We have combined adventure packages where you go gorilla trekking after trekking the Rwenzori Mountains. It is only 4hrs – 5hrs drive from Kasese (Rwenzori Mountains) to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where Uganda gorilla safaris take place. Other interesting destinations to explore not far from the Rwenzori Mountains include Queen Elizabeth National Park for big game viewing, birding, Nature safari walk through the park, and a fantastic boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.
{DAY BY DAY TREKKING ITINERERAY}
DAY 1
ARRIVAL, ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, we will pick you and transfer you to Cassia Lodge Kampala
Dinner and overnight at Cassia Lodge: half board.
DAY 2
ENTEBBE – RWENZORI MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.
We begin the long-awaited Rwenzori trekking safari immediately after breakfast – you will commence your journey to the Rwenzori Mountain National Park trailhead at Nyakalengija by way of Kampala and Fort Portal. Lunch to be taken in Fort Portal and then proceed to Mihunga.
Dinner and overnight at Mihunga Lodge: Full board.
DAY 3
TREKKING TO NYABITABA (2650M ASL).
Precede to the Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m) where the Uganda Wildlife Authority will provide an informative briefing prior to commencing the Rwenzori trekking. Walk past Bakonjo homesteads dwarfed by steep foothills and banana plantations. Follow the trail along the Mubuku River, to cross the Mahoma River and before climbing steadily through the Podocarpus forest.
Dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut (2650m) Full board basis.
DAY 4
TREK TO JOHN MATTE HUT (3350M ASL).
After a substantive breakfast, depart Nyabitaba early, along a small trail dropping down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the convergence of the Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers. The forest gradually turns into a bamboo zone where the trail is slippery and moss-covered. A zone of the giant heather, Lobelia, and groundsel vegetation emerge before the Nyamileju rock shelter before traversing a bog to the hut.
Dinner and overnight at John Matte Hut (3350m) Full Board basis.
DAY 5
TREKKING TO BUJUKU HUT (3900M ASL).
The trail crashes down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, home of giant lobelias. Cross the bog to the Upper Bigo bog before continuing to Lake Bujuku where views of the highest mountain – Stanley – to the west are to be seen.
Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut (3900m) Full Board basis.
DAY 6
TREK TO ELENA HUT (4541M ASL).
After Bujuku, the boggy trail climbs the slopes west of the lake, passing through the paranormal groundsel gully. Ascend to Scott-Elliot Pass (4372m). A metal ladder takes you over an extremely steep section after which the trail branches, the right lead up to Elena Hut and Mt Stanley over a steep rocky trail, while the left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Lake Kitandara.
Dinner and overnight at Elena Hut (4541m) Full Board basis.
DAY 7
ASCENT OF MOUNT STANLEY (5109M ASL) TO KITANDARA HUT (4027M ASL).
For those who do not wish to climb the peak, a more restful day walking from Elena Hut (4541m) to Lake Kitandara (4023m). For those who wish, but also depending on altitude sickness, visibility, climbing ability, and acclimatization, climb a further three hours to Margherita peak (5109m) and later down to Kitandara Hut. Trek to the Elena glacier, before moving on to the Stanley Plateau. Climb and scramble to Margherita summit, the highest point of the Rwenzori – more excited about the Rwenzori trekking safari. The use of Crampons and ropes may well be necessary. Be prepared for a tough, arduous time in the mountains. Return to the Scott-Elliot pass, view the magical Bujuku Lake, and Mt Speke at a distance, continue down to Lake Kitandara.
Dinner and overnight at Kitandara Hut (4023m) Full Board basis.
DAY 8
TREK TO GUY YEOMAN HUT (3260M ASL).
After breakfast, a steep climb from the base of Mt Baker to the south side of Rwenzori Mountain of the Fresh field Pass (4280m). Views into the Congo to the west and Mt Stanley to the north are possible. From the pass, the boggy trail continues downwards, passing the rock shelter at Bujangolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.
Dinner and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut (3262m) Full Board basis.
DAY 9
TREK TO NYAKALENGIIJA TRAIL HEAD (1600M ASL).
Morning breakfast and load up on the equipment. Later, the porters and the climbing partly finally descend out of the Rwenzori Mountains. Trekking will be through a 6-hour walk that goes past the nearby Lake Mahoma and Nyabitaba and passes through the heather area and the Moss Zone. This may be the final hut in the Rwenzori Mountains or you could exit all the way if you feel energetic.
Dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba (2650) Full Board basis
DAY 10
BACK TO ENTEBBE – END OF RWENZORI TREKKING SAFARI.
Return to Entebbe 9 hour drive
Dinner and overnight at Cassia Lodge: half board.
10 DAY ADVENTURE RWENZORI MOUNTAIN TREKKING INCLUDES:
• Airport transfers
• Ground transport in a private 4WD
• English speaking driver/guide