Rwenzori mountain national park is located in western Uganda with i8n the “mountains of the moon” as mount Rwenzori is called. Mount Rwenzori situated in western Uganda in the east African rift valley and straddles also to DRC Congo and its conservation are known as virunga national park. The mountain is the third highest in Africa raising up more than 16700 feet above sea level and its highest peaks raise the clouds and are permanently snow caped. Margherita peak is the highest peak on the ranges it the third highest peak in Africa together with its twin peak
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kasese
You will be picked by your safari driver from your hotel after breakfast and transferred by road to Kasese in western Uganda reaching in the evening. You will relax and have dinner and overnight at the booked lodge
Day2: Steep Climb to sine hut
After breakfast you will walk 2.2km to the UWA rangers’ post which takes about 1 hour, to pay entry fees and briefing from the park rangers on the rules of the park
You will start the trek by walking through all tall forest trees of the afro montane forest zone. In which you will a lot birds with possibility seeing chimpanzee in the forest, you may encounter troupes of Columbus monkeys in the forest.
You will also get a chance to see Enock’s falls about 200metres from sine hut where you will spend a night.
Meals and overnight at sine hut
Day 3: trek to bamboo Mimulopsis zone
Trekking begins 8:30am after heavy breakfast to bamboo Mimulopsis zone. You will climb 551metres through the beautiful atmosphere of the forest to Kalalama camp which is 3147metres. You can take rest and quick cup of coffee. You will continue with the trek along which you encounter several small streams and water fall through valleys heather trees and variety of plants and flowers.
The day trek will end at Mutinda camp which set near Small River where you can refresh and relax
Day 4: 4.9 km trek to alpine zone
You will trek across the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers intern past with many giant lobelias for climbing aster section up to Namusangi valley (3840m) which ends with Sheere waterfalls and clear views of Mutinda peaks. You have will the meals and overnight at Bugata camp.
Day 5: trekking 6.2 km to Butawu camp at 4062m
Trekking begins at 8: 30 am to climb up to Bamwanjara pass, climbing steadily through several long flat bogs. You will encounter everlasting flowers and giant groundsel with the bogs along your trek and have some rest on top of Bamwanjara pass and clear views on the main snow capped peaks.
Day 6: trekking 4.2 km to Margherita camp
You will begin your trek after breakfast and walk up to the Scott Elliot pass climbing over the rocks to Margherita camp at 4485 meters which is below Elena hut. You will enjoy great views of Mount Baker, Scott Elliot pass some their high glaciers on mount Stanley at this camp.
Day 7: trekking 11.5 km to Margherita peak, back to Margherita camp and descending to Butawo camp
The day begins with an early rise at 4:30 am to start climbing to get on the Stanley glacier before sun rise. The climb up from Elena can be difficult if covered in snow and ice. The climb up Margherita glacier is steep and requires reasonable body fitness. You will enjoy the beautiful views of Margherita peak on a clear day.
You will then descend to Butawu camp for your rest and overnight stay
Day 8: trekking 6.2 km starting 3974 meters to Bugata camp 4062 meters
You will begin trekking at 9:00 am after breakfast climbing up Bamwanjara pass which is steep and little bloggy during wet weather. You may get a chance to see hyrax sitting at the entrance to their rock shelter warning in the sun along the trek
You will have overnight stay at Bugata camp
Day 9: descend to Kiharo camp
You will set off early morning from around Lake Bugata climbing 200 meters to the confluence of two valleys then descend down the upper areas of Nyamwamba valley where will encounter a large area of thick giant groundsel with dense evergreen undergrowth and moss with the rocky peaks towering above. The valley is home to many red forest duikers
Overnight stay in Kiharo camp
Day 10: descending to Kiharo/Samalila camp
You will wake up to the shrill calls of various birds in the morning and enjoy your breakfast at the camp. You will then walk down the valley, home to many bird species with the thick vegetation. Samalila camp (3147m) is situated in closed valley at the top of several waterfalls and is the alternative sleeping in Kiharo camp
From here you descend down along reach rich through bamboo Mimulopsis zone and afro montane forest.
End of the safari