General
A first description of the „Mountains of the Moon” as the Rwenzori Mountains are called was written in 150 b. C. By that time the mountain chain was imbedded in the kingdom of the Romanian-Greek Ptolemy-Dynasty in Alexandria.

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is part of UNESCO's world-nature-heritage. Its highest peak, Point Margherita is with its 5.109 m the third-highest summit in Africa. The mountains offer everything that leaves mountaineers, researchers and hikers beaming with joy.

Many animals can be found in the Rwenzori Mountains. Amongst them are numerous unique birds such as the glamorous Rwenzori-Turaco and bigger wildlife such as monkeys, antelopes, hyrax and leopards. In the valleys, elephants and buffaloes can be spotted.
Although the flora is similar to other mountainous areas in East Africa, due to the rainfall in the higher regions the vegetation is much more effusive. Between the mid of December and the end of February and June to September it rains less and the weather is perfect for hiking and mountaineering.

According to a study conducted by the BBC, the Rwenzori is mentioned as the best and most attractive mountain-area in the world.
You may find here many of the unique experiences you have been looking for somewhere else…
Once you have reached the highest point, the foggy peaks and the valleys beneath present a breathtaking view.

Together with our experienced guides and with modern equipment it is possible to tour the central mass of the Rwenzori Mountains in only 7 days. The well-trained guides are there to take care of your needs and share their knowledge. Ofcourse, the trekking requires commitment and the terrain is unlevelled and muddy with rocks and under woods. However, the exotic vegetation and the landscape will soon lead you to forget all the difficulties.

Program:

Day 1: From Kasese to the Nyabitaba Hut
When touring the Rwenzori Mountains via the Circuit Trail you start off from Nyakalengija, a village in 20 km distance to Kasese. Depending on your condition, experience and which peaks you include, the tour takes about 6 to 8 days. On the first day you walk 10 km and reach the Nyabitaba Hut (2.650 m).

Day 2: From the Nyabitaba Hut to the John Matte Hut
The aim for the second day is to reach the John Matte Hut (3.480 m), walking about 7 km in 6 hours.

Day 3: From the John Matte Hut to the Bujuku Hut
Next follows a stage of the true ascent, climbing 490 m in about 6 hours to reach the Bujuku Hut.

Day 4: From the Bujuku Hut to the Kitandara Hut/Elena Hut
On the fourth day you either take the route via the Scott Elliot Pass at 4.370 m to reach the Kitandara Hut (4.027 m) or - to get to the summits, Margherita, Alexandra and Albert - you reach the Elena Hut (4.540 m). At 4.400 m the rocky area without vegetation will have been reached.

Day 5: Ascent
Before sunrise you start the ascent to Peak Margherita (5.109 m) or to Alexandra (5.091 m) which takes about 5 hours. Depending on the weather conditions experienced mountaineers can manage both peaks in one day.
At the entrance to the glacier, climbing irons and a rope have to be used.
Climbing in the degrees I-III has to be done and finally you will enjoy the fantastic view far into the Democratic Republic of Congo. Peak Albert (5.087 m) is on the side of the DRC and can be reached in about 30 m from Peak Margherita.

Day 6: Descent
The descent starts via the Scott Elliot Pass to the Kitandara Hut which takes about 5 hours.

Day 7+8 (depending on your condition): Descent
Further stages of the descent are from the Kitandara Hut to the Guy Yeoman Hut, 6 km in 6 hours, and then from the Guy Yeoman Hut to the Nyabitaba Hut, 6 km in 5 hours. Finally, from the Nyabitaba Hut it takes 10 km which is about 3 hours to reach Nyakalengija. Mountaineers and hikers with a good condition can manage the descent from the Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyakalengija in one day.

Touring the Rwenzori Mountains is best planned for the dry months from December to February and from July to September.

Those who have climbed the Rwenzoris have all promised to come back.

Please contact us for more information and further inquiries:
office@equatorialwildsafaris.com.

Yours- EWS Team