Safari Overview
Experience the Mystical Challenge of Mt. Rwenzori National Park as you Hike to the Highest peak Margherita 5109m above sea level. Mt. Rwenzori National Park is located in Southwestern Uganda bordering the Congo. The park is home to about 70 mammal species such as Forest Elephants, bushbucks, Forest Elephants, L’hoest monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and white Monkeys, red-tailed Monkeys, and baboons among others as well as about 217 bird species such as Ruwenzori turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori nightjar, Archer’s robin-chat and red-throated alethe and different tree species.
The park is inhibited by the Bakonjo and some Batwa pygmies, who act as potters to tourists who come on a Rwenzori hiking safari to Uganda. Getting to Margherita Peak takes about 3 to 4 days, and descending to basecamp takes about 2 to 3 Days, depending on the speed of the slowest person.
Embark on the Rwenzori Hiking and unveil the hidden secrets of Mount Rwenzori National Park, creating an extraordinary experience.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Trek from Nyakalengeja to Nyabitaba (2651m)
- Day 2: Trek from Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp (3505m)
- Day 3: Trek from John Matte to Bujuku Camp (3962m)
- Day 4: Trek from Bujuku to Elena Camp (4541m)
- Day 5: Trek Elena Camp and Summit Margherita Peak (5109m)
- Day 6: Descend from Elena Camp to Kitandara then Guy Yeaman (3261m)
- Day 7: Descend from Guy Yeaman – Nyabitaba to Nyakalengeja (Base camp)
Safari Details
Day 1: Trek from Nyakalengeja to Nyabitaba (2651m)
Arrive at the park headquarters (Nyakalengeja) for a briefing about the hiking experience in the Rwenzoris.
The briefing is done by UWA park rangers regarding security, safety and hiking requirements such as Camping tents, sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved pants and shirts, Heavy Jackets, Mosquito repellent, sunglasses, gloves, bottled drinking water and packed foods among others.
Embark on a 6 to 7 Hours trek through the montane slippery forests as you spot different bird species such as Ruwenzori turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Rwenzori nightjar, Archer’s robin-chat and red-throated alethe.
Arrive at Nyabitaba Camp which is 2651m above sea level, set up your camping tents and have a relaxation with fresh cold air from the forests. Later, you shall have your dinner and overnight at the fire camp.
Day 2: Trek from Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp (3505m)
Have a mouth-watering breakfast and embark on an early morning trek through the dense forests with moss-covered rocks. Along the trek, you will be able to see Mount Stanely and Mount Speke from a distance.
Have a stopover for lunch and refreshments while cooling off fresh air and later proceed to John Matte Camp which is 3505m above sea level where you shall have an overnight and dinner.
Day 4: Trek from Bujuku to Elena Camp (4541m)
Rise early in the morning with a restful breakfast and later embark on a thrilling trek through the Bamboo thickets for about 5 to 6 hours as you head to Elena Camp which is 4541m above sea level.
The trails take you through the bog, as you climb the hike the steep slopes with views of Lake Bujuku and the magical forests of Groundsel gully.
Later, proceed to Elena Camp where you will have your dinner and overnight stay with a campfire.
Day 5: Trek Elena Camp and Summit Margherita Peak (5109m)
On this day, get up early with a hearty breakfast and embark on a trek to the third-highest peak in Africa. Prepare to have an extraordinary experience as you go through the steep rocks with glaciers, with the help of the rope and instructions from the ranger. However challenging this experience may be, you can still make it fully to the top.
Summit the Margherita Peak with as many photographs collecting memories of this 7-Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking Safari.
Later in the afternoon, descend to Elena Camp for an overnight stay and relaxation.
Day 6: Descend from Elena Camp to Kitandara then Guy Yeaman (3261m)
Rise early with a restful breakfast and embark on a descending trek through the alpine zone with spectacular views of Lake Bujuku and Mount Speke. The descent takes about 4 to 5 hours with a stopover at Kitandara Hut where you shall have your lunch and relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, proceed to slope off the mountain taking a trail below Mount Baker and views into Congo forests, continue with the steep rocky trails on a long high alpine moss.
Arrive at Guy Yeaman in the evening where you shall have a night. Enjoy your evening as the sun sets in the west with breathtaking views and fresh air from the deep forests. Have an overnight and dinner around the campfire.
Day 7: Descend from Guy Yeaman – Nyabitaba to Nyakalengeja (Base camp)
This is the last day of your trekking Challenge. Rise early in the morning and kickstart the day with a restful breakfast. Pack all your belongings and prepare to trek through the montane slippery trails to Nyakalengeja.
Take on the trails that descend the cliffs of kichuchu and the muddy paths across River Mubuku and the bamboo forests to Nyabitaba. Arrive at Nyabitaba, and enjoy your packed lunch and relaxation. At this point, you realise change as you continue to slope off the mountain with Vegetation types and soil.
Finally, arrive at Nyakalengeja Visitor’s Centre where you initially started your hiking experience. You will meet your Driver at this point and prepare to transfer to your next destination as you conclude your 7 Days at Rwenzori Hiking Safari.