Rwenzori Central Circuit Hiking, Rafting & Kibale Chimps Safari - 13 Days

Rwenzori Central Circuit Hiking, Rafting & Kibale Chimps Safari – 13 Days

A double adventure packed safari to the source of the Nile in Jinja for the magnificent whitewater rafting experience and attempting one of the world’s most daring climbs (the Rwenzoris).

Day 1: Kampala

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting in Jinja

Day 3: Transfer to Fort Portal – Kasese

Day 4: Nyakalengija (1,646 m) – Up to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m)

Day 5: Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m) – John Matte Hut (3,414 m)

Day 6: John Matte Hut (3,414 m) – Bujuku Hut (3,962 m)

Day 7: Bujuku Hut 3,900 m – Elena Hut 4,541 m

Day 8: Elena Hut 4,541 m – Kitandara Hut – 4,023 m

Day 9: Kitandara Hut – Guy Yeoman Hut – 3,261 m

Day 10: Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba Hut

Day 11: Nyabitaba-Nyakalengija Base Camp

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Day 13: Drive from Kibale Forest to Entebbe

The White Nile

For thousands of years the source of the Nile remained a mystery and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the British explorer John Hanning Speke was credited with discovering the source of the mighty river at Lake Victoria. Much of Uganda still remains a mystery to the outside world and the Nile is one of the best kept secrets. As the river thunders downstream from the confines of Lake Victoria, each bend reveals a new vista. Giant fig trees sprout from rock islands, monitor lizards laze wearily on slabs of rock and fisherman paddle frantically between the rapids!

Early morning mist lifts across Lake Victoria to reveal wooden canoes breaking the glassy surface of this immense lake and forested islands provide a haven for flocks of white egret that swoop across this watery paradise. For as far as the eye can see, rolling green hills stretch to the horizon and the towering snow capped peaks of the Ruwenzori are shrouded in eternal cloud. Uganda is a land of high mountains, a vast inland sea and mighty rivers.

After a visit to the country Winston Churchill wrote “For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life – plant, bird, insect, reptile, beast – for vast scale ….” and the lakes, mountains, rivers forests and game parks are a testament to this.

Rwenzori Mountain Climbing (5,109m) – The Legendary Mountains of the Moon

For centuries these mystical mountains on the border between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo have been revered as the source of the Nile. The ancient philosopher Ptolemy referred to them as ‘the Mountains of the Moon’ in the 2nd century and they remain little explored despite being the highest mountain range in Africa. The lofty summits of the main mountains are often enveloped in cloud so that for months the permanent icefields of the highest peaks are hidden from view. Over twenty peaks in the Rwenzoris exceed 4,500 m and as Africa’s highest mountain range, they mark the frontier between the high plains of East Africa and the dense forests to the west.

The central circuit begins from the Nyakalengija amidst the thick forests that are home to chimpanzees and forest elephant. As we progress steadily upwards, heavy tropical forests give way to a wide variety of flora and fauna making the climb unique. The luxuriant vegetation that thrives on this rain-soaked massif is nothing short of phenomenal and with each gain in altitude, this remarkable growth changes. Each night we sleep in sturdy mountain huts and marvel at the incredible scenery and the stunning array of peaks that surround us. We cook hearty meals and enjoy the company of those who have taken the challenge with us.

As part of the central circuit, our guided climbs give the chance to summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m) on Mt. Stanley which is the highest peak in the range. The final assault on the summit will require the use of ropes and crampons on the icefields but you do not need any previous experience. While you have the opportunity, we invite you to join in what will be a very challenging but ultimately extremely rewarding climb. Please take this opportunity to climb one of the world’s greatest mountain ranges – the Rwenzoris.

2006 was the centenary of the huge Abruzzi expedition which first climbed the major peaks of the range in 1906. Prince Luigi di Savoia, better known as the Duke of Abruzzi led a huge expedition in the central peaks region which mapped the area, made the first ascents of the peaks and took some of the most famous photographs of the mountains.

Day 1: Kampala

You will be met at the airport by our safari guide who will transfer you to the hotel reserved for you in Kampala. Briefing about the safari will be done right before dinner at the hotel where you’ll spend the night.

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting in Jinja

You will have an early breakfast and travel to Jinja for the magnificent white water rafting adventure. You will be driving past acres of sugarcane and roadside stalls selling avocados, pawpaws, bananas and oranges.

The journey will take you through the tropical rain forest of Mabira, tea and sugarcane plantations plus several roadside markets.

After a couple of hours you'll cross the Owen Falls Dam which was built several km's down from Speke's source of the Nile. The Nile flows freely below the dam and makes quick time of the trip down the river to Bujagali Falls which is the first major rapid on the river and is where you will start your rafting action! The following morning, you'll raft from Bujagli to Bwekkwaso.

Each bend in the river brings yet another thunderous roar from the cascading falls ahead. This truly is whitewater rafting at its finest. We'll lunch on our beautiful mid-river island beneath the shade of the trees. The back to back drops of "Overtime" and "Retrospect" provide some of the most technical and sustained rafting to be found anywhere. We spend the night on another beautiful mid-river island. The campsite comes alive after dark to sound of african music and dancing. In the morning you'll raft down to Nabuganyi - the pools between the rapids are larger but don't be fooled - the crashing waves of "Mulalu" and "Potali" will take your breath away!

You will crown your adventure with a visit to the source of the Nile and return to Kampala for dinner and overnight at Forest Cottages.

Day 3: Transfer to Fort Portal - Kasese

You will be transferred to Kasese via Mubende and Fort Portal. This is a long trip to Western Uganda. A stop is also foreseen at Fort Portal for some shopping.

After some shopping we will drive another hour to reach the Kasese where you will stay at Equator Snow Lodge or Rwenzori Base Camp - Ibanda

Day 4: Nyakalengija (1,646 m) - Up to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m)

After breakfast you will have a short drive to offices of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) at Nyakalengija.

Time will be spend in the morning to rent equipment and be availed with guides and porters. Your hiking trip begins from the park headquarters at 1,646 m, walking past typical mud and wattle Bakonzo homes and gradually moving upward through elephant grass and garden plots. It takes approximately forty minutes to reach the park boundary.

The trail then follows the Mubuku River, crossing recent landslide areas (to be negotiated carefully), and involves climbing over rocks and bluff, before reaching the Mahoma River in 2 ½ hours.

After crossing the river there will be a steep climbing through open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest up to Nyabitaba hut (2,652 m). The Nyabitaba hut is set on a ridge above the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers with views over the Portal Peaks which rise above 4,627 m.

Total time for an average hiker from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba is about 5-7 hours, and total elevation gained is 1,200 m.

Day 5: Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m) - John Matte Hut (3,414 m)

From Nyabitaba Hut the trail leads west ward for half a kilometer then drops steeply to Kurt Shaffer Bridge, crossing below the confluence of Bujuku and the Mubuku rivers. By turning right to the bridge you begin to climb the central circuit anti-clockwise since the clockwise direction is much more difficult and adds considerable danger for you and your porters.

After crossing Kurt Shaffer Bridge the muddy, slippery trail climbs steadily up through bamboo forest. After one and a half hours you encounter an area of slippery boulder hopping which some hikers consider the most difficult and dangerous footing of the circuit.

After five hours of travel from Nyabitaba, you reach the hut at Nyamuleju and its accompanying rock shelter. Nyamuleju means "Place of beards" and refers to moss and lichen hanging from the trees. If you had a late start or know that there is a large group ahead of you at the next hut, you might consider spending the night here. On a rare clear day Mts. Stanley and Speke can be seen from top of the rock near the hut.

Nyamuleju also marks the start of the giant lobelia and groundsel zone, this remarkable vegetation type is found nowhere else in the world except high-altitude tropical African Mountains. The one-hour walk to John Matte hut (3,414 m) is through a challenging bog, full extra ordinary plants and the slow pace can be a delightful chance to examine and photograph this unique environment, typical time to reach John Matte from Nyabitaba is 7 hours.

Some hikers consider this to be the most tiring and longest day of the circuit, so an early start is important. The loss of altitude to Kurt Shafer Bridge means the total elevation to be gained on this day is about 915 m.

Day 6: John Matte Hut (3,414 m) - Bujuku Hut (3,962 m)

Leave John Matte Hut to cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, where your first real experience of jumping from tussock to tussock on grassy bog begins. The trail is muddy and follows the left (southern) edge of lower Bigo bog until eventually it reaches the round metal “uniport”. A steep section past the hut leads to upper Bigo bog. In the last half of this bog, a boardwalk has been constructed. Though some may think it is an ugly intrusion, it makes walking easier and prevents the hikers from further damaging the bog. A beautiful narrow stream at the upper end of the bog makes good lunch break.

An hour and a half beyond the upper bog, and after climbing through drier ground and crises-crossing the river, you reach lake Bujuku. The southern end of the lake is in a majestic setting, with Mt. Baker to the south, Mt. Stanley to the west, and Mt. Speke to the north.

The trail route along the lake’s northeastern shore crosses the worst mud on the trip. Beyond the north end of the lake is a rock shelter called cooking pot and a short distance further is Bujuku hut (3,962 m), favorably located for parties climbing Mt. Speke (which requires technical skills and special equipment).

Time to reach Bujuku from John Matte is typically 5-6 hours, and the elevation gained is 560 m. But the long stretches of bog, and the mud along the lake make this another challenging day. The shaded location and frequent mists can make Bujuku Hut quite cold.

If one moved around on a nature walk, the chances of seeing Red duikers are high and at night, calls of the rock hyraxes are common.

Day 7: Bujuku Hut (3,900 m) - Elena Hut (4,541 m)

From Bujuku Hut you climb through moss draped groundsel vegetation to Scott Elliot Pass, 4,372 m, between Mt. Baker and Stanley.

Here you divert to Elena Hut, 4,540 m. for spending the night before climbing Mt. Stanley.

Estimated hiking time: 4 hours

Day 8: Elena Hut (4,541 m) - Kitandara Hut (4,023 m)

Early morning traverse of the Elena Glacier to the Stanley Plateau where crampons may be required. Cross this in a north-west direction and follow the Margherita Glacier to the col and to the summit (3 hours).

Descend to Elena Hut and after you descend to Upper Kitandara lake and through thick mud to Lower Kitandara lake where is located Kitandara Hut, 4.023 m. Time to complete the hike about 3 hours more. Enjoy the view of Mt. Luigi di Savoia.

Day 9: Kitandara Hut - Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m)

From Lake Kitandara you climb to Freshfield Pass, 4,282 m, a long flat of high alpine mossy glades, before descending the circuit among rocky and boggy areas. The panorama is dominated by the glaciers of Mounts Stanley and Baker and Mount of Savoy.

A muddy trail leads to Akendahi, Bujongolo and Kabamba rock shelters, where starts the Kabamba valley down to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m. This can take up to 6 hours. The hut is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, vegetations and rivers.

Day 10: Guy Yeoman Hut - Nyabitaba Hut

Drop very steeply alongside the Mubuku River, past Kichuchu, another rock shelter and join our original route near the confluence of the Bujuku River. (3 1/2 hours)

Day 11: Nyabitaba-Nyakalengija Base Camp

Descend steeply off the ridge and enter the warm rainforest. Look for the tropical forest birds and monkeys. (2 hours)

After, your driver picks you for transfer to Kibale National Park.

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Follow guides on foot through the forest in search of the chimps.

Expect to see other primates, incredible species of bird and listen for the sounds of the chimpanzees. When a group is found, we will spend about an hour with them.

Forest treks normally vary between 2 and 6 hours.