5 Days Rwenzori Trekking To Mount Speke
Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers a 5-day Rwenzori trekking to Mount Speke via the Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail route, which is operated by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services. The peak got its name after European pioneer John Speke, who not once climbed it. Nearby is Mount Stanley, which is in the southeast. Starting from the Bujuku camp, the climb to Mount Speke is quite difficult due to the large number of rocks. It is true that things get harder when it rains.
Highlights: 5 Days Rwenzori Mount Speke Trekking
Day 1: From Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp
Day 2: From Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp
Day 3: John arrived at Bujuku camp
Day 4: Bujuku, Mount Stanley, Mount Baker to John Maate
Day 5: John Maate to Nyakalengija
A Detailed 5 Days Rwenzori Trekking To Mount Speke
Day 1: From Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp
It is advisable to arrive in the morning to ensure sufficient time for the rental of equipment and to convene with your guides and porters. The trek commences by traversing agricultural land until it reaches the park’s perimeter, subsequently meandering through a dense vegetation adjacent to the Mubuku River. It crosses the tributary of the Mahoma River before embarking on an extremely difficult ascent onto a substantial ridge, ultimately arriving at the Nyabitaba hut. In this particular part of the trek, one might encounter the visually appealing black and white colobus, the blue monkey, and the vividly colorful Rwenzori turraco.The duration of the hike typically spans between 6 to 7 hours.
Staying at Nyabitaba Camp
Day 2: From Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp
Proceeding from Nyabitaba, one should navigate the path that descends through the jungle towards the Kurt Shafer Bridge, situated just beneath the junction of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. As one navigates the bamboo forest, one must carefully maneuver across a lengthy and tough area of slick, moss-laden stone. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, one can observe Mount Stanley and Mount Speke prior to entering the realm of the towering heather, lobelia, and groundsel. Upon finally arriving at John Matte Hut after traversing the tough bog, and settle in for dinner and an overnight stay at the John Matte hut.
Day 3: John arrived at Bujuku camp
The route descends from John Matte Hut, traversing the Bujuku River before entering the expansive Lower Bigo Bog, renowned for its impressive giant lobelias. Leaping from tussock to tussock, the bog is ultimately traversed, though seldom without the feet encountering the chilling mire beneath. The upper Bigo bog transitions into Bujuku Lake, offering vistas of Mt Baker to the south and Mt Stanley to the west. Bujuku Hut, strategically positioned in the proximity of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, sits within a narrow valley beneath Stuhlmann Pass.
This camp serves as an excellent opportunity for acclimatization for clients endeavoring to reach the summits of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. An evening meal followed by an overnight stay at Bujuku hut.
Accommodations at Bujuku Hut
Day 4: Bujuku, Mount Stanley, Mount Baker to John Maate
Commencing at dawn, one embarks on a trek through Stullmans Pass (4192m above sea level), offering breathtaking vistas of the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading towards the summit of Victorio Emanuele Peak.
Take your descent from Victorio Emanuele back to Bujuku camp, taking in the breathtaking vistas of Bujuku valley and Bujuku River, alongside the majestic Margherita and Albert peaks on Mount Stanley, as well as Mount Baker. Upon your return to Bujuku, proceed to spend the night at John Maate Camp.
Overnight at John Maate Camp
Day 5: John Maate to Nyakalengija
Subsequent to Guy Yeoman, the path gracefully descends the brink of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu, the path, filled with mud, traverses the Mubuku River twice, weaving through a bamboo forest before descending towards Nyabitaba to conclude the circuit.
Proceed to descend from Nyabitaba Camp and conclude your trek by the evening at Nyakalengija, the base camp.