18 Days Rwenzori and Kilimanjaro – Adventure at our peace
Overview
This bespoke itinerary is crafted for the discerning traveler seeking a unique blend of high-altitude mountain climbing and a world-class wildlife encounter. This 18-day expedition, combining the challenging ascent of the Rwenzori Mountains and Kilimanjaro is designed for a group tour based safety, and comfort. It requires travel between Uganda for the Rwenzori and Tanzania for Kilimanjaro. The Rwenzori are known for their rugged, multi-peak range with glaciers, which is very different from Kilimanjaro’s single volcanic peak.
Day 1: Transfer to kasese
Pick up from your hotel in Entebbe and transfer to kasese , the drive will take us 4-5 hours to get to fort portal where you will have lunch at the gardens restaurant, after we shall proceed to mountains of the moon at base at nyakalengijja overnight at Ruboni community rest camp .
Day 2 : Nyakalegija-Nyabitaba Hut
Here we will have instructions from the park rangers and an introduction to the route as well as meeting with our guides and porters. After that, we will embark on a journey along a path that passes through a dense forest along the Mubuku River, crosses its tributary of the Mahoma River, and then a long climb to the massive ridge, along which you will reach the Nyabitaba hut (2651 m). During this part of the journey, we can hear chimpanzees and see black and white colobus, blue monkey and brightly colored turraco Rwenzori. Duration of the hike: 6-7 hours. Elevation height: 1036 m
Overnight at Nyabitaba
Day 3 : Nyabitaba (2651m) – Mubuku River (2600m) John Matte Hut (3380m)
After breakfast, from Nyabitaba hut we will follow a trail that descends through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Next, we will pass a bamboo forest and a long, tiring stretch of slippery moss-covered cliffs. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, we will see the Stanley Mountains (Margherita Peak (5109m)) and Speke (4890m). And then we will find ourself in the zone of giant heather, lobelia and agriculture. Finally reach John Matte’s hut (3505 m). Dinner and overnight at the hut. Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours. Elevation height: 854 m. John matte camp
Day 4: John Matte (3380m) to Bujuku (3962m)
From John Matte Hut, the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters the Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Will enjoy the beautiful but hypnotising boardwalk through the open valley. Transition through a steep forested section to the upper Bigo bog which gives way to Lake Bujuku, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. This 4-5 hour hike ends at Bujuku hut. Bujuku is also a launchpad for climbing Mount Speke. Overnight at Bujuku camp
Day 5: Bujuku (3977m) to kitandara hut (4541m).
From Bujuku Hut, after a muddy area, will start a steep climb through a forest of giant groundsels up to the Groundsel Gully. A branch in the trail leads to Elena Hut, 4.430 m, then the trail proceeds directly to Kitandara Hut. You walk through Scott Elliot Pass, 4.372 m., the highest point during the central circuit, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views down the Bujuku valley, of Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia and Stanley just above. This is a steep, rocky trail which when is wet or icy can be very slippery. Overnight at Elen hut.
Day 6: Elena Hut (4541m) to Margherita peak– Kitandara hut (4027m)
To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzori. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed. Prepare for you return through the Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara
Day 7 : Kitandara (4027m) – Fresh field Pass (4282m) – Guy Yeoman (3450m)
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.) From the pass, take on the long high alpine mossy trail. Thereafter start the descent through steep rocky trails and the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906, until we arrive for an overnight at Guy Yeoman hut after 6-7 hours.
Overnight at Guyoman or move to John matte
Day 8 : Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija
Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the boggy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing up to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit. Continue past Nyabitaba Camp to complete your trek through Mihunga gate to Nyakalengija, overnight at Ruboni community camp.
Day 9:Transfer to Entebe
The day begins with breakfast after we shall drive back to Kampala with lunch enroute Fort portal. Proceed to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Day 10: Transfer to Moshi
Transfer to moshi town and check in Lodge for refreshments and acclimatization. Diner and overnight at Moshi Kili wonders
Day 11: Machame Hut Camp
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,350′
Day 12: Shira Plateau
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Hiking: 4-6 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′
Day 13: Barranco Camp
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,044′
Day 14: Karanga Camp
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′
Day 15: Barafu Camp
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,331′
Day 16: Summit and Mweka Camp
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent
Summit: ~19,341′
Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
Day 17: Mweka Park Gate (~5,000’) to Arusha
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 3-5 hours
Day 18 Departure
Have leisurely break fast and transfer to Airport for your light back home