15 Days Rwenzori Tatra & Bernardzikiewicz Trekking Safari
The 15 days Rwenzori trekking safari includes the Tatra and Bernardzikiewicz peaks along with the Rwenzori Central Circuit and Kilembe Trail of the Rwenzori Mountains in Rwenzori National Park.
The remarkable 15-day Rwenzori Trekking Safari offers the opportunity to explore the majestic peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, accompanied by certified porters and guides from Rwenzori Mountaineering Services. It is designed for explorers rather than tourists, as it includes a personalized visit utilizing the rwenzori’s mountaineering trails without traversing the Bukurungu Trail.
Summary of the 15-Day Rwenzori Trekking To Tetra & Bernardzikiewicz peaks
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Nyakalengija (1615 m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2651 m)
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut (2651 m) to Mubuku River (2600 m) John Matte Hut (3,380 meters)
Day 4: John Matte (3380 m) to Bujuku (3962 m)
Day 5: Bujuku (3977 m) to Elena Hut (4541 m)
Day 6: Elena Hut (4541 m) to Margherita Peak – Approximately Hunwick’s
Day 7: From Huniwick Camping to Bugata Rock Shelter Camping
Days 8 and 9 (Polish Peaks) – From Bugata Rock Shelter to Tatra Peak (4560 m) and Bernardzikiewicz Peak (4550 m).
Day 10: Bugata Camp to Kitandara Lakes Camp.
Day 11: Kitandara to Fresh Field Pass to Guy Yeoman
Day 12: From Guy Yeoman Camp to Nyabitaba Hut.
Day 13: Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija.
Day 14: Chimpanzee Observation in Kibale Forest National Park
Day 15: Proceed to the airport for the return journey home.
15-Day Rwenzori Trekking To Tetra & Bernardzikiewicz peaks Detailed Itineary
Discover the Portal Peaks of the Mountains of the Moon on an exceptional Rwenzori trekking Safaris with specialists from Rwenzori Trekking Expeditions, the premier agencies in customizing and arranging Rwenzori treks. This remarkable expedition to Rwenzori is advised for adventurers rather than tourists, as it entails additional wild camping experiences.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your safari guide from Rwenzori Tekking Expeditions and transported from the airport to your lodging in Kasese. Dinner and overnight stay at Equator Snow Lodge (Luxury) or Ruboni Community Camp (Budget).
Day 2: Nyakalengija (1615 m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2651 m)
This 15-day Rwenzori Mountaineering expedition follows the Central Circuit, overseen by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services. It is advisable to arrive in the morning to provide sufficient time for equipment rental and to meet your guides and porters. The trail commences by traversing agricultural land to the park boundary, subsequently following the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma tributary, and then ascending a prolonged, steep incline to attain Nyabitaba hut situated on a substantial ridge.
The hike requires approximately 5 to 6 hours. In this segment of the journey, you may encounter chimpanzees and observe black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and the vividly colored Rwenzori turaco.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut (2651 m) – Mubuku River (2600 m) – John Matte Hut (3380 m)
From Nyabitaba, go along the path descending through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, situated right below the junction of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Navigate the bamboo grove by crossing an extensive and arduous expanse of slick, moss-laden rock.
Mount Stanley and Mount Speke are visible from the Nyamileju rock shelter prior to entering the region of giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel. Arrive at John Matte Hut after traversing the arduous bog for dinner and an overnight stay at the hut. The hike requires approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Day 4: John Matte (3380 m) to Bujuku (3962 m)
The trail descends from John Matte Hut to traverse the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, which is inhabited by huge lobelias. Leaping from tussock to tussock, the bog is ultimately traversed, but often with the feet encountering the frigid mire beneath. The Upper Bigo bog transitions into Bujuku Lake, offering vistas of Mt. Baker to the south and Mt. Stanley to the west. Bujuku Hut, strategically situated in the vicinity of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is in a narrow valley beneath Stuhlmann Pass. Evening meal and overnight stay at Bujuku Hut.The hike requires approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Day 5: Bujuku (3977 m) to Elena Hut (4541 m)
Departing from Bujuku, the trail traverses additional bog while ascending the steep inclines west of the lake and through the enchanting Groundsel Gully, ultimately reaching Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372 meters. A metal staircase at the gully’s apex ascends a steep segment, after which the trail bifurcates.
The trail to your right ascends to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley by a difficult path over substantial rocks, and the trail to your left directs hikers to Scott-Elliot Pass and descends to Kitandara Lakes, ultimately guiding those not ascending Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. Individuals ascending the summit will have their dinner and overnight accommodations at the chilly and icy Elena Hut. The hike requires approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Day 6: Elena Hut (4541 m) to Margherita Peak – Approximately Hunwick’s
For anyone aspiring to attain Margherita Peak (5109 m), proceed to the base of the Stanley Glacier. The ascent to the top of Margherita requires between 5 to 7 hours, contingent upon weather conditions and climbing rate.
This challenging trek traverses three glaciers, treacherous rock, ice, and highly exposed regions with multiple open sides. This ascent is exclusively for physically fit and technically proficient climbers. Ascend onto the glaciers, across the Stanley Plateau, and continue with the ascent. Adapted to fog, altitude sickness, and cool weather, ascend to the summit of Margherita, the highest peak of the Rwenzoris.
Considering the elevated altitude and challenging conditions, do not be disheartened if you do not attain the summit. Accommodation will be located near Hunwick Camping.
Day 7: From Huniwick Camping to Bugata Rock Shelter Camping
Days 8 and 9 (Polish Peaks) – From Bugata Rock Shelter to Tatra Peak (4560 m) and Bernardzikiewicz Peak (4550 m).
These are distinctive selections designated by individuals from Poland. This is one of the principal highlights that renders the 15-day Rwenzori trekking safari exceptional as you camp in the wilderness!
Day 10: Bugata Camp to Kitandara Lakes Camp.
Following breakfast, you will descend to Kitandara Lake Camp, where you will appreciate the picturesque view of Lake Kitandara, one of the remarkable crater lakes located within Rwenzori Mountains National Park via the Rwenzori Central Circuit. Evening meal and overnight stay at Kitandara Lake Camp.
Day 11: Kitandara to Freshfield Pass to Guy Yeoman
Following an early morning meal, dedicate 6-8 hours to walking along the base of Mount Baker, which is notably treacherous. Climb sharply up the headwall that extends from the base of Mount Baker as you advance toward the southern flank of Mountain Rwenzori to reach the Freshfield Pass.
Proceed down the extensive muddy road, across the Kabamba, Akhendahi, and the rock shelters of Bujongolo, the base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi’s historic expeditions in 1906. Continue your journey down the Kabamba trail until you reach Guy Yeoman, situated on the banks of the Mubuku River. Evening meal and overnight stay at the cabin.
Day 12: From Guy Yeoman Camp to Nyabitaba Hut.
You will embark on a leisurely hike from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut, marking the final delightful evening on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains with mountain specialists. Evening meal and overnight stay at Nyabitaba Hut.
Day 13: Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija.
After breakfast, you will descend to the base, where the safari guide will be prepared to transport you to Kibale Forest National Park for an immersive experience with the primates in their natural habitat. Evening meal and overnight accommodation at Isunga Safari Lodge or Chimpundu Lodge.
Day 14: Chimpanzee Observation in Kibale Forest National Park
You will awaken at your convenience and relish the morning ambiance of the jungle as you ready yourself for the afternoon chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, which is home to 13 species of primates. Following chimpanzee tracking, you will proceed to Emburara Farm, where you will be immersed in the cultural experience of the Ankole at Emburara Farm Lodge.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport for the return trip home.
You will partake in a morning cultural experience at the resort, followed by a drive back to Kampala, including lunch on route and a stop at the Equator, before transferring to Entebbe Airport for your flight home.