12 DAYS MOUNTAIN RWENZORI AND CHIMPANZEE TREK
Day 1: Kampala City – Mountain Rwenzori National Park
You will be picked up from the hotel in Kampala – Transfer to Kasese town and then to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The 6-hour drive will reward you the views of different attractions on the way and you will be allowed to make stopovers to take photos.
You will be amazed by the landscape, tea plantations, and the overlooking views of the Rwenzori Mountains as you get closer to Kasese. You will stop at the equator crossing to take some photos and later in Mbarara town to have lunch.
Once you reach Kasese, register with the Rwenzori Mountaineering Service (RMS) offices. Dinner and overnight will be at either the Hotel Margherita (Midrange) Rwenzori Base Mountain Camp or the Mountains of the Moon Hotel – outside the park.
Day 2: Nyakalengija (1646) – The Nyabitaba Hut (2652) 2-7hrs hike
Breakfast is followed by briefing and thereafter, start trekking mountain Rwenzori. You will be provided with the necessary tools for hiking, assigned guides, and porters. The 5hr- 7hrs hike to Nyabitaba Hut will reward you the views of a variety of attractions on the way. The trail to Nyabitaba Hut involves passing through the Mubuku River.
After 2 hours, you will reach the Makoma River and then continue to very steep and sloppy areas near a forest. You will have dinner and overnight at the Nyabitaba Hut.
Day 3: The Nyabitaba Hut – The John Matte Hut (3414m) -7hrs trek
Wake up for breakfast and then hike for 7 hours to the John Matte hut. You will go through the river Bujuku and River Mubuku which are located near steep and slippery points. At this point, those who are not up to the task ahead should consider going back. Overnight will be at the John Matte hut.
Day 4: The John Matte Hut – The Bujuku Hut (3972m)- 3-5hrs
Breakfast and then transfer to Bujuku Hut which takes between 3 to 5 hours. As you leave the John Matte hut, cross the river Bujuku until you reach Lake Bujuku. You will continue following the trail until you reach the Bujuku Hut. Your overnight will be at the Bujuku hut.
Day 5: The Bujuku Hut – The Elena Hut (4430m)
You will leave the Bujuku Hut, trek, and move through dense vegetation around Mountain Baker and Mountain Stanley. Finally, divert to the Elena Hut. Overnight will be at the Elena Hut.
Day 6: Elena -Trek to Mount Stanley
Breakfast will be followed by the hike to the Elena Glacier and then to the Stanley Plateau. You will need crampons from this point onward to make climbing easier. From the Stanley Plateau, you will ascend the Margherita Glacier up to the Summit.
After reaching this summit, slope down to the Elena Hut, pass the Kitandara Lake, and then to the Kitandara Hut. Proceed to climb Mountain Baker or Mountain Luigi di Savoia and then descend to Kitandara Hut. You will have dinner and Overnight at the Kitandara hut.
Day 7: Kitandara Hut – Guy Yeoman Hut (3261m) -6hrs hike
This day’s hike will take 6 hours to complete. You will leave Lake Kitandara and reach the Mountain Stanley and Baker glaciers. You will follow some muddy trails that take you to some rock shelters where the Kabamba Valley starts. You will then slope down to the Guy Yeoman Hut.
This area is surrounded by beautiful scenery, a great landscape that includes mountains, rivers, and dense vegetation. At this point, prepare to take memorable photos of the great attractions.
Day 8: Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba Hut
After breakfast, begin climbing the slopes around the river Mobuku. Follow the trail passing through the Kichuchu rocks and re-enter the original route by the Bujuku River.
Day 9: Nyabitaba Hut – Nyakalengija (2hrs descend) – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up to have breakfast and prepare for your final 2 hour’s descent. As you approach Nyakalengija, you will be able to spot several primates, bird species, and a few mammals.
Once you reach down and take a rest, you will meet your guide/ driver at the starting point and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Relax at Mweya Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, Katara Lodge or Twin Lake Lodge
Day 10: Morning Game drive – afternoon boat cruise
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive to see a variety of attractions like animals, water bodies, birds, vegetation, and relief features among others. Return to your respective accommodation for lunch and move to Kazinga channel to see water-loving mammals like hippos, crocodiles, and so on.
Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
After breakfast, move to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. Meet chimps and other primates like red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons.
Day 12: Drive to Entebbe Airport
After breakfast, drive leisurely back to Entebbe Airport – Departure
End of Chimpanzee and Mt. Rwenzori treks
