6-Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek for Beginners
An Ideal 6-Day Trek to Rwenzori Portal Peak Trekking for Beginners offers a 6 Days Rwenzori Portal Peaks trekking expedition via Central Circuit trail to hike up the two portal peaks—Rutara (the middle peak) and Kuhuma (the highest peak). The Nyabitaba and John Matte huts constitute the main attraction of this 6-day Rwenzori Mountains Portal Peaks Trekking Expedition.
Highlights of the 6-Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek
Day 1: Nyakalengija at 1640m – Nyabitaba Camp 2650m.
Day 2: Nyabitaba Camp at 2650 meters – Johnmaate Camp at 3505 meters.
Day 3: Johnmaate Camp at 3505m – Bukurungu Rock Shelter (Tent Pitch)
Day 4: Bukurungu Rock Shelter – Summit Portal Peaks – Rutara/Middle Portal Peaks and Kuhuma Peak
Day 5: Bukurungu Rock Shelter to Johnmaate Camp.
Day 6: Johnmaate Camp – Nyabitaba – Nyakalengija
A Comprehensive 6-Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Nyakalengija 1640m – Nyabitaba Camp 2650m.
Begin the very first day of your 6-day Rwenzori Portal Peaks Trekking expedition via the Central Circuit trail by Rwenzori by meeting with your guides and porters at dawn. Take a 4-5 hour Rwenzori trekking Expedition to Nyabitaba hut, located at an elevation of 2650 meters. Trekking through vast agricultural grounds and fields, you traverse local homes and towering elephant grasses, leading to the park’s main entrance. The trek begins at the entrance and traces the banks of the Mubuku River while ascending through montane forest regions to the Kyoho and Mahoma rivers. With fortune, one may observe a monkey or two, along with an endemic three-horned chameleon. After crossing the Mahoma River bridge, the path ascends sharply to the Nyabitaba Ridges, where one can establish a campsite for the night and have a substantial supper.
Day 2: Nyabitaba Camp at 2650 meters – Johnmaate Camp at 3505 meters.
Traversing stairs embellished with moss and lichen will guide you to John Maate camp across a bamboo grove. One would desire to witness the snow, and in the afternoon sunlight, one may frequently observe a breathtaking vista of the gold-tinged Margharita and Alexanderia peaks. The duration from Nyabitaba to John maate camp is seven hours.
Day 3: Johnmaate Camp at 3505m – Bukurungu Rock Shelter (Tent Pitch)
Begin your day with stunning vistas of the valley. Upon completing five hours of challenging yet gratifying muddy ascents, you will arrive at the Bukurungu Camp rock shelter. The Heather/Rubinia plant zone may yield sightings of the Rwenzori red mountain duiker and rock hyrax.
Day 4: Bukurungu Rock Shelter – Summit Portal Peaks – Rutara/Middle Portal Peaks and Kuhuma Peak
You and your guides rise early to prepare for the simultaneous ascent of Kihuma Peak, Portal Peak, and Middle Portal Peak. –Climbing boots are essential for the ascent of the, forementioned magnificent peaks, first with a rigorous climb on the steeply inclined rocks and followed by a less grueling yet still hard journey. After capturing the exquisite photographs, we meticulously descended to the Bukurungu Rock Shelter for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Bukurungu Rock Shelter to Johnmaate Camp.
Numerous rock hyrax and Rwenzori red mountain duikers may be observed en route to Johnmaate camp, which justifies the exertion that strains your thighs. Subsequently, you will navigate to Johnmaate camp, where you will reside for the night.
Day 6: Johnmaate Camp – Nyabitaba – Nyakalengija
While your route to Nyabitaba for lunch and a brief cup of hot tea, your final reflections center on a soothing bath and an evening meal at a restaurant. Nevertheless, you must exercise patience as you navigate through marshy regions and bamboo groves. Ultimately, you will arrive to Nyabitaba.
Conclusion of the 6-Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek Itinerary