5 Days Rwenzori Mountain Trek With Margherita-Central Circuit Trail
Go for a one way 5 days Rwenzori Trekking to Margherita peak, through the central circuit trail route. The 5 days Rwenzori mountains trekking starts from the foot slopes of the Rwenzori mountains National Park at Nyakalengija in Kasese to Margherita peak, passing through Nyabitaba hut, John Matte, Bujuku & Elena, and back down through the same route. This 5 days rwenzori trekking is recommended for the physically strong Mountaineers who want to hike the Rwenzori mountains in 5 days From Kasese or Nyakalengija.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site and offers the opportunity to see nature at its best. The plant life varies from heavy tropical rainforest, bamboo forests, montane cloud forests to alpine vegetation and the scenery is truly spectacular. Above 4,500 metres the snow and glaciers add that special dimension to the glorious views all through this pristine mountain range.
From Kampala to Kasese
You will be met by our company representative who will pick you up from Entebbe or Kampala (accommodation) in the morning and proceed to the western part of the country by passing either through Masaka-Mbarara which is 422km. You will pass through Queen Elizabeth national park crossing the Equator line that takes 7-8 hours and arrive in Kasese town.
Or you will be transferred along Mityana-Fortportal kasese road which is 372km drive that takes 6–7-hour drive to Kasese. On reaching either Mbarara or Fort portal, your will have a lunch break, then proceed to kasese , arriving at your hotel for an overnight.
Highlight Of The 5 Days Rwenzori Trekking To Margherita Peak
Day 1: Drive From Kasese-Nyakalengija-trek to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
Day 2: Trek From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
Day 3: Trek From John Matte Hut to Elena Hut (4541m).
Day 4: Climb From Elena Hut – Margherita peak (5109m)- Descend To John Maate
Day 5: Descend From John Matte hut – Back to Nyabitaba Hut and proceed out of the national park
Detailed Itinerary For 5 days Rwenzori Trekking along the Central circuit trail
Day 1: Kasese-Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Very early in the morning after breakfast, you will be picked y your guide, then after head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarters at Nyakalengija (1.646 m). At this point you receive briefing from your guide or the tourism officer.
The hike starts from the office through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo( the people of the mountain), gradually passes g through garden plots and elephants grass and connects to the forest zone . Thereafter, trek through the Mubuku river, until you cross the Mahoma river. The trail passes through open bracken fern slopes and beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2.652 m, which is the arrival point for the day.
At this location of the hut, you will be facing North of the Portal Peaks (4.627m), in front of Mount Kinyangoma. During your trek, you might encounter monkeys, spot the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco, three horned chameleons which is endemic to the Rwenzoris, common bulbul birds, yellow eyed tinkle birds, wood pecker, mountain elephants(though rarely seen) and as well as hearing the voices of the chimpanzees.
Day 2: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, 3.414 m.
Duration: 6-9 hours
From Nyabitaba Hut you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, through a muddy area. Then the trail climbs up through the bamboo forest. During this day, it takes you to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer bridge and then you start the bamboo/memolopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and its at this point where you can see red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku river. The final point is John Matte Hut, 3.414 m. for spending the night. From Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte it can take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.
Day 3: From John Matte Hut to Elena Hut (4541m).
After breakfast, cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, a grassy bog where you will jump from tussock to tussock. Currently, there is a constructed walk board on both lower and upper bigo bogs that offers a clear view of the mountain sceneries. And this is the point where you start the alpine savannah zone of sparse vegetation. On this day you will also be able to see the beautiful gardens of gaint lobelia, asanasio black berries, wild carrots, Alcamilla, lake Bujuku, sun birds, red duikers, rock hyrax and more. at omwihembe, you will move north of the lake to Omukendege where the trail is divided into two
On a clear day, you may be able to view the peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke.
The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. On this day, you be able to view Mount Speke glacier on Victoria Emmanuel, Margerita peak on Mount Stanley and the breathtaking views of Lake Bujuku, amazing rock path and so many others. Finally you will reach for an overnight at the Cooly & Icy Elena Hut.
Day 4: Elena Hut – Margherita peak (5109m) and then John matte
Duration: 5-7 hours ascent & 4-5 hours descent
Following your early breakfast at midnight, you will set off in the right peak gear, following the trail at the base of Mount Stanley Glacier. Depending on the weather, physical strength and the walking pace, trek over three glaciers: the slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. After then continue climbing on to the glaciers, pass the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and cool weather, scramble up to the highest peak of Mount Stanley-Margherita, of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Note: You shouldn’t get disappointed when you don’t make it to the peak, because of the high altitude and the tough conditions.
After capturing nice photos, and celebrating your victory, descend back to Elena hut for lunch, after which you will embark on your descent down to John Matte.
From Elena, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Bujuku, Lake Kitandara ,Mount Speke, and Mount Stanley. Follow the trail that passes through the alpine zone of sparse vegetation with beautiful gardens of flowering Asanasios, giant lobelias, and rough boulders and reach John maate for dinner & an overnight. This also takes you to 4-5-hours. However, basing on the time reached at Elena hut after margarita, you talk with your guide to have another night at Elena hut which will lead to an extra day.
Day 5: John Matte hut – Back to Nyabitaba Hut and proceed out of the national park
Duration: 7-9 hours depending on the physical strength and pace
Depart John Matte hut early enough to trace your back to Nyabitaba, then to the pack gate. You will have breakfast early enough for breakfast, thereafter descend through steep slopes and rocks, wadding through. The trail continues through deep mud, small river including Mubuku, reaching Nyabitaba hut in time for lunch and descend further through Mubuku River and Bakonzo Farmlands to the Park Headquarters where you will receive your certificate.
Proceed to your lodge for dinner and a beautiful restful night.
