Mountains Of The Moon

Day 1
Depart London.

Day 2
Arrive at Entebbe airport and transfer by private bus to Kampala (a distance of about 40 kms). Those not flying with the group will join us in Kampala. The afternoon is free to relax or to explore the city. A trip briefing will take place this evening.

Day 3
Today we drive to Fort Portal for a late lunch (320 km, approx. 5 hours drive). Free afternoon.

Day 4
After an early breakfast we drive (1.5 hours) to Kyanjuki where we meet our guides and trekking staff. We then continue driving up to the trail head (1667m) and begin a gentle walk (1.2 km) along a well-maintained path above the Nyamwamba River to the rangers post. After completing the necessary registration formalities and rangers briefing on the rules of the National Park we continue walking on a fairly strenuous climb up a main ridge with firm footing except immediately after a heavy downpour, climbing to our first camp. As we leave the rangers post we walk along a path through tall grassland and ferns that give way to magnificent pristine forests. As this is a new route the forests are untouched and include a wide variety of trees and plants. Many species of birds can be heard and seen in this rich environment. The first few kilometres climb steadily, crossing several small streams and rivers before we reach the ridge. As we climb the trees become taller and straighter and it is common to see and hear many types of primates: we may hear troupes of chimpanzee echoing around the valleys. Particularly around our lunch spot at 2570m it is possible to see troupes of 20 or more black and white Colobus monkeys or Blue monkeys as they dash through the trees. It is also common to see Red tailed monkeys in this area, as natural fruits are plentiful. After lunch we continue to climb steadily passing a rock shelter (2785m) previously used by poachers to hunt primates and Dukier (small antelope). Beyond the rock shelter the climb enters the bamboo zone and becomes steeper. As we near the top we break out of the bamboo to fantastic views of the valleys and hills below, looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance. The equator lies just north of Lake George. We spend the night at Samalira Camp at 3147m, which offers great views of the surrounding landscape. (Approx 5 to 7 hours walking, 9 km.)

Day 5
After a hearty breakfast we commence walking and initially climb steadily, then cross a small stream where the climb becomes steep for about 200 metres up a narrow moss-covered ridge. The thick moss covering the ground and rocks under the giant heather trees is spectacular and we ask you to help preserve this pristine environment by keeping to the pathway. The views stretch across many ridges with valleys far below. We can see Kilembe village deep in the valley and across Lake George. After a relatively short climb the trail becomes less steep as we pass over Chavumba (meaning heaven) at 3316m then cross a small flat valley to climb up a steady ridge through moss covered trees and misty forests to the top of the ridge at 3515m. Here we descend steadily for about one kilometre before a steep drop of 200 metres into the Nyamwamba valley and a well-earned lunch break at Polies Rock Shelter 3249m. This valley has only been trekked since 2010 to make it accessible to trekkers as before apart for a few very robust individuals and poachers the last expedition to use this valley was a British geological expedition in 1937. After lunch we climb steadily above the Nyamwamba River though old giant heathers covered in old man's beard moss to Kiharo Camp at 3588m directly at the base of a granite rock with towering peaks above. (Approx 6 to 8 hours walking, 7 km.)

Day 6
Today we climb through a narrow valley with large moss covered rocks. This area is stunning as we weave through narrow passes near the foot of towering peaks until we reach the wider Nyamwamba River. From here we climb steadily along the valley floor with small bogs and many giant lobelias. Both sides of the valley are lined with sheer cliff faces as we near the confluence of the Nyamwamba and Namusangi valleys. Colourful Sunbirds and Dukier can be spotted on todays walk before reaching our third camp at 4065m, above Lake Kopello which has spectacular views looking down the valley of nine glacier lakes, the Namusangi valley. (Approx 8 to 10 hours walking, 6 km.)

Day 7
We start by descending and then climbing steeply up to Bamwanjara Pass. The top of the pass offers spectacular scenery of the snow capped main peaks and on a clear day we get our first glimpse of Mt Baker. On the right one can see McConnell's Prong named after a British explorer and geologist. The Kachope Lakes area is one of the three places where the rare Rwenzori Leopard has been seen: we might be lucky enough to see its footprints but sightings are unlikely as it is nearly black and so blends in with the basaltic rock surroundings. Little research has been done on this animal, which is rarer than the snow leopard. After passing Kachope Lakes we climb and then descent steeply (with the use of ladders) to McConnell's Camp at 4160m. (Approx. 7 to 9 hours walking, 6 km)

Day 8
A very early morning start to ascend Mt Baker Peak, 4842m. Ascent time from McConnell's Camp (Camp 4) to the top varies greatly depending upon the weather conditions and the groups ability. This is a steep, rocky climb but usually non-technical except in the snow seasons of April-May and September-October, although safety ropes will be used at all times on steep sections. After the initial climb up we descend along a crack in the rock face, where we will be roped in for safety, to the glacier and a short 300m walk to the peak. The views of the main peaks of Magherita, Alexandria, Stanley's Plateau and the glaciers are fantastic as we see the splendour of these beautiful snow-capped mountains just 40 kilometres north of the Equator. We walk back across the glacier, climb back up the crack in the rock face and descend to McConnell's Camp. This is an extremely long and hard day, with between 11 to 15 hours walking at high altitude.

Day 9
We retrace our steps past Kachope Lakes where we have a good chance of seeing Hyrax. The Hyrax is a small animal resembling a large guinea pig, and is the main diet of the Rwenzori Leopard. We continue over the Bamwanjara Pass which takes us between some magnificent cliffs. We then climb up to Camp 3 (4065m) for the night where we enjoy the views of the Namusangi Valley. (Approx 7 to 9 hours walking.)

Day 10
Our descent continues down the Namusangi Valley. This is the famous valley of nine glacier lakes with many sedimentary bogs and twisting streams as we cross open moreland and large areas of tussock grass. As this is a valley floor it is rather wet and at times quite boggy it is a good idea to have rubber boots for this section. As the area is environmentally sensitive we take care not to disturb the wetlands more than necessary. As we descend to Mutinda Rock Shelter (3620m), a large rock shelter used over the years by explorers and poachers, if the clouds are low as they usually are the area has an eritheral quality, like something out of the film Avitar with peaks poking through shifting cloud formations. Here we can spread out and enjoy the warmth of an evening fire. (Approx. 5 to 7 hours walking, 7.5km)

Day 11
Today we walk through a picturesque valley weaving past many small streams and waterfalls to Kalalama Camp (3134m), which is perched on a knoll just above the bamboo zone. From the camp Lake George can be seen along with Kasese and the surrounding plains and is set in a thicket of Giant Heather. (Approx. 4 to 6 hours walking 7 km.)

Day 12
We start by ascending to the next valley and then descending down through the bamboo zone to the same path we used on the first day of the trek. As we break out of the bamboo to fantastic views of the valleys and hills below, looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance, before wandering down the last six kilometres through beautiful rainforest to the Rangers Post. After signing out of the park and a walk of 1.2 kilometres to our waiting vehicles we pick up our luggage before driving (approx 1.5 hours) north to Fort Portal where a much deserved shower and a cold beer await us. (Approx 5 to 7 hours walking, 12 km.)

Day 13
Today we drive back to Kampala and the rest of the day is free.

Day 14
Those not flying back with the group will leave us after breakfast. For those on the group flight today is a free day for shopping before the afternoon flight from Entebbe.

Day 15
Arrive London.