Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kasese
Morning pick up from your lodge in Kampala / Entebbe and drive straight to the town of Kasese, overlooking the snow capped Rwenzori mountain ranges and adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National park.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge
Budget: Simba Safari Camp
Day 2: Nyakalengija – Nyabitaba Hut
In the morning, report at the start point to get hiking equipment. You will be allocated guides and porters. Begin hiking from the park headquarters 1,646 meters to Nyabitaba a distance of 10 Km that takes 4- 5 hours and an ascent of 1200 meters. The trail at the beginning goes through homes and fields progressing through bamboo and high elephant grass, dense bushes. You will climb over rocks and bluff, crossing river Mahoma then ascending steeply into Nyabitaba. Certain animals may be spotted such as the white Colobus, blue monkeys and the Rwenzori turaco. Overnight at Nyabitaba hut.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte hut
Reaching John Matte hut takes between 5- 6 hours at an ascent of 762 meters. From Nyabitaba hut take the trail to the left of the hut for about half a kilometer then right fork then dropping to the Kurt Shafer Bridge just below the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers. After ascending and then descend through the muddy, slippery paths and passing through rocks and rocks, finally leading you to Nyamuleju hut. This also marks the start of the giant lobelia found only in very high altitude tropical areas in highland areas in Africa. From Nyabuleju hut take the left pass through Kisalala water fall, the path drops to a river then up through heather to John Matte hut 3,414 meters (1 hour).
Overnight at John Matte hut.
Day 4: John Matte hut – Bujuku hut
This 6 Km trail takes 5 to 6 hours and gaining an ascent of 560 meters. With 1 and 1/2 hour of wading your way through fords and crossing a river, this muddy trail leads to the edge of lower Bigo bog and eventually to the Bigo hut which also commands a very good view of the surrounding peaks. Continue through the upper Bigo bog. The leads to drier ground and after crisscrossing the river, this leads to the Bujuku Lake. This is also the best place for seeing the Margherita, the summit of Stanley. Continue the trail for about 30 minutes up the valley to Bujuku hut at 3962 meters. This hut is very popular because of being the closest to the peaks of Speke, Baker and Stanley. Watch out for red duikers.
Overnight at Bujuku hut
Day 5: Bujuku hut to Kitandara hut
This trail covers only 4 Km begins by ascension of 390 meters then a descent of 340 meters. The trail starts by ascending and then falling twice followed by a steep ascend giving way to a groundsel vegetation 4372 meters then to Scott-Elliot pass which is also the main col between mount Stanley and Baker. Another descend leading to Kitandara hut 4023 meters where you will spend the night.
Day 6: Kitandara hut – Guy yeoman hut
This 5 Km stretch involves ascent and descent and takes 5 to 6 hours. While at Lake Kitandara take a view of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prepare for a steep climb over boulders and through thick mud before the path gives way to a more level ground at the Fresh field pass. You can get a clear view of mount Stanley. A steep descend, climbing rocks and wadding through thick muddy to Guy Yeoman hut, at 3262 meters.
Day 7: Guy Yeoman hut – Nyabitaba
This trail covers about 6 Km and takes 4 to 5 hours. This involves descending a very steep slope and calls for support from one another. It passes deep mud, crossing rivers to Nyabitaba hut.
Overnight at Nyabitaba Hut.
Day 8: Nyabitaba hut – Nyakalengija Hike
Leave Nyabitaba hut early, retracing the route back to the starting point. This 10 Km trail usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Descending through Mubuku River and through fields back to the headquarters to hand over the hiking equipment
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge
Budget: Simba Safari Camp
Day 9: Drive to Kampala
After breakfast, drive at leisure to Kampala dropping you at your accommodation or the Airport.
End of Safari with Love Uganda Safaris
