The enchanted Ruwenzori mountain ranges lie in the Western Uganda along the Congolese boarder with a height of 5,100m above sea level. These unique snow - covered equatorial peaks of Ruwenzori rank among the highest ranges in Africa. Its lower slopes are mantled in moorland and rich montane forest covering about 100 km in length and about 50 km in width.
Ruwenzori
Mountains National Park protects the eastern slopes and glacial peaks of the
120km-long Ruwenzori Mountains a world-class hiking and mountaineering
destination. Most of the park is accessible only to hikers although the
magnificent scenery and 19 Albertine Rift endemics would be ample reward for
Birders.The Ruwenzori’s are referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ simply
because the Roman Geographer Ptolemy Circa (AD 150) believed them to be the Lunae Montes predicted by the ancient
Greeks to be the source of The Nile river.
The
mountain peaks thereof have been named after early explorers to Uganda. Some of
those in the centre of the range have snow cover. These include Mount Stanley
(5,110m), Speke (4,889m), Baker (4,843m), Gessi (4,797m), Emin (4,791m) and
Luigi di Savoia (4,626m). On Mt. Stanley are the twin summits of Alexandra
(5,044m) and Margherita (5,110m).
These beautiful,
often mist-shrouded mountains are non-volcanic and offer mountaineers and
walkers splendid country and wonderful views.
With their geographical nature, the Ruwenzoris’ can boast of their
challenging hiking and climbing possibilities notwithstanding the diverse flora
and fauna on different altitude zone each with its own microclimate.
The
real adventure commence from Entebbe International Airport or the Uganda’s
capital Kampala, from whence you will head to Western Uganda. After a night of
acclimatization, you are now ready to boldly rough the Ruwenzori.
Its now the second day of the hike, when you advance to Nyakalengija (1,615m) – the beautiful trail meander off Fort Portal road as you strive to access Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m) through thick tropical vegetation.Nyakalengija is 10 km before Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation then through forest arriving Nyabitaba Hut in the evening. If you have your own or rental car, don’t worry! There is a campsite and safe parking near the Nyahalengija office.
Its now the second day of the hike, when you advance to Nyakalengija (1,615m) – the beautiful trail meander off Fort Portal road as you strive to access Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m) through thick tropical vegetation.Nyakalengija is 10 km before Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation then through forest arriving Nyabitaba Hut in the evening. If you have your own or rental car, don’t worry! There is a campsite and safe parking near the Nyahalengija office.
The
third day is usually characterized by the longest; perhaps the most hectic
stretch of the hike. After early breakfast, depending on the two Bigo Bogs, which are often knee-deep in
mud, it may take you up to five hours before accessing the Bujuku Hut. En route
you will be able to view Lake Bujuku that has a splendid setting between mounts
Speke and Stanley Baker. Bujuku Hut will enable you to easily access Mt. Speke,
and this may mean spending an extra night here.
In case
you intend to climb the highest point in the range - Margherita Peak on Mt.
Stanley(5,109m) you will need to start from Elena Hut(4,541m)- 2 km off the
loop trail and about four hours’ walk from either Bujuku or Kitandara
Huts.
The
fourth and fifth day entail an effortful ascend to Scott Elliot Pass – the
highest point in the loop trail, (4,372m) to access Kitandara lakes. Overnight
is mainly on Katandara Hut which is on the second lake a journey that will take
over four hours of remarkable trek.
The
fifth day is typically the most interesting; early in the morning, you will
ascend a steep slope to Freshfield Pass (4,282m) and then descend to Bujongolo
Cave (3,720m). En route the trail to Kabamba Cave(3,450m) there is a
magnificent waterfall and a rock
shelter where you can stay overnight as an alternative to Guy Yeoman Hut.
Very early in the morning you will move through gorgeous scenery of Savoia and Elena glaciers as you ascend through the Scott Elliot pass and go through the snow to Elena Hut. After an early breakfast ascend the snow-covered Alexander peak (5,092m) and proceed to the Supreme peak (5,109m). Here you will be rewarded by enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of world around you, then descend to Kitandara Hut for overnight right at the shores of Lake Kitandara.
Very early in the morning you will move through gorgeous scenery of Savoia and Elena glaciers as you ascend through the Scott Elliot pass and go through the snow to Elena Hut. After an early breakfast ascend the snow-covered Alexander peak (5,092m) and proceed to the Supreme peak (5,109m). Here you will be rewarded by enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of world around you, then descend to Kitandara Hut for overnight right at the shores of Lake Kitandara.
The
descend trek takes 2 to 3 days through Guy Yeoman and to Kasese via Nyabitaba
and Lake Mahoma. You may choose to stay overnight at Nyabitaba Hut or proceed
to Margarita Hotel to a comfortable rest from the long strenuous
exercise.
Hiking
Rwenzoris is truly an incredible world class hiking experience
Peter K.
Philip
Adventure Kenya camping safaris,
Natural
Track Safaris
No comments:
Post a Comment