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RWENZORI & GORILLA TREK
16 DAYS CAMPING/HOTEL TREKKING IN THE EQUATORIAL `ALPS OF AFRICA' Although little known, the Rwenzori are Africa's largest group of snow mountains. In ancient times the Greeks believed that the legendary source of the Nile was a great African mountain range. They called them the "Mountains of the Moon". Today these mist-enshrouded and snow capped peaks offer a challenging trek in the heart of Africa. Further south in Bwindi National Park we'll track mountain gorillas on foot a thrilling wildlife encounter and perfect end to a Ugandan trek. From forests of giant heather, groundsel and lobelias (up to ten times their normal height!) to glaciers, waterfalls and lakes join us and discover some of Uganda's diverse secrets for yourself. 7-day Rwenzori Mountain Trek From Kampala we head for Kasese and the Rwenzori Mountains. Arriving at the trailhead at Nyakalengija we set off into true mountain wilderness. After passing coffee plantations, elephant grass and traversing several streams we ascend a moraine ridge to our first camp at Nyabitaba. Next we climb through bamboo forest, giant heather and groundsel and may be treated to a view to the high peaks of Mt. Stanley (5110m) and Mt. Speke (4889m) en route to John Matte. Then, crossing Bigo Bogs we ascend to Lake Bujuku, our base for two nights. We make for Lake Kitandara next, via the high Scott Elliot Pass (4372m). On our final trek we descend to Guy Yeoman, see the Kabamba Falls and pass Lake Mahoma. Bwindi's Silverback Gorillas After a second night at Kasese, we travel south through the Rift Valley and cross the Equator before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The wild-living mountain gorillas of Africa can be observed at quite close quarters from our comfortable base camp close to the park gates in the small village of Buhoma. Accompanied by an expert tracker, we'll search for these magnificent giant silverbacks on foot. Gentle mannered
TREKKING GRADE D
Ref BRW
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/ Entebbe. 2 Arrive Entebbe; transfer Kampala; free to explore. 3 Drive to Kasese. 4 Drive to Rwenzori to start 7-day trek. Trek from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut (5 hrs). 5 Trek to John Matte Hut (7 hrs). 6 Trek to Lake Bujuku Hut (5-6 hrs). 7 At Lake Bujuku; rest day, optional hike to Lac du Speke. 8 Trek to Lake Kitandara Hut (5 hrs) via Scott Elliot Pass. 9 Trek to Guy Yeoman Hut (5-6 hrs). 10 Trek to Nyakalengija (6-7 hrs); drive Kasese. 11 Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. 12 & 13 In Bwindi; one day gorilla tracking and nature trails. 14 Drive Kampala. 15 Optional Chimp Island; fly London. 16 Arrive London. Accommodation & Meals: 3nts tented camp, 8nts camping, 2nts hotel; 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 11 dinners are included. See p41. Mode of Travel: 4WD minibus/On foot during 7-day Rwenzori trek & gorilla trek. Comment: Graded D. Tough trekking (5-7 hrs a day) in the Rwenzori at altitudes of around 3500-4000m. Bwindi NP is currently one of the only secure places where mountain gorillas can be found and demand for tracking permits is high. Park permits are thus pre-booked and pre-paid by Explore in an effort to ensure that our groups do gain access. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), local mountain guide(s) plus porters, cook, gorilla tracker/guides. Group Size: Approx. 9 to 12.
vegetarians, they are very tolerant unless provoked. Finding them in the dense undergrowth can be difficult, but sightings are normally possible with the help of our guides. Once you've experienced a face-to-face encounter with these incredible creatures, the memory will stay with you forever! Our journey ends in Kampala where there is the opportunity for further primate encounters with an optional visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria.
DATES AND PRICES Flight Inc 16 days Sat to Sun REF:BRW 2008 deps flight land Price in £s inc only 02 Aug-17 Aug 2195 1495 2009 Price in £s 01 Aug-16 Aug 2245 1545 Land Only tour: 14 days - start Kampala day 2 (Sun), end Kampala day 15 (Sat) Plus Local Payment: US$600 (approx £295) payable Kampala Single Room Option: £100* see p41 for details These are guide prices, see p45 for details.
On the trail/Geoff Degens
CONGO
MoRwe un nz ta or in
i
s Speke
Rwenzori & Gorilla Trek Ref BRW
Ibanda
From
Trek route
KAMPALA Kato nga
RWENZORI NP
KASESE
Lake George
Equator 0ºN
UGANDA
Lake Edward
To KAMPALA
BWINDI NP
Tracking Gorillas km ZAIRE Speke 4889m 0 30
Rwenzori's dramatic scenery/ Kate Plummer
5109m Stanley 4977m
BUJUKU HUT
JOHN MATTE HUT
Detail of Trek Route
NYABITABA HUT
Scott Elliot Pass 4372m Baker 4843m
GUY YEOMAN HUT KITANDARA HUT
km
UGANDA
0
5
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