Trekking Options

Never before has this part of the park been developed or open to tourists, although it is often described in guide books as the most beautiful section of the park. You now have a chance for the first time to see this fantastic scenery, the amazing plant like and the incredibly beautiful Nyamwamba Valley. Rwenzori Trekking Services offers the following treks, however until we build our huts, accommodation is in our 12x20 foot 8 person permanent tents with a ten foot annex. Stretchers and mattresses are provided but you need to bring a warm sleeping bag and clothes. All treks include accommodation (camping) and meals, ropes, harnesses and crampons if necessary. Equipment such as boots, sleeping bags, woollen beanies (hat), gloves, and raincoats are available for hire.

ANNOUNCEMENT

In an effort to upgrade the standards of our guides we are happy to announce that we are running training from the 20th September 2010 to the 22nd October 2010 in crevasse rescue on the Magherita glacier. Training will also incorportate cliff rescue and Wilderness First Aid in an effort to upgrade our guides to an International level. This training will be conducted by Mr. Anders Bahr from Norway www.bahr.nu who is highly experienced instructor in training mountain rescue techniques. This is the first time that such comprehensive traing has been undertaken in Uganda. Translation into English via Google Translate http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bahr.nu%2F&hl=en&langpair=auto|en&tbb=1&ie=UTF-8

Anders will also explore the possibility of new routes and install/replace fixed protection and anchors so as to greatly improve safety on the main peaks of the Rwenzori mountains. Many of the existing anchor points have been in place for more than 40 years and are made of mild steel and badly corroded. Although it is not uncommon to have accidents when climbing mountains a lot of incidents can be avoided or at least when an accident happens the pain and suffering reduced through proper training and provision of equipment. For photos click here

However during training we will still be running trekking at the lower levels and up to Weismanns Peak as not all of our guides will be involved in the high altitude training.

Incident in Rwenzori Mountains

On Monday 7th June 2010 a Dutch National fell down crevasse in Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda click here for press release and the UWA has decided that Marherita Peak be classed as technical and only for experienced technical climbers as new holes are appearing in the glacierand experience is necessary to reduce the rish of injury. Alexandra Peak is also difficult and technical use of ropes is necessary.

Magherita glacier now has deep crevasses and requires technical climbing. The crevasse is not as bad or deep as first reported and our guides have climbed safely since, however more crevasses are appearing and it does require additional safety/caution. It is no longer a simple non technical climb.

We would suggest that as a safe alternative that climbers/trekkers with limited experience climb to the tip of the glacier at the base of Alexandra and look across to Magherita at least while alternative routes are explored and approved by UWA. We now have a seperate price for those wishing to take this safe option.

TEN DAY TREK to either Alexandra Peak at 5,090 metres or Margherita Peak 5,109 metres - Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Margherita Peak at 5,109 metres is now classed as technical but for the time being UWA has closed access to Magerita due to safety concerns. Mt Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountains is Africa's third highest mountain, however the real beauty is in the climb up the Kilembe route, the forests and valleys, the flora is diverse from giant heather trees and valleys of ferns. Climbing Margherita Peak is now technical due to the ever increasing number of crevasses. However scaling the actual peak is more of a hard scramble than a climb and when it snows it is difficult however the rewards and exhilaration of reaching the top is enormous as you look across Albert Peak to the DRC (Congo) then east across the sprectra of the Rwenzori Mountains.

1-2 people $1080 2-5 people $1010 6 or more $980 plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $270 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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NINE DAY TREK to the highest point of the Stanley glacier (Plateau) and climb up to it's highest apex just below Alexandra Peak to get a excellent view of Magherita Peak looking across Magherita glacier. A fantastic view point which anyone with good fittness can achieve safelyyet experience all to wonders of this magnificent mountain range. This climb is higher but easier than the Mt Baker climb

1 or 2 persons $960 each, 3 or more persons $910, 6 or more $880 plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $240 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. To do this trek in nine days it is necessary to jump two camps on the way down so you need to be very fit as trekking Rwenzori is a difficult climb. You may add days should you so wish. More information

EIGHT DAY TREK to Mt Baker 4,842 metres is a fantastic climb mainly of hard rock and basically non-technical however we do use ropes and harnesses for safety reasons. On a clear day you will see breathtaking views of Margherita and Alexandra Peaks and panoramic views of the Rwenzori range. A truly amazing experience. This trek to the top of Mt Baker is relatively easy for anyone with reasonable fitness and a head for heights.

1 or 2 persons $840 each, 3 to 5 people $810each, 6 or more $790 plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $210 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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SIX DAY TREK to Weismanns Peak 4,620 metres, this climb is our most popular, it is strenuous walking, steep but nothing really so difficult that requires ropes, non technical. During the months of April, May and September October it is common to experience snowfalls on the peak transforming the landscape into an incredibly beautiful environment with snow covered plants creating a feeling of euphoria and intense excitement as the scenery is absolutely stunning. You may choose to climb Bamwanjara Pass instead of Weismanns as it is a easier climb and at 4,450 metres gives great views of the main peaks.

1 or 2 persons $630, 3 or more persons $570 plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $150 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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The one to five day treks taks you through prestine montane forests, bamboo forests and as you climb above 3,000 metres, high cliffs tower above the valley, giant heathers covered in bearded moss hanging from the trees and the giant lobelia which is a fasanating plant dating back to prehistoric times.

ONE DAY TREK The one day trek meanders alongside the Munyamubuli River through one of the most beautiful pristine forests in the world. Magnificent trees tower above the dense undergrowth, our guides will explain to you the intricate dimensions of the many plants and trees and point out the many species of birds. The walk includes an excellent lunch. UWA gate entrance fee is included in the price. Walk starts at Trekkers Hostel Kilembe at 8.30am and returns about 3pm.

1 or 2 persons $35 each 3 or more persons $30 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $30 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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TWO DAY TREK staying overnight in Samalira Camp at 3,170 metres then in the morning you have the option of climbing Kyalavula to get even better views of Lake George and Queen Elisabeth before descending.

1or 2 persons $135 each, 3 or more persons $115 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $30 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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THREE DAY TREK The three day trek takes you through the pristine rainforest of the Munyamubuli Valley then climb the heavily forested ridge which is home to many primates, such as black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey and occasionally the L'hoest monkey. At 2,700 metres the forest gives way to thick bamboo up to Samalira Camp at 3,170 metres. Here you will enjoy the magnificent views over the Rwenzori foothills and Kasese town 2,160 metres below. The second day you climb to Kyalavula along a narrow moss covered ridge, once on top you cross a mossy valley with giant lobelia then climb to 3,515 metres through an incredibly beautiful forest of giant heather covered in layers of bright green moss. You then cross to Kalalama Camp 3,134 metres for the night. The third day you descend back to the rangers post and Kilembe. 1 or 2 persons $240 each, 3 or more persons $220 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $60 which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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FOUR DAY TREK The four day trek you sleep at Samalira Camp at 3,170 metres then climb up Kyalavula and up to the top ridge before turning right and descend into Nyamwamba Valley to Kiharo Camp. The following morning you climb a little higher so as to see a beautiful wetland intersperced with Giant Lobelia. After see these fantastic plants you walk back to Kiharo camp then descend the valley for some distance before climbing up the ridge and crossing to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 metres which is perched on a ridge overlooking Kases town and views across to Lake George and Queen Elisabeth National Park.

1 or 2 persons $360each, 3 or more $330 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $90 which is paid separatelyin cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

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FIVE DAY TREK The five day trek takes you up to Kiharo Camp (3,380 metres) in a deep valley on day three you continue above Kiharo with the path weaving through huge moss covered rocks. On the thrird day you climb the Nyamwamba valley to our lunch spot at 3,850 metres, scenery is truly spectacular often referred to as a “Alice in Wonderland” as swirling mist often shrouds the many gullies and moss covered trees. You then return to Kiharo Camp for a second night before descending to Kalalama for the last night

1 or 2 persons $460 each, 3 or more $420 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $120 which is paid separatelyin cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain but for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day. More information

Price excludes UWA Park entrance fees $30 charged per 24 hours which must be paid seperately in cash, but includes UWA franchise fee of $5 per night, $5 community and cultural levy per night, rescue development fee of $5 per night, guides, one porter per client (maximium 15kg luggage) for those who wish to carry their own personal luggage we will deduct $8 per day & all meals whilst trekking. Until we build our huts, accommodation is in our 6 - 8 person permanent tents, stretchers & mattresses are provided but you need to bring a warm sleeping bag and clothes. All treks include camping and meals however you may desire to bring your personal snacks, sweets or chocolates. Price does not include breakfast on the first day nor dinner on the last day. Additional porters may be hired to carry extra personal luggage (above the 15kg limit) through the company at $12 US per day

Climbing ropes and harnesses with carabinas and crampons are supplied free of charge but you are welcome to bring your own.

Items for hire, Climbing boots @ $20 (size dependant) Ice axe @$10, Sleeping bag @ $2 per day, Warm jacket/sweater $10, Rubber boots $5, Garters $5 Gloves $5 Prices are per trek not per day