rift endemics would be ample reward for Birders. 

 

The Ruwenzori’s are referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ simply because the Roman Geographer Ptolemy Circa (AD 150) believed them to be the Lunae Montes predicted by the ancient Greeks to be the source of The Nile River. 

 

The mountain peaks thereof have been named after early explorers to Uganda. Some of those in the centre of the range have snow cover. These include Mount Stanley (5,110m), Speke (4,889m), Baker (4,843m), Gessi (4,797m), Emin (4,791m) and Luigi di Savoia (4,626m). On Mt. Stanley are the twin summits of Alexandra (5,044m) and Margherita (5,110m).

These beautiful, often mist-shrouded mountains are non-volcanic and offer mountaineers and walkers splendid country and wonderful views.  With their geographical nature, the Ruwenzori’s’ can boast of their challenging hiking and climbing possibilities notwithstanding the diverse flora and fauna on different altitude zone each with its own micro-climate. 

 

The real adventure commence from Entebbe International Airport or the Uganda’s capital Kampala, from whence you will head to Western Uganda. After a night of acclimatization, you are now ready to boldly rough the Ruwenzori.

Its now the second day of the hike, when you advance to Nyakalengija (1,615m) – the beautiful trail meander off Fort Portal road as you strive to access Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m) through thick tropical vegetation. 

 

Nyakalengija is 10 km before Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation then through forest arriving Nyabitaba Hut in the evening. If you have your own or rental car, don’t worry! There is a campsite and safe parking near the Nyahalengija office.

The third day is usually characterized by the longest; perhaps the most hectic stretch of the hike. After early breakfast, depending on the two Bigo Bogs, which are often knee-deep in mud, it may take you up to five hours before accessing the Bujuku Hut. En route you will be able to view Lake Bujuku that has a splendid setting between mounts Speke and Stanley Baker. Bujuku Hut will enable you to easily access Mt. Speke and this may mean spending an extra night here.  

 

In case you intend to climb the highest point in the range - Margherita Peak on Mt. Stanley(5,109m) you will need to start from Elena Hut(4,541m)- 2 km off the loop trail and about four hours’ walk from either Bujuku or Kitandara Huts.

The fourth and fifth day entail an effortful ascend to Scott Elliot Pass – the highest point in the loop trail, (4,372m) to access Kitandara lakes. Overnight is mainly on Katandara Hut which is on the second lake a journey that will take over four hours of remarkable trek.

 

The fifth day is typically the most interesting; early in the morning, you will ascend a steep slope to Freshfield Pass (4,282m) and then descend to Bujongolo Cave (3,720m).  En route the trail to Kabamba Cave(3,450m) there is a magnificent waterfall and a rock shelter where you can stay overnight as an alternative to Guy Yeoman Hut.

Very early in the morning you will move through gorgeous scenery of Savoia and Elena glaciers as you ascend through the Scott Elliot pass and go through the snow to Elena Hut. After an early breakfast ascend the snow-covered Alexander peak (5,092m) and proceed to the Supreme peak (5,109m). Here you will be rewarded by enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of world around you, then descend to Kitandara Hut for overnight right at the shores of Lake Kitandara.

 

The descend trek takes 2 to 3 days through Guy Yeoman and to Kasese via Nyabitaba and Lake Mahoma. You may choose to stay overnight at Nyabitaba Hut or proceed to Margarita Hotel to a comfortable rest from the long strenuous exercise. 

 

Hiking Rwenzoris is truly an incredible world class hiking experience

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