Overview.
The 5 Days Mount Speke hike is a thrilling adventure through the heart of Rwenzori Mountains National Park leading trekkers from the montane forests of Nyakalengija to the glacier summit of Mt Speke.
The trek begins from Fort Portal, Kasese, or Kampala and it commences with a briefing at Nyakalengija briefing point through lush forests and bamboo zones. Expect to meet wildlife such as colobus monkeys, Rwenzori turaco, vervet monkeys, and more. Also, have great viewing points of Rwenzori valleys, Lake Bujuku, sight unique plants such as giant lobelias and more.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountain NP, hike to Nyabitaba hut
Have breakfast at the lodge or hotel and transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park at Nyakalengija gate. On arrival at the park offices, go through registration and meet up with the park guides and Porters. After a short briefing, the hike will begin through lush montane forests filled with bird calls as you see blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and more.
The trail takes you through the elephant grasses and bamboo thickets as you cross the Mubuku River. Arrive at Nyabitaba hut which stands at 2652 meters above sea level and here, spend a night while preparing for the tougher days ahead.
Day 2: Hike to John Matte Hut
Have breakfast in the mountain and then proceed with a hike crossing the Kurt Shafer bridge on the Bujuku River. The trail ascends steeply through a beautiful bamboo zone leading to a challenging section through slippery moss-covered rocks and tree roots.
Pass through the Nyamuleju rock shelter and later open areas dotted with giant groundsel and lobelias, the iconic 0lant species of Rwenzori mountains. Arrive at John Matte hut located on a ridge with spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of Mt Speke and Mt Stanley. Enjoy dinner and night stay.
Day 3: Hike to Bujuku Camp
Today’s trek takes you through one of the most scenic and adventurous parts of Rwenzori-the famous big bog. You will navigate the wet and muddy terrain using different boardwalks. Along the way, encounter plant life, expensive views of Rwenzori valleys, and more.
Hike around Lake Bujuku and arrive at Bujuku hut located beneath Mt Speke. Have a great time at this hut as you prepare for the next day’s summit hike.
Day 4: Hike to Mount. Speke and descend to John Matte hut
The day begins with an early breakfast and prepare to trek to the summit of Mt Speke standing at 4890m above the sea level. The trek is steep, rugged and involves some scrubbing over the rocky terrain, narrow ridges and wet patches and this call for both physical and mentally demanding but views from the summit make the effort worthwhile. Spend a good time at the summit and then descend back to John Matte hut.
Day 5: Descend to Nyakalengija and departure
Wake up and have your last breakfast and descend back to the Nyakalengija for signing out. Transfer back to Kasese, Kampala or Fort Portal to mark the end of the 5 Days Mount. Speke Hike.
