Rwenzori Central Circuit Trek

Itinerary

Day 1: Nyakalengija (1615m ) – Nyabitaba camp (2651m)

Since the Trek about Rwenzori Central Circuit, you will be welcomed by our ground handler from RMS and head to the park gate and briefing will be done there and orientation about the various huts along the trail. This is the oldest trail that was first used by the great explorers that conquered the Margherita peak. 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. You may spot some  black and white colobus, blue monkey and the brilliantly colored Rwenzori turaco.( Things to see )

Day 2: Nyabitaba – John matte camp (3505m )

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.

Day 3: John Matte - Bujuku Camp (3962m)

From John Matte Hut the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Jumping from tussock to tussock, the bog is finally crossed but rarely without the feet sampling some of the freezing ooze below. The upper Bigo bog gives way to Bujuku Lake, with views of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Bujuku Hut, well located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is set in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass. This camp is good for acclimatization for clients attempting the summits of peaks Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku hut.

Day 4: Bujuku - Kitandara Camp (4430m)

Leaving Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical and forest of Groundsel Gully. Turn to your left, while the trail on your right leads to Elena Camp, the highest camp, for those who are aiming at climbing Margherita Peak. The trail will lead you through the Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke. After, the trail passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara camp.

Day 5: Kitandara – Guy Yeoman (3261m )

From Kitandara, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4282m asl. At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long high alpine mossy. Thereafter start the descend through steep rocky trails and the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906 and then an overnight at Guy yeoman camp.

Day 6: Guy Yeoman – Nyabitaba – Nyakalengija (1615m )

Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing downwards to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit.

Reservation Team recommends that you book your overnight in the hotels that are close to Rwenzori Mountains since you  will arrive at the gate late evening and likely to be too tired.