Central Circuit only without Peak climbing

6

days

Central Circuit only without Peak climbing - 6Summits African Expeditions, packages, tours

Overview
Itinerary
Cost

Overview

This 6-day expedition completes the full, classic circuit of the Rwenzori Mountains' central highlands without a technical summit climb. It is the ultimate trek to experience the range's breathtaking and varied ecosystems. The route ascends through rainforest and bamboo zones into the surreal alpine world of giant lobelias and heathers, navigating the famous, challenging bogs to reach the pristine Bujuku Lake. It then crosses two high mountain passes (Scott-Elliot and Freshfield), offering spectacular views into the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of the glacial peaks, before making a long and dramatic descent. This complete loop provides an immersive and strenuous adventure through the heart of the "Mountains of the Moon."

The central circuit starts at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services offices at Nyakalengija. You need to arrive in the morning to allow ample time to rent equipment and meet your guides and porters. The trail begins by passing through farmland to the park boundary beyond which it follows a thick forest along the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma River tributary before starting a long, steep climb up onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba hut. During this part of the trip you may hear chimpanzee and see black and white colobus, blue monkey and the brilliantly coloured Rwenzori turraco. The hike takes an average of 6 -7 hours.

From Nyabitaba follow the trail that drops down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Passing through the bamboo forest, traverse through a long and exhausting stretch of slippery moss-covered rock. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen before passing into the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. Finally reach John Matte Hut after passing through the tiring bog, for dinner and overnight at the hut. The hike takes an average of 7 - 8 hours.

From John Matte Hut the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Jumping from tussock to tussock, the bog is finally crossed but rarely without the feet sampling some of the freezing ooze below. The upper Bigo bog gives way to Bujuku Lake, with views of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Bujuku Hut, well located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is set in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass. This camp is good for acclimatization for clients attempting the summits of peaks Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku hut. The hike takes an average of 4 – 5 hours.

Leaving Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical and forest of Groundsel Gully. Turn to your left, while the trail on your right leads to Elena Camp, the highest camp, for those who are aiming at climbing Margherita Peak. The trail will lead you through the Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke. After, the trail passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara camp. The hike takes an average of 5 – 6 hours.

From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4282m asl. At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long high alpine mossy. Thereafter start the descend through steep rocky trails and the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906 and then an overnight at Guy yeoman camp. The hike takes an average of 6 – 7 hours.

Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing downwards to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit. Continue hiking downwards and complete your trek by the evening. The descent from Guy yeoman to Nyakalengija takes 7 – 8 hour

Cost

The Cost Includes

park entrance fees
porters
guide
chef
food in the mountain
camping tents or cabins
sleeping mats in case of camping
activity fees
gas cooker
cooking appliances
community fees and VAT

The Cost Excludes

airport pickup and transfers drop off
Accommodations before and after the hike in Kasese
Missing meals and drinks
Individual excursions and visits as well as personal expenses.
Tips for the guides, driver, chefs and escorts
Personal health insurance
Climbing equipment’s (some can be hired locally) let us know to organize
Wines and other beers
Emails if needed
Phone calls