10 Days Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak, Mt. Speke, Mt. Baker & Weismann
10 Days Rwenzori trekking to peaks includes Marherita Peak on Mount Stanley, Vitorio Emmanuele peak on Mount Speke, Edward peak on Mount Baker & Weismann Peak on Mount Luigi Di Savoia
The 4 Peaks Rwenzori Trekking expedition is a demanding, 10-day Rwenzori Mountaineering adventure in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, encompassing ascents of Margherita Peak (5,109m), Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Baker (4,842m), and Weismann’s Peak (4,620m). This expedition necessitates considerable mountaineering expertise and specific gear owing to the elevated altitude, glacial navigation, and frequently treacherous circumstances.
The itinerary comprises multiple days of acclimatization treks through woodlands and alpine meadows prior to summit attempts and tough climbing on the glaciers. A comprehensive plan generally includes phases such as arriving in Sine, Mutinda, Bugata, and Hunwick‘s camps prior to proceeding to the summit camps for the ultimate ascents.
A Detailed 10 Days-4 Peaks Rwenzori Trekking Safari
Day 1. Proceed to the base camp for a briefing, followed by a climb to Sine Camp at an elevation of 2,596 meters.
Begin at Trekkers at 1,450 meters and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, yielding an elevation gain of 1,146 meters. Alternatively, individuals in excellent physical condition may proceed to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters, which provides stunning vistas and extended time at Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.
We begin by navigating the valley bottom among the tall trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady incline with several avian species and the potential to witness blue monkeys traversing the forest. Visitors may occasionally witness groups of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys navigating the treetops. Infrequent observations of the L’Hoest monkey, essential to Bukonzo customs, are protected by the power of the King or Omusinga, despite the audible presence of distant wild chimpanzees. A vast assortment of plant species is present, encompassing forest trees, bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and various moss and lichen-covered vines descending from the towering trees, creating a remarkable visual appeal. Enock’s Falls are situated within 200 meters of Sine Hut, offering an exceptional opportunity to capture a stunning screensaver for the future.
Sine Camp, located at an altitude of 2,596 meters, features wooden cottages nestled among tall forest trees on a small ridge, enabling guests to admire the beauty of the Afro Montane forest while viewing a stunning waterfall tumbling over the rocks below. Some clients prefer to sit outdoors, enjoying the warmth of the campfire while discussing the mountains and their communal life with the guides. Sine is situated just below the bamboo zone, and the vicinity encompasses a varied assortment of bird species. Enock Falls, situated 150 meters from the camp, is enveloped by lush greenery and flowing vines. Truly exquisite. Overnight stay at Sine Camp, 2,596 meters
Day 2 of Rwenzori Trekking. Ascend to Mutinda Camp at an elevation of 3,588 meters.
The expedition begins at 8:30 AM, proceeding right into the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, noted for its steep elevation with several high steps. In the rainy season, the bamboo region becomes exceedingly muddy and dangerous, leading to delayed advancement. The atmosphere and the forest are remarkable as you climb 551 meters over 1.8 kilometers to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, located in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you may take a short break and savor a cup of tea or coffee before continuing to Mutinda Camp. The path meanders over numerous minor hills along a ridge, lowers into the valley, ascends again, crosses multiple small streams, and nears moss-laden waterfalls. You ascend gently beside a scenic moss-laden river that tumbles over rocks beneath the towering Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are embellished with green moss and Usnea lichen hanging from the branches.
The trail meanders as you climb the steep valley, which features a diverse assortment of flora and blooms. This valley is unique, featuring several Giant Heather plants that provide a scenic atmosphere often shrouded in mist.In the afternoon, you may like to ascend to the summit of Mutinda Lookout, which takes approximately one to two hours for the ascent and one hour for the descent. The views are breathtaking as you stand on moss-laden rocks at an altitude of 3,925 meters, surveying the Rwenzori Mountains and stretching towards Kasese town and Lake George. Clients heading to Margherita or any of the key peaks will discover that climbing Mutinda at 3,975 meters is an effective means of acclimatization and reducing the risk of high altitude sickness.
Overnight stay at Mutinda Camp, situated at an altitude of 3,588 meters.
Day 3. Rwenzori trekking to Bugata Camp at an elevation of 4,062 meters.
The route to Bugata Camp is boggy, particularly in the wet season; nevertheless, with little skill, one can navigate from tussock to tussock to ease navigation. Commence by traversing the Mutinda Valley, distinguished by tussock grass and everlasting flowers, interspersed with numerous Giant Lobelias, before ascending a steep incline to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), where precipitous waterfalls are prevalent, providing breathtaking vistas of the Mutinda Peaks when viewed in reverse. The Namusangi Valley is vast, featuring multiple elevations as the route steadily rises to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.
Day 4. Ascend to Hunwicks Camp at an elevation of 3,974 meters.
Trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. Upon leaving Bugata Camp, you cross a ridge, thereafter drop slightly, and then ascend to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where a cabin is provided for adverse weather conditions. On a clear day, the pass provides magnificent views of the three primary peaks. The path descends into the valley, via the edges of wetlands and dense coniferous vegetation, comprising moss, large groundsel, and lobelia. This spot may be the most significant area in the Rwenzori for watching the Malachite Sunbird since it forages on various lobelia blooms and is acknowledged as a nesting ground. Subsequently, there are precipitous segments succeeded by a steady climb over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp, situated atop an expansive valley, offering superb vistas of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 5 of Rwenzori trekking: Ascend Mt. Baker at 4,842 meters and overnight in Hunwicks Camp at 3,974 meters.
4.3-kilometer elevation gain, on a Four to six hours up and two to three hours descending. Set off at 6:30 AM to ascend Mt. Baker, which rises to 4,842 meters. The duration of the ascent from McConnell’s Camp (Camp 4) to the summit is three to four hours, whilst the descent requires three hours. This approach is tough, marked by steep, rocky terrain that necessitates a robust tolerance for heights, especially in sections like the crevice descending to the glacier, which presents a considerable drop-off. Although Mt. Baker is categorized as non-technical, it gets perilous during the winter months (April-May and September-October) when the ice-laden rocks are exceptionally slick; hence, safety ropes will be utilized consistently in steep regions. After ascending, you drop via a crevice in the rock face to reach the glacier, followed by a short 300-meter trek to the peak
During a favorable weather or after a break in cloud cover, the views of the primary peaks of Magherita, Alexandria, Stanley’s Plateau, and the glaciers are superb, highlighting the splendor of these breathtaking snow-capped mountains. The panorama is magnificent. Upon contemplation of this significant experience, we navigate the glacier, scale the crevice in the rock wall, and descend to McConnell’s Camp. Get some rest at Camp 4.
Day 6. Ascend to Margherita Camp at an elevation of 4485 meters.
Ascend to Margherita Camp at 4485 meters, traversing the valley floor to the scenic Lake Kitandara, noted for its deep waters and verdant vegetation, before proceeding across Scoot Elliot Pass to arrive at Margherita Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ascend Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters on Mount Stanley.
Awaken at 1:30 AM and partake in an early breakfast before to embarking for the summit of Mt. Stanley at 2:00 AM. Ascend to Stanley Plateau, traverse the initial glacier, and then descend to the base of Margherita Glacier. The lower portion of the glacier is precipitous and technically demanding, requiring the utilization of ropes and belays. As you approach the glacier’s summit, you will face challenging rocky ascents for around 60 meters to attain the ridge that leads to Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters. Descending the glacier towards Irene Lake and proceeding to Bujuku Valley, one must navigate a vast bog to arrive at the base of Mt. Speke at an elevation of 4,890 meters, where a little rock shelter will serve as the camp.
Day 8. Ascend to Vittorio Emmanuel Peak at 4,890 meters on Mt. Speke, and overnight in Hunwick’s Camp.
Ascend Mt. Speke at 4,890 meters, then retrace your route to cross the Bujuku Valley and ascend to Scott Elliot Pass before descending to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,974 meters.
Day 9. Ascend Weismann’s Peak at 4,620 meters on Mt. Luigi di Savoia and descend to Kiharo Camp at 3,430 meters.
We begin the day from Hunwicks Camp by climbing a ridge toward McConnell’s Prong, offering the best views of all three summits and Scott Elliott’s Pass before reaching Oliver’s.
Traversing at an altitude of 4,505 meters. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the Peak of Oliver’s Pass is 3 kilometers. The route then passes under Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River. One may opt to summit Weismann’s Peak, if they possess adequate strength for the descent, and afterward go to Kiharo Camp at an altitude of 3430 meters. Overnight at Kiharo Camp, situated in a deep valley distinguished by tall rocks and abundant vegetation.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10. Descend to the base camp
The distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 12.2 km, and a further 2.8 km to Trekkers Hostel. Individuals needing to connect to flights returning to Kampala or attending other commitments must leave Kiharo early, as the trek requires 5 to 8 hours of trekking.
The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley is primarily downhill and exceptionally scenic, showcasing stunning views, moss-covered rocks by the river, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and trees that may be unmatched in the Rwenzori Mountains. This segment of the route necessitated six years to establish a traversable passage appropriate for travelers. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell endeavored to traverse this valley but was unsuccessful and had to withdraw in search of an other way up the mountain; however, you can now appreciate this extraordinarily lovely valley. Evaluation and issuance of certifications.
Conclusion of the 10-Day Rwenzori Four Peaks Hiking Challenge
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