In january 2020 we will lead a group to Uganda to trek up the Rwenzori Mountains and to view the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The highest point on the Mountain range is Margherita Peak which is 5109 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain of both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, and the third highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The name Rwenzori means “rainmaker” and it certainly lives up to its name. The range is one of the major water sources for the White Nile and contributes to many of the rivers in central Africa.
The range’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather, tropical forests of giant fig trees and the bamboo zone at 2,800 metres.
We are offering a trek over 10 days to allow for altitude acclimatisation the terrain is quite rugged and the final ascent is steep so trekkers need a degree of stamina-based fitness training to cope with the rapid gains in altitude. A head for heights is preferable for the summit push, but no technical climbing skills are required and our guides are very experienced at helping trekkers of all ages and levels of fitness to learn to use basic climbing equipment and to achieve the summit. This is definitely a challenging walk but it is achievable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and good deal of determination. I can personally say that it is one of the most extraordinary experiences and will be the memory of a lifetime.
The trek starts in lush tropical rainforest filled with birds, colobus and blue monkeys as well as many other mammal species. Each day thereafter presents new and wonderful changes of landscape and vegetation, mountain lakes and magnificent views of the high snow covered peaks. The final days pass through African alpine landscape and onto the glacier. The glacier climb to the summit is the only “technical section” where our guides will support us with their experience and expertise. For those who feel that the glacier is not for them there is provision to climb to a magnificent viewpoint on neighbouring Alexandra Peak.
I have spent a month each year for the past 3 years in Uganda, leading a class of Swedish documentary film students.
The students have produced their graduation films on a wide variety of subjects from many different regions of the country. This has given me the opportunity to travel widely and meet many people. The country has enormous assets and truly lives up to its reputation as the pearl of Africa despite poverty and enormous infrastructural challenges. Marika has led gorilla trekking and we have also reported from Uganda and the region over many years and have socio political insights and historical knowledge that we can share.
Our local partner, Rwenzori Trekking contributes to the economic prospects of the local Bakonjo people, who farm the slopes of the Rwenzoris by providing employment in an area that offers few other economic prospects.
16
16 - 31/01/2020
Rwenzori Trekking
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+46 (0) 739 601 400
Rwenzori Trek and mountain gorilla experience
Provided on flights
Depart Stockholm, overnight flight to Entebbe via Addis Ababa
Arrive 10.35 16 january and overnight at Guineafowl Lodge, Entebbe
We arrive at Entebbe at 10 .35. Immigration, customs and the inspection of vacination cerificates is usually fast and efficient so we can expect to arrive at nearby Guineafowl Lodge at around 11.30 am. Check in is from 2.00pm so we will be able to deposit our bags before taking a leisurely walk around Entebbe with lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant. The lodge is simple, tasteful and situated in a quiet neighborhood so we should get a good nights sleep in preparation for strenuous days ahead.
Breakfast
Lunch at own cost
Dinner at own cost
Entebbe to Kasese
We drive westwards via Fort Portal to Kasese with lunch en route.
The transfer will take 7 to 9 hours.
The bus journey will take us through the outskirts of Kampala then through some of the rich Ugandan agricultural land and up into the tea plantations around Fort Portal. We will have time to provide an overview of what we have learned and experienced as journalists and personally during our visits to Uganda.
All meals provided on trek
Overnight: Sine Trekkers Hostel
The day starts with the short vehicle transfer to the starting point at Trekkers hostel Kilembe, 1450 m . You will have a thorough briefing from the guides, check equipment and start the trek to sleep at Sine Camp at 2596 meters following a height gain of 1146 meters. Sine Camp is set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge where you may sit and enjoy the beauty forest while you look down at a long set of rapids and waterfall crashing over the rocks. Sine is just below the bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species. 150 meters from the camp is Enock falls which is set in vivid green vegetation and hanging vine. Truly beautiful.
All meals provided on trek.
Overnight: Mutinda Trekkers Camp.
After a hearty breakfast we start the hike to Mutinda Camp at 3582 meters, giving you a height gain of 1092 metres.
The trail takes us through the Bamboo and Heather-Rapanea Zone which can be rather wet and muddy with some high steps. It is important to take it slow and take in the breathtaking beauty. The route meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top and drops down the side of the valley crossing several small streams and passing close to moss covered waterfalls with very unique beautiful plant and flower species found above 3000m like Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old mans beard (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches to Mutinda Camp which is set near a small river and waterfall. We should arrive around midday which gives those who are energetic the option to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout (one to two hours up and one hour down) The views are amazing as you stand on moss covered rocks at 3,925 meters with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town and Lake George. For those clients who are climbing to Margherita climbing Mutinda 3,975 meters is also an excellent way to acclimatise and reduce the risk of high altitude sickness
Sleep at Mutinda Camp at 3.582 metres.
All meals provided on trek
Ovenight: Bugatta Camp trekkers camp.
Today we hike to Bugata camp at 4062 meters, with a height gain of 412 meters through the valley of unique and beautiful plant species, streams and waterfalls. Today the trek gets more challenging with the steep ridges, mud and boggy sections and high steps but a very scenic section as a reward. First you cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), with sheer waterfalls and looking back you get fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4062 metres.
The Rwenzoris are one of the heaviest rainfall areas in the world and the weather is very changeable, so we can expect to walk through some boggy areas and even though we have chosen the driest period we are likely to encounter rain.
All meals provided on trek.
Overnight: Hunwicks camp.
Hike to Hunwick’s Camp at 3974 meters, via Bamwanjara pass at 4450m. From the pass on a clear day you get excellent views of the three main peaks. The trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick ever green vegetation, moss and lobelia. Here is possibly the best place in all the Rwenzori to observe the Malachite Sunbird. Farther on there are some steep sections before a steady climb up and over a ridge to Hunwick's Camp which is situated on the top of a deep valley and has good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismanns Peak and McConnell’s Prong.
All meals provided on trek
Hike to Margherita camp at 4485 meters, passing down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and a beautiful vegetation, climbing through Scott Elliot pass to Margherita camp.
The camp is on the spot where the Duke of Abruzzi, who was the first European to summit mount Stanley, camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906. He named the peak after Queen Margherita of Italy.
All meals provided on trek
Wake up at 2am and catch an early breakfast before heading off to climb Mt Stanley at 2.30am. The early start is necessary as the weather is very changeable with heavy clouds and snow falls from 1 pm to 4pm as the clouds rise up from the extensive Congo rainforests. Due to this there is a strict turn around time of 10am so if you do not reach the peak before then you must turn around in the interests of safety. Margherita glacier has been affected by global warming and the outer edges of the glacier are becoming steeper with one section of about 200 meters more than 60% grade. Climbers need to closely follow the instruction of guides.
For those trekkers with less mountaineering experience we suggest that you stay on Stanley glacier and climb up to a good vantage point on a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak to enjoy fantastic views over Congo and the lower mountain ridges
After ascending the peak at 5,109 metres we descend directly down to Hunwick's Camp at 3.874 metres.
All meals provided on trek
Hike down to Bugata Camp at 4062metres.
This camp is situated above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort, giant groundsel and Giant lobelia (Lobellia gibberoa). There are many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus) which are a sub-species only found in the Rwenzori Mountains.
All meals provided on trek
Descend down to Kiharo Camp at 3430 meters, overnight at Kiharo camp set in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation. with great chances of seeing a number of different unique bird species endemic to Rwenzori.
All meals provided on trek
Hike down to Samalira Camp at 3174 metres.
through pristine montane forest, with tall trees thick undergrowth and a multitude of different species of birds and primates.
On the way down we break out of the bamboo to fantastic views of the valleys and hills below looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance. The equator lies just north of Lake George. Samalira Camp is at 3,147 metres and offers great views of the surrounding landscape and Kasese town. (Mobile network available at this camp)
Breakfast and lunch provided.
Dinner at own cost.
Descend down through the Bamboo zone to a heavily forest ridge home for many primates such as black and white Columbus monkeys and back down to the basecamp. Debrief and Transfer to Sandton Hotel for dinner, a shower and some well earned rest.
Tipping: This is a good opportunity to tip our guides and porters. The recommendation is $5 per day for guides and $2 per day for porters this can be put together and handed to the ground operations manager who helps share it with the group.
Breakfast
Lunch at own cost
Full board at lodge
Transfer at 7am to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in south western Uganda on the edge of the rift valley. It contains almost 400 species of plants, and also protects an estimated number of 320 mountain gorillas roughly half of world’s population, including several habituated groups which can be tracked. It also provides shelter to a further of 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons, Chimpanzees and Antelopes. They are around 350 species of birds. Lunch will be en-route. We will aim to arrive in the late afternoon.
Full board at lodge
Early morning wake up and breakfast (packed lunch). We drive or walk to the starting point (the starting point depends on which group of gorillas you trek.)
The trekking session starts at 8am or 9am according to UWA ranger, guides andcan take anything from one to eight hours according to how far the Gorillas are from the starting point. The trek takes you through pristine montane rain forest with a very rich fauna and flora that includes other primates, forest elephant and an enormous diversity of birds.
One of the reasons that Ugandan Wildlife Authority has been succesful in conserving the mountain gorillas and their habitat is that they have developed a close working relationship with the neighbouring communities. If time allows it is possible to visit and talk with local farmers.
Breakfast
Lunch and dinner at own cost.
Transfer to Kampala, stopping over in Mbarara for lunch after which we will head on to stop at the Equator for some pics and drum makers. Expected time of arrival is 6pm.
Meals on flight
Transfer to the airport at 00.30 am to check in at 01.00 for flight home departing 03.50 am.
The program can be ammended in the event of weather or other circumstances making it impossible to follow the itinerary provided . In this event an equivalent itineray of equal value will be provided.
We strive to always provide the best possible service and encourage our travellers to actively engage in discussions and activities to get the most out of what we offer.
Afrika Select that our clients book flights through Tranås Resebyrå / Tour Africa.
The following is not included in the price:
Obligatory travel and medical evacuation insurance ( +- 1000 sek)
Uganda Visa payable upon arrival at Entebbe for Swedish passport holders, 50 US$
Drinks and meals not included in the above itinerary.
Gratuities at airports, hotels and to guides, trackers and porters.
Reccomended flights and times :
Outbound KLM
KL 1104. 16th jan. Dept. Arlanda 06.30 Arr. AMS 08.40
KL539. 16th jan. Dept AMS 09.55 Arr. EBB 22.30
Inbound Kenya Airways / KLM
KQ 419 31st jan. Dept EBB 03.50 Arr. NBO 05.05
KQ 116 31st jan. Dept NBO 08.05 Arr. AMS 14.50
KL 1121 31st jan. Dept AMS 20.50 Arr. Arlanda 22.55
Marika Griehsel and Simon Stanford, facilitators and cicerones
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+ 46 739 601400
Afrika Select has a travel guarantee lodged with Swedish Kammarkollegium
Mobile Phone Network.
Uganda has reasonably good mobile network coverage near towns and cities but there will be very limited coverage on the mountain.
Vaccinations and health.
It is compulsory to have a valid and up to date yellow fever vaccination and certificate to visit Uganda.
Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended.
Boiled or bottled water is recommended for drinking. ( this will be provided during the trek )
Trek meals
Our guides provide the best possible meals considering the remoteness of the mountains and limitations of weight. We provide a combination of fresh and canned food for the three main meals as well as biscuits or rye bread, cheese and tomatoes. These are supplemented with additional servings of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits where possible. There is unlimited tea, coffee or hot chocolate and additional boiled water for your water bottle.
Depending on your daily food intake requirements, some trekkers also opt to bring additional food such as muesli bars, chocolate, sweets, biscuits, and other favourites, to supplement their energy needs. This is a great idea but don’t make your backpack too heavy! At times one of the porters may carry additional items such as sweets, chocolate bars, cans of beer or coke for sale along the trail.
Temperatures
Generally temperatures around the 3,000 to 4,000 metres mark are around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day and 2 to 6 Celsius at night
Temperatures at either camp 4 or Camp 5 degrees Celsius during the day can vary from + 1 to + 12 Celsius during the day with temperatures dropping to minus 5 to + 3 Celsius at night. On the peak it can drop to minus 2 degrees Celsius during the day but at times it can be + 8 or 10 degrees Celsius. It can also get very windy on the peaks which brings in a chill factor in bad weather.
Insurance
All persons climbing above 4,000 metres must ensure that they have a comprehensive adventure/mountaineering insurance policy to cover all medical and rescue costs should rescue or medivac be needed as complex rescue, helicopter rescue, medical evacuation or hospitalisation is not covered in our pricing. Clients must fill out the necessary form stating the company the are insured with, the policy number and the telephone number/contact of the insurance company.
Porters
The expedition porters are able to carry 15kgs per person.
Packing List
ITEM |
Number |
Essential |
Optional |
Large Rucksack (a suitcase is not appropriate)
|
1 |
√ |
|
Day Rucksack (for carrying sun cream, Energy snacks, camera, water bottles etc)
|
1 |
√ |
|
External protective cover for rucksack & daysac |
1 |
|
√ |
Sleeping Bag (four season) |
1 |
√ |
|
Sleeping Mat |
1 |
|
√ |
Long-sleeved Shirt (advised for travel before and after climb) |
2 |
|
√ |
Powerful headlamp & spare batteries |
|
√ |
|
T- shirts 2 wool 2 cotton |
4 |
√ |
|
Windproof Down jacket or ski jacket |
1 |
√ |
|
Soft pants for evenings |
1 |
|
√ |
Fleece |
1 |
√ |
|
Thermal long johns and vests. Two sets. |
2 |
√ |
|
Lightweight water repellant trekking trousers (avoid jeans) |
1 or 2 |
√ |
|
Shorts |
1 |
√ |
|
Socks ( Wool hiking ) |
6 |
√ |
|
Sarong / light towel |
1 |
|
√ |
Good quality waterproofs (jacket and trousers) |
1 |
√ |
|
Plastic poncho |
1 |
|
√ |
Walking boots (sturdy well worn-in boots) |
1 |
√ |
|
Lightweight shoes or plastic crocs for evenings |
1 |
|
√ |
Ankle or knee gaiters |
1 |
√ |
|
Cotton scarf, bandana or dust mask |
1 |
√ |
|
Sun Hat |
1 |
√ |
|
Warm hat / Beanie |
1 |
√ |
|
Crampons |
1 |
√ |
|
Sun Screen |
|
√ |
|
Lip salve |
|
√ |
|
Personal Hygiene Items |
|
√ |
|
Insect repellant |
|
√ |
|
Sunglasses |
|
√ |
|
Ski Goggles |
|
|
√ |
Camera |
|
|
√ |
Water bottles 1l |
2 |
√ |
|
Energy snacks. Trail mix. |
|
√ |
|
Malaria profylaxis |
|
√ |
|
Vaccination certificate |
|
√ |
|
Head torch |
|
√ |
|
Elastoplast + crepe bandage |
|
√ |
|
Blister plasters |
|
√ |
|
Antiseptic creme |
|
√ |
|
Pain killers |
|
√ |
|
Vaseline |
|
√ |
|
Spare boot laces |
|
√ |
|
Small padlocks for your bags |
2 |
√ |
|
Binoculars |
|
|
√ |
Tissues or wet wipes |
|
|
√ |
Bags to carry out your trash |
|
√ |
|
Cash dollars or Ugandan shillings +- $300.00 |
|
|
√ |
Elephant Gun |
|
|
√ |
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