Nature Walks to John Maate Camp

3

days

Nature Walks to John Maate Camp - 6Summits African Expeditions, packages, tours

Overview
Itinerary
Cost

Overview

This trek is a challenging out-and-back journey into the Rwenzori Mountains, reaching the alpine zone at John Matte Camp (3,505m). Starting from Nyakalengija, the route ascends through dense forest and farmland, home to primates like colobus monkeys, before climbing onto a massive ridge. The trail then leads across river valleys, through bamboo forests, and over slippery, moss-covered rock. It culminates in a traverse of a high-altitude bog to reach the hut, offering stunning views of the glacial peaks and passing through a unique landscape of giant heathers and lobelias. The entire trip is a strenuous but spectacular introduction to 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 climb downs from the same trail to Nyabitaba Camp for your lunch. This will take about 5 – 6 hours. After your lunch, descend back to Nyakalengija for either an overnight at base camp hotels or proceed to your next destination. The descend from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija will take 3 – 4 hours

Cost

The Cost Includes

Porters
park entrance fees
guide
chef
meals
camping tents or cabins
sleeping mats
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
Tips for the guides
driver
escorts
Personal health insurance
Climbing equipment
Wines and other beers
Emails if needed
Phone calls