10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking
This 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking starts with an early breakfast before heading to Bwindi National Park. The scenic drive offers views of Uganda’s lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, check in at Gorilla Mist Lodge, where you can relax and get ready for the exciting trek ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s journey and looking forward to the thrilling gorilla trekking experience. The lodge provides comfortable accommodation, ensuring a good night’s rest to recharge for the adventure. This well-planned itinerary ensures a smooth start to your memorable group tour in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness.
Day 1: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On the first days of 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking, begin your adventure with an early breakfast before heading to Bwindi National Park. The scenic drive will offer glimpses of Uganda’s lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, check in at Gorilla Mist Lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting trek ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s journey and anticipating the thrilling gorilla trekking experience. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation, ensuring a restful night to recharge for the adventure. This well-planned itinerary ensures a smooth start to your memorable journey in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Kasese, Nyakalengeji
Wake up early for an exciting gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through the dense forest with expert guides, getting up close with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable experience, travel to Kasese, enjoying the scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival in Kasese, check in at Snow Heights Lodge. The lodge offers a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation, and a delicious dinner to round off your day. Relax and unwind, reflecting on the incredible gorilla trek as you prepare for the next leg of your journey. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at Snow Heights Lodge.
Day 3: Nyakalengeji to Nyabitaba Hut
On the third day of 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking, meet your guide for the journey to Nyabitaba Hut (2651m). At the briefing point, park rangers will provide important instructions and details about the route. You’ll also meet your guides and porters. Begin your hike through the lush forest, following the Mubuku River, crossing the Mahoma River, and climbing a ridge. Along the way, listen for the calls of chimpanzees and watch for black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and colorful Rwenzori turacos. The trek lasts 6-7 hours, with an elevation gain of 1036m. Enjoy an overnight stay at Nyabitaba Hut, surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains.
Day 4: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut
After breakfast, begin your descent through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, located just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Navigate through a bamboo forest and a long, slippery stretches of moss-covered cliffs. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, enjoy stunning views of the Stanley Mountains, including Margherita Peak (5109m) and Speke (4890m). Continue through a zone of giant heather, lobelia, and other unique plants. Reach John Matte Hut (3505m) after a 7-8 hour hike, with an elevation gain of 854m. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hut.
Day 5: John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
Leave John Matte Hut and descend to cross the Bujuku River, entering the Lower Bigo Bog, known for its giant lobelias. Walk along the scenic boardwalk through the open valley, then tackle a steep climb through a forested section leading to the upper Bigo Bog. Arrive at Lake Bujuku, offering views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. The hike lasts 4-5 hours and ends at Bujuku Hut, which also serves as a starting point for climbing Mount Speke. Enjoy the remarkable scenery and rest overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Day 6: Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut
From Bujuku Hut, traverse a muddy section and embark on a steep climb through a forest of giant groundsels, reaching Groundsel Gully. Follow the trail to Elena Hut, situated at 4430m. Proceed to Kitandara Hut, passing through Scott Elliot Pass at 4372m, the highest point on the central circuit. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Bujuku Valley, Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia, and Mount Stanley. The steep, rocky trail can be quite slippery when wet or icy, demanding careful footing. Spend the night at Elena Hut, savoring the stunning alpine scenery and reflecting on the day’s challenging yet rewarding trek. Prepare for the next leg of your adventure in this remarkable landscape.
Day 7: Margherita Peak and Return to Kitandara Hut
For those aspiring to summit Margherita Peak (5109m), on day 7 of 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking, commence the climb from Elena Hut to the foot of the Stanley Glacier. The journey to Margherita Peak typically spans 5-7 hours, contingent upon weather conditions and individual pacing. This demanding ascent entails traversing three glaciers, navigating slippery rock, ice, and exposed terrain. It’s essential to note that this endeavor is suitable for physically fit and experienced climbers. Upon reaching the summit, prepare for the descent via Scott-Elliot Pass, relishing the breathtaking vistas of Bujuku Lake, Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and the Kitandara Lakes. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight lodging at Kitandara Hut, reflecting on the day’s awe-inspiring achievements amidst the natural splendor of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 8: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut
Starting with Kitandara Hut, embark on a challenging ascent up the headwall, which extends from the base of Mount Baker. Follow the trail along the southern side of the mountain to reach Fresh Field Pass at 4282m. Traverse the long, scenic alpine mossy trail before beginning the descent down steep, rocky paths. Along the way, pass by the historic rock shelter at Bujongolo, once the base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1906 expedition. After a 6-7 hour hike, arrive at Guy Yeoman Hut, where you can choose to spend the night or continue onward to John Matte Hut. Reflect on the day’s adventures amidst the rugged beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 9: Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengeji
Day 9 of 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking, descending from Guy Yeoman Hut, navigate the rugged cliffs of Kichuchu. Past Kichuchu, traverse a boggy path crossing the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest. Ascend to Nyabitaba Hut to conclude the circuit. Continue past Nyabitaba Camp to Mihunga Gate, marking the completion of your trek at Nyakalengeji. Enjoy a satisfying dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at Snow Heights Lodge, reflecting on the memorable journey through the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 10: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Return to Kampala or Entebbe via the scenic Mityana Fort Portal Highway. Delight in a leisurely lunch en route, savoring the flavors of Ugandan cuisine. Arrive in Entebbe for an overnight stay, where you can unwind and reflect on your adventures in the Rwenzori Mountains, this marks the end of 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking.