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Mountaineering Expeditions

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Rwenzori Mountains

Altitude 5,109m/16,761ft » Duration 16 Days » Grade 2B

Mt Stanley 5,109m, Mt Speke 4,890m, Mt Baker 4,843m: a unique climbing experience in Uganda's fabled 'Mountains of the Moon'

Introduction

This expedition visits the exotic 'Mountains of the Moon' on the Uganda - Congo border. The Rwenzori Mountain Range offers one of the most unusual mountaineering experiences on Earth. This Jagged Globe itinerary combines the best elements of trekking and climbing in the region with a chance to see some of the unique birds and wildlife for which East Africa is world famous.

The trekking route to Mt Stanley leaves the cultivated fields of the foothills and passes through several distinct zones of vegetation. The walking is always varied as no two days are the same during the six day trek. Thick forest, giant heather, groundsel and lobelia give the landscape an 'out of this world' appearance. Five days are set aside to climb the three highest of the snow capped peaks that tower over the surrounding countryside: Mt Stanley (5,109m), Mt Speke (4,890m) and Mt Baker (4,843m). The ascents require the basic use of ice axe and crampons, as well as the ability to scramble on rocky ground, which is normally wet. The remoteness and difficult trekking terrain combine to make this expedition a challenging and rewarding undertaking.

The Rwenzori Mountains

"You may be familiar with the Alps and the Caucasus, the Himalayas and the Rockies, but if you have not explored Rwenzori, you still have something wonderful to see."
DW Freshfield 1906

The Rwenzori Range is the largest and most important group of snow covered mountains in Africa. Kilimanjaro (5,895m) and Mt Kenya (5,199m) are both higher but are single volcanoes. The Rwenzori is a massif composed of six separate mountains, each of which has permanent snow and glaciers. The highest point in the Rwenzoris is the Margherita Peak of Mount Stanley. At 5,109m this is the third highest summit in Africa.

The Rwenzoris lie on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo slightly north of the Equator. The range is about 100km in length and about 50km wide. They were formed from a block that was tilted and thrust up during the development of the Rift valley less than 10 million years ago. These beautiful, often mist shrouded mountains, are non-volcanic and offer superb country and wonderful views for trekkers and mountaineers.

The Rwenzoris are also known as the "Mountains of the Moon". They were first described as such by Ptolemy because they were believed to be the Lunae Montes predicted by the ancient Greeks to be the source of the Nile. A number of the mountain peaks are named after early explorers to Uganda, these include Mounts Stanley, Speke and Baker. The Italian Duke of Abruzzi led a major exploration of the range in 1906, producing the first detailed maps of the area and making several first ascents, including that of Mt Stanley. This expedition named most of the major peaks and features giving the names Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5,044m) to the twin summits of Mt Stanley in honour of members of the Italian and British royal families. The Duke chose to name one of the smaller peaks in the range, Luigi de Savoia (4,627m), after himself.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Rwenzoris is the diversity of plants, trees and wildlife. The vegetation zones are similar to those found on the other high mountains of East Africa (Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya). However, the greater rainfall has led to a proliferation of abundant growth in each of the climatic zones: elephant grass up to 1,800m, montane forest up to 2,500m, bamboo zone up to 3,000m, heather forest up to 3,800, and afro-alpine above this to the snowline. This vegetation creates a spectacular and at times challenging landscape to trek through. The summits of the peaks stand high above the surrounding greenery and the ascents are made almost entirely on rock and snow. The foothills of the Rwenzoris are home to the Bakonjo People who cultivate the fertile lower slopes growing a variety of crops.

The Rwenzoris have a reputation for being wet. However, with careful planning this should not detract from the enjoyment of this unique mountain environment. By visiting at the driest time of the year and making early starts each day to beat the afternoon rainfall it should be possible to travel in this area and meet with little more rainfall than would be normal in North Wales or Scotland. Conditions underfoot can also be wet, but careful choice of footwear can also minimise this problem.

The Rwenzoris offer a truly unique travel and climbing experience at the heart of Africa combining quality 'alpine scale' climbing with exotic jungle trekking.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1:Depart UK
Direct overnight British Airways flight from London Heathrow Airport to Uganda's main international airport at Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Day 2:Arrive Entebbe / transfer to Kampala
We are met at the airport by a private bus, which takes us on the one-hour journey to Kampala, Uganda's capital city. We stay at the historic and centrally located Speke Hotel. The afternoon is free to look around the sights of the city that are all within a short walk of the hotel.
Day 3:Drive to Kasese
It takes a full day to drive westwards to the Rwenzori mountains. The road passes through some of the most fertile farmland in Uganda and large plantations of tea and coffee can be seen all along the route. There are also commercial fruit plantations and many small holdings where a variety of subsistence crops are grown. The road turns south at Fort Portal and heads on to Kasese where we stay at the Margherita Hotel.
Day 4:Drive to Nyakalengija / Trek to Nyabitaba
A short drive leads to the roadhead at Nyakalengija where we complete the National Park formalities and hire our porters. The trek starts along the side of coffee plantations before crossing the Mahoma river and entering thick forest. The Nyabitaba Hut (2,650m) is set on a ridge above the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers with views over the Portal Peaks. (4-5hrs)
Day 5:Trek to John Matte hut
The trail initially descends through the forest to cross to Bujuku river at Kurt Shaffer Bridge before climbing up the far bank. The trail continues through giant heather and grounsel forest passing Nyamileju hut. This name means "Place of Beards" and refers to the moss and lichen hanging from the trees. We carry on to John Matte Hut (3,550m), which is close to the river in a grove of giant heather (6-7 hrs).
Day 6:Trek to Bujuku Hut
We travel through the upper and lower Bigo Bogs to Bigo Hut (3,442m). The trail then crosses Kibatisi Bog to the beautiful Lake Bujuku and on to cooking pot cave. If we arrive before the afternoon mist descends there are wonderful views of Mt Stanley, Mt Speke and Mt Baker from the Bujuku Hut (3,997m), (6-7hrs).
Day 7:Ascent of Mt Speke (4,890m)
This is one of the most enjoyable climbs in the Rwenzori range. A rough path leads from the hut to the Stuhlman Pass (4,160m), close to the border with the Congo. The lower climb crosses vegetated slopes and moss covered rocks. The mid section has some cleaner rock including one 50m section requiring ropes. The upper slopes are straightforward and snow covered. The highest point is the summit named Vittorio Emanuelle. From here there are excellent views of the eastern slopes of Mt Stanley. We return to Bujuku Hut for the night (10-12hrs).
Day 8:Trek to Elena Hut
This is a short day used to get into position for the ascent of Mt Stanley. The trail leads to the fixed ladders of groundsel gully and climbs above the vegetation onto the rocky slopes of Mt Stanley. An alternative route leads via Scott Elliot pass (4,372m - highest point of the trekking trail). Elena Hut (4,540m) sits on a rock shelf below the Elena glacier (4 hrs).
Day 9:Ascent of Mount Stanley (5,109m)
An early start is required for this climb. The ascent can be broken down as: one hour of rock scrambling to reach the snowline, one hour of easy snow climbing to reach the Stanley Plateau, two hours crossing this snow to reach the saddle between Alexandra and Margherita peaks and a further hour to climb the final steep 100m. The descent to Elena hut takes about two hours. From here we descend for a further three hours via the Scott Elliot pass to reach Kitandara hut (4,027m) (10-12 hrs).
Day 10:Spare day for attempting Mt Stanley
Alternatively this day can be used to rest in the vicinity of Kitandara Hut or to explore the surroundings of the hut and the beautiful lake from which it takes its name.
Day 11:Ascent of Mt Baker (4,843m)
Mt Baker is the third highest peak in the Rwenzori range. The highest point is named Edward and the best approach is from Kitandara Hut. The ascent takes approx five hours to the summit and a further three hours are needed for the descent. From the summit there are magnificent views over the high peaks and glaciers of the Mt Stanley group. Return to Kitandara Hut (8-9 hrs).
Day 12:Trek to Guy Yeoman Hut
The trek starts with a steep ascent to the Freshfield Pass (4,282m). From here there is a gentle descent to Bujonglo Cave (3,720m). This was the base used by the Duke of Abruzzi's 1906 expedition. Continuing down the trail we pass the Kabamba cave and waterfalls before reaching Guy Yeoman Hut (3,450m) set in the giant heather zone. This is a long day with some very wet and muddy terrain (7-8 hrs).
Day 13:Trek to Nyakalengija / Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
The route follows a steep and slippery river course for several hours before reaching flatter boggy ground where many exposed tree routes make the walking difficult. Nyabitaba hut is reached after seven hours. From here the terrain underfoot is much easier and it is only a further three hours to the roadhead at Nyakalengija. Here we say goodbye to our porters and camp staff. A waiting vehicle takes us on the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park where we check into the luxury Mweya Safari Lodge. This is a great place to relax, enjoy good food and wash away the Rwenzori mud (9-10 hrs trek / 1 hr drive).
Day 14:Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early morning cup of tea at 6:30am, we depart for a game drive in the northern part of the park along the Kasenyi track. This is the best time of day for viewing lions and Elephants in action. Later we return to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon we take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This is great way to see for Buffalo, Hippo and other animals at the edge of the water. This is also a good place to see the many species of exotic birds that congregate here in large flocks. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 15:Drive to Entebbe
After breakfast we set off on the drive back to Kampala. We follow a different road from that used on the outward journey. The route takes us via Mbarara where we stop for lunch at the Lakeview Hotel. We also cross the Equator and can stop to take photographs by the monument. The road continues though busy Kampala to the quieter town of Entebbe where we overnight at the Imperial Botanical Hotel on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Day 16:Return flight to the UK
A morning departure from Entebbe airport. Direct British Airways flight to London Heathrow arriving in the late afternoon of the same day.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The Expedition Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

Acclimatisation

Approximate altitude profile of Rwenzori Mountains: Rwenzori Mountains altitude profile, 13 kb
Please note: This profile does not represent the gradient of the mountain!

Leadership

Our expeditions are led by qualified and experienced mountain guides or mountaineering instructors. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have a good track record of mountaineering at high altitudes. Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead an expedition comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout.

All of our leaders are personally known to us, having normally led several expeditions for us previously. They are familiar with what we expect from them and how we like them to run expeditions on our behalf. Their main aim during the expedition will be to ensure that you derive optimum benefit from taking part in the climb and to maximise every individual's chances of reaching the summit. However, as experienced and qualified mountaineers, they will always operate with safety as the prime consideration. In the past, the careful selection of our expedition leaders has proved to be a major asset in the continuing success of our expeditions and the overall enjoyment of the team members taking part.

Our leaders also hold a current mountain first aid certificate and have experience of dealing with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and other altitude related illness.

Team Composition

The expedition will be led by an experienced Jagged Globe leader, assisted by local Ugandan staff. This will include English speaking guides, cooks and a game ranger, plus porters chosen from among the Bakonjo People who inhabit the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Experience Required

Rwenzori Mountains is graded 2B.

The Rwenzori Mountains expedition is suitable for mountaineers with a good level of fitness, combined with the ability to scramble confidently over wet and slippery ground. If you have completed mixed climbs of grade PD in the Alps, such as the Lagginhorn, featured on our Saas 4000ers course, or have scrambled extensively in the British hills, this could be the trip for you. If in doubt, please call us to discuss your previous experience.

Those wishing to join the expedition and have a good chance of success should have:

During the trek all group and personal equipment will be carried by porters. Team members are not required to carry more than a small day pack at any point during the trip. Accommodation will be in simple huts built by the Mountain Club of Uganda and maintained by the Rwenzori National Park authorities. Tents will be carried as 'back up' in case any of the smaller huts are being used by another party. Conditions underfoot can be expected to be quite wet or muddy on some sections of the trek. Some people may find coping with this terrain the most challenging aspect of this expedition, perhaps even harder than ascending the snow-covered summits of the high peaks. Advice on the most suitable footwear to bring is contained in the expedition dossier, which you receive upon booking.

Our Welsh Scrambling Courses and our Alpine Courses provide good skills preparation for this expedition.

Pre-Expedition Meeting

Prior to all our expeditions, we host a Pre-Expedition Weekend in North Wales. The primary purpose of the weekend is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming expedition and to introduce them to other team members. The weekend covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatisation and usually involves a hike and some skills training. To find out more about our Pre-Expedition Weekends [click here].

Equipment

Find out about our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

To join the Rwenzori Mountains expedition, you will need the following specialist equipment:

A complete climbing equipment and clothing list is included in the expedition dossier, which is sent to you on booking along with details of our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

What the price includes

What the price does not include

Insurance

Special travel insurance is available from us which provides a wide range of cover. Our 'Expedition only' premium for this expedition is detailed in the Prices & Booking section. A full explanation of the Jagged Globe Insurance Scheme is available on the website and in our brochure.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

Alternatively, you can contact us by email via the Contact Page on the website.

Booking

If you would like to book a place on this expedition, you can do so on our secure on-line booking facility, on our website. The £300 deposit for this expedition will secure you a place on your chosen departure. You will receive an automatic email confirmation, followed by a written confirmation of booking, climbing questionnaire and Expedition Dossier. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone or by sending in a booking form by post. Book Now!