The Rwenzori Mountains. the fabled "mountains of the moon" (first described by the Greek philosopher and geographer Ptolemeus in the 2nd Century) ... are capped with a splendid world of ice and snow, massive ice-rime sculptures and wonderful and luxuriant alpine vegetation. They provide a magnificent environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. The lower slopes are great hiking country and the scenic beauty is a backdrop to a unique habitat for many rare and endemic plants and animals.

The Rwenzori Range, 120 km long and 48 km wide, is a huge block of precambrian rock rising to over 5000 m high, making it the highest non-volcanic mountain in Africa. Unlike Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya which are of volcanic origin, the mountain chain was forced up during the formation of the East African Rift Valley system (in the Poliocene and Quartenary era). The range includes the third highest peak in Africa, the 5,109m Mt. Stanley (named after the explorer who saw the mountains in his 1887 expedition), Mt. Alexandria (5,083 m) and Mt. Speke (4,089 m).

Rwenzori means "rainmaker", and the areas' average annual rainfall is 5 m. The ice covered peaks are only visible a few days in the year. The best time to visit is during the dry months: July to August, and December to January.

Decreasing temperatures with increasing altitude have resulted in a remarkable zoning of vegetation. The most striking plants can be found above 3,000 m, where areas of giant tree heathers support unique aerial epiphytic gardens. The alpine zone includes the giant lobelias and groundsels, hallmarks of the Rwenzori.

Among the animals found in the Rwenzori are chimpanzee, colobus monkey and other primates, leopard, forest hog, elephant and Rock Hyrax. You may spot the three-horned chameleon - an important part of local folklore. The birdlife is magnificent, and includes the Rwenzori Turaco, francolin, olive pigeon and the white-necked raven.

The Rwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation, and arguably surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty, wonder and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park, covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. These legendary mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty and provide a unique habitat for many rare and indigenous plants and animals. The Highest mountain in the range, Mt. Stanley, is the third highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peak, Margharita, rises 5,109 m above sea level. The giant lobelia and the groundsell are hallmarks of the Rwenzori. All of the above make this park an unforgettable visitor destination.

Decreasing temperature with increasing altitude have resulted in marked zoning of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists and a delightful experience for visitors. In fact, more people visit the Rwenzori to explore and experience the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers.

The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits. However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest months are July, August and December, January and February. Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical fit.

Mount Ruwenzori Hiking - CTU 665

Day 1 Kampala - Kasese. A full Scenic days drive from Kampala takes you across the Equator and through the Rift valley to your overnight stop at Kasese.

Days 2 – 4 Trekking Days. Assisted by guides and porters you hike up to one of the Seven intermediate stages. There is a great diversity of vegetation, the chance of sporting some wild animals and breath taking views. The route chosen for you will be based on the skill and experience you have. Camp cook will prepare meals and accommodation is in mountain huts or tents.

Day 5 Return to Kampala. Make a slow descent into Kampala via Mbarara passing through small villages with their Ankole Cattle and viewing numerous mattock plantations arriving in Kampala late afternoon.

NB. (1) This package can be extended to 10-12 days depending on how high one would like to climb. If you are serious climbers Baker (15889) and Margarita (16763 ft) peaks are worth visit.

(2) There are numerous rugged cliffs. Rock climbing equipment is needed.

(10 DAYS) RWENZORI MOUNTAINS CLIMB TOUR: Stand on the Margherita Peak, Stand on the Equator -----CTU 600

Day 01: Arrival in Uganda.
You will be transferred to Mbarara town by our tour representative, on arrival at Entebbe International Airport through Kampala. Stopover at the Equator at Modhasha Art and Craft shop and take photographs. Then head to the plateau of the mountains of the moon and finally proceed to hotel Margherita for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 02: Equator Glaciers Tour Starts.
Wake up early for a transfer to Nyakalengija off Fortportal road. Move to Ibanda to start your 5-6 hour climb into the mountains. Your climb will take you through thick Equatorial vegetation before arriving at the Nyabitaba hut 2650 meters in the late evening It is a 5 hours ascent to Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation then through Forest. Dinner and Overnights at Nyabitaba Hut .

Day 03: John Matte Hut.
After breakfast, begin your morning hike through the Kurt Shafer Bridge to wonder at the sparkling Mobuku river conflux.This is the most strenuous and longest day's walk, with a minimum of seven hours. From Nyabitaba hut the path descends through forest for a short time before it crosses the Bujuku River at the Kurt Schafer bridge . The path is good for the first couple of hours, but it becomes steeper and very rocky as you enter the moorland Zone where heather plants are Prolific. Have Lunch at Nyamileju Hut where there is a little used and rather run-down Hut , as well as a rock shelter. A climb through the open patches, Lobelia, and Heath moss forest before maneuvering a 2 hours 'walk to the John Matte hut for an overnight.

Day 04: Bujuku Hut.
Retreat early through the giant Lobelias and heath trees. Move up to a panoramic landscape of Lobelias and gigantic Groundsels. This take up to five hours, depending on the condition of the two Bigo Bogs, which are often Knee-deep in Mud .On the way to the hut you will pass lake Bujuku which has a magnificent setting between mounts: Stanley, Speke and Baker. Later dinner and an overnight at Bujuku hut

Day 05: Mount Victoria and Mount Speke.
Leave early morning After break fast for the valley in with scenic alpine vegetation consisting of huge Groundsels and Lobelia and ascent Mount Victoria and Mount Speke at (4890 meters).

Day 06: Elena Hut.
Depart through the gorgeous panorama of the Savoia and Elena glaciers. Climb further through to the Scott Elliott pass (4372 meters) and proceed through the snow to the Elena hut for overnight rest.

Day 07: Last day To The Alps Of Africa!
Early morning climb up to the snowy Alexander peak (5092m); and then move onwards to the supreme peak at (5109m), it gives a good panoramic view. Take your last photoes on top of Rwenzori There after descend to the beautiful lake Kitandara for overnight stay at Kitandara safaris hut (3900m).

Day 08: Descent, Guy Yeoman Hut.
After early breakfast, plunge starts. Have a Picnic lunch on your way, after which we carry on journey to Guy Yeoman hut for dinner and overnight's rest.

Day 09: Back To Kasese.
Descend to Nyabitaba and proceed to Ibanda and check in hotel Margherita for overnight rest.

Day 10: Back To Kampala.
Transfer back to Kampala then proceed to Entebbe Airport for your evening flight.

The costs include:
Guides Facilitation
Porters Facilitation
Rescue fee
Park entrance fee
Accommodation in moutain huts
VAT

You are required to bring The following equipments or you can Hire them locally.
Rope,A pair Crampons,Harnesses,Ice axe
Sleeping bag,Climbing boot
Cap,Trouser,Jacket/Sweater
Rubber boot,Gaiters,Gloves

End of our saervices.