10 Days Rwenzori Uganda Safari
Rwenzori, Mountains of the Moons
Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa. It's Loftiest peaks , Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5083m) on Mount Stanley, are exceeded in altitude elsewhere in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mt. kenya, both of which are extinct volcanoes standing in isolation above the surrounding plains.
The Rwenzori Mountains are unique among East Africa's major peaks in that they are not Volcanic in Origin, but they do rise directly from the Rift valley floor and their formation , like that of Kilimanjaro and Kenya, was linked to the geological glacial peaks in the Rwenzori's: Mt Speke(4,890M) , Mount Emin (4,727m), Mount Gessi (4,715m) and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627m). The Rwenzoris are Known primarily for their challenging hiking and climbing possibilities but the range also supports a diversity of animals including mammal and 177 bird species ,several of the latter being Albertine Rift Endemics.
Day 01: Arrive Kampala
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport through Kampala, You will be transferred to Mbarara town by our driver guide /tour representative. That will be before heading for the plateau of the mountains of the moon. Then proceed to hotel Margherita for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 02: Equator Glaciers Tour (EGT) Begins
Wake up early for a transfer to Nyakalengija the trailhead off Fortportal road. Move to Ibanda to start your 5-6 hour climb into the mountains. Your climb will take you through thick Equatorial vegetation before arriving at the Nyabitaba hut 2650 meters in the late evening . It is a 5 hours ascent to Nyabitaba Hut ,passing first through cultivation then through Forest. Dinner and Overnights at Nyabitaba Hut.
Day 03: John Matte Hut
This is the longest and most strenuous day's walk; expect it to take a minimum of seven hours . From Nyabitaba hut the path descends through forest for a short time before it crosses the Bujuku River at the Kurt Schafer bridge .Take breakfast, commence on a morning hike through the Kurt Shafer Bridge to wonder at the sparkling Mobuku river conflux. The path is good for the first couple of hours, but it becomes steeper and very rocky as you enter the moorland Zone where heather plants are Prolific. Have Lunch at Nyamileju Hut where there is a little used and rather run-down Hut , as well as a rock shelter. A climb through the open patches, Lobelia, and Heath moss forest before maneuvering a 2 hours 'walk to the John Matte hut for an overnight.
Day 04: Bujuku Hut
Retreat early through the giant Lobelias and heath trees. You move up to the Bigo Bog and a panoramic landscape of Lobelias and gigantic Groundsels. This take up to five hours , depending on the condition of the two Bigo Bogs, which are often Knee-deep in Mud .On the way the hut you will pass lake Bujuku ,which has a magnificent setting between mounts Stanley, Speke and Baker. Later, go for dinner and an overnight at Bujuku hut (3997 meters).
Day 05: Mount Victoria & Mount Speke
Leave early morning for the valley in with scenic alpine vegetation consisting of huge Groundsels and Lobelia and ascent Mount Victoria and Mount Speke at (4890 meters).
Day 06: Elena Hut
Depart through the gorgeous panorama of the Savoia and Elena glaciers climb further through to the Scott Elliott pass (4372 meters) and proceed through the snow to the Elena hut for overnight rest.
Day 07: Final Ascent To The Alps Of Africa!
Early morning climb up to the snowy Alexander peak (5092m); and then move onwards to the supreme peak at (5109m), it gives a good panoramic view and hence a great photo opportunities available. There after descend to the beautiful lake Kitandara for overnight stay at Kitandara safaris hut (3900m).
Day 08: Descent, Guy Yeoman Hut
After early breakfast, plunge starts. Have a Picnic luncheon on your way, after which we carry on journey to Guy Yeoman hut for dinner and overnight's rest.
Day 09: Back to Kasese
Descend to Nyabitaba and proceed to Ibanda and check in hotel Margherita for overnight rest.
Day 10: Back to Kampala
Transfer back to Kampala then proceed to Entebbe Airport for your evening flight.
Reservations and Payment
We strongly advice that when booking your holiday direct with Cites African Safaris or with your travel agent, please quote the tour name or your own specialized itinerary, intended date of arrival and departure, total number of nights and days, number of people traveling in your party, sleeping arrangements and flight details if already confirmed.
High season holidays in Kenya and Tanzania, i.e. July - October and January - March should be booked as early as possible (1 year- 4 months) to maximize chances of getting your choice of accommodation and destinations.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda generally requires a minimum of 12 weeks advance booking. Children under 12 years are not allowed to track chimpanzees and children under 15 years are not allowed to trek the gorillas.
A Deposit of 30% is required at the time of confirmation and the balance at least 35 days before the tour begins. We will receipt your money, thereby confirm our safari. If a reservation is made within 30 days of departure, the entire amount must be made at the time of confirmation.
Cancellation
Full refund will be provided if cancellation is done in writing 35 days prior to commencement of a safari. Refund on all pre-paid money will be based on cancellation fees levied by hotels, lodges and banks. Generally there is a 30% charge on cancellation with 35 days prior to tour departure, 50% charge within 34 - 15 days and 100% charge within 48 hours.
We reserve the right to deduct all expenses incurred from any money paid. Park entry tickets and Gorilla permits are non-refundable.
Alteration of Tour
The right is reserved to alter any route or arrangement, to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour should conditions so necessitates. The right is also reserved to decline, accept or retain any member of a tour at any time. Should you fail to join a tour, join it after departure of leave prior to completion; no tour fare refund can be made.
Transfer of Booking
In the event you are unable to travel due to extraordinary circumstances, we may transfer your booking to another party provided the arrangement remain the same and if suppliers (airlines, hotel, etc) are all ready to accept the transfer.
Mode of Payment
All prices are quoted US dollars and or Kshs. for residents. You may pay by cash, telegraphic transfer or cheque to Cites African Safaris Limited, or to your travel agent. Foreign currency cheques and payment by credit card may be accepted at the current dollar buying rate. Cheques may incur Manager’s Discretion service charge.
Transport
Mode of transport and type of vehicles to be used will be dependent on the number of clients and the route taken based on specifications of the chosen itinerary. Competent and experienced English speaking driver/guides are provided.
Accommodation
Most lodges and tented camps offer twin or double bed rooms with private bathrooms. Single rooms may be available with the payment of a single room supplement fee but not always guaranteed. Some facilities have available double beds upon request.
Tour Price
Tour prices quoted are inclusive of all transportation as per the itinerary, park entrance fee, permits where applicable and driver’s allowances and third party insurance. The rates are not inclusive of accommodation and meals while in Kampala unless stated, traveler’s insurance, local departure taxes, visa fees, gratuities, sodas and alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry and other personal expenses.
Traveler’s Insurance
We recommend that you buy travel insurance through your agent before coming to East Africa, but local evacuation coverage is available in the unlikely event of a medical emergency while out in the bush. Please request for this service at the time of booking.
Liability
Bookings are accepted on the specific condition that and its agents act only as agents of passengers in all matters relating to hotel/lodge accommodation, tours transport, etc. we shall not be liable for injury, delay loss or damage in any manner whatsoever. Cites African Safaris. reserves the right to employ subcontracts to carry out all or part of the services agreed to be supplied. Cites African Safaris's liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles is governed by the respective laws of the country in which the cause of action arises. Finally, whilst every care is taken, Cites African Safaris cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to baggage.
Complaints/Refunds
If the Client has a complaint/refund query about any aspect of his/her holiday it should be reported immediately to Cites African Safaris's available representative who will do whatever he/she can do during the safari. If the problem is not resolved to the client’s satisfaction any further complain/refund query should be made by the client in writing to Cites African Safaris not later than 30 days upon completion of the holiday. Failure to do this, no claim may be brought against Cites African Safaris. There will be no refund on unutilized services.
