A Prefect 6 Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek for First Timers
A Prefect 6 Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek for First Timers. Plan a 6-day trekking trip across Rwenzori Mountains National Park to reach the two portal peaks—Rutara (the middle peak) and Kuhuma (the highest mountain)—along the central circuit trail. The two lodges of Nyabitaba and John Matte form the centre of this six-day Rwenzori Mountains Portal Peaks Trek.
6 Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek Highlights
- Day 1: Nyakalengija 1640m – Nyabitaba camp 2650m.
- Day 2: Nyabitaba camp 2650m – Johnmaate camp 3505m.
- Day 3: Johnmaate camp 3505m – Bukurungu Rock shelter (tent pitch)
- Day 4: Bukurungu rock shelter – summit portal peaks – Rutara/middleportal peaks and kuhuma peak
- Day 5: Bukurungu rock shelter – Johnmaate camp.
- Day 6: Johnmaate camp – Nyabitaba – Nyakalengija
A Complete 6 Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Nyakalengija 1640m – Nyabitaba camp 2650m.
Embark on the first day of your 6-day trekking experience through the Portal Peaks Rwenzori by meeting up with your guides and porters bright and early. Then, set off on a 4-5 hour hike to Nyabitaba camp, which is situated at 2650m. Ascending through expansive farmlands and fields, you pass by residences built by locals and through towering elephant grasses, all the way to the park’s main gate. The route begins at the gate and follows the banks of the Mubuku River as it ascends through montane forest zones to the kyoho and mahoma rivers. If you’re lucky, you might see a monkey or two, as well as an endemic three-horned chameleon. Following the Mahoma River bridge, the trail leads steeply upwards to the Nyabitaba Ridges, where you may set up camp for the night and have a hearty meal.
Day 2: Nyabitaba camp 2650m – Johnmaate camp 3505m.
Walking up and down stairs adorned with moss and lichen will lead you to John Maate camp through a bamboo forest. You would want to see the snows, and in the afternoon sun you may often catch a stunning view of the gold-struck Margharita and Alexanderia peaks. The distance between Nyabitaba to Johnmaate camp is seven hours.
Day 3: Johnmaate camp 3505m – Bukurungu Rock shelter (tent pitch)
Commence your day with breathtaking views down the valley. After five hours of challenging but rewarding muddy climbing, you will reach the Bukurungu Camp rock shelter. Rwenzori red mountain duiker and rock hyrax are possible sightings in the Heather/Rubinia plant zone.
Day 4: Bukurungu rock shelter – Summit Portal Peaks – Rutara/middleportal peaks and Kuhuma Peak
You and your guides get up early to get ready to climb Kihuma Peak, Portal Peak, and the Middle Portal Peak all at once. Climbing boots are required for the ascent of the aforementioned stunning peaks, which begins with a demanding ascent on the steeply sloping rocks and continues with an easier but still challenging trek. Carefully descending to the Bukurungu Rock Shelter for dinner and an overnight followed the capture of the lovely images.
Day 5: Bukurungu Rock Shelter – Johnmaate Camp.
You can spot many rock hyrax and Rwenzori red mountain duiker on the way down to Johnmaate camp, which is worth the muck that stretches your thighs. After that, you’ll wind your way down to Johnmaate camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6: Johnmaate camp – Nyabitaba – Nyakalengija
As you make your way to Nyabitaba for lunch and a quick cup of hot tea, your last thoughts turn to a relaxing bath and a restaurant dinner. However, you’ll have to wait a little longer as you trek through swampy areas and bamboo forests. Eventually, you’ll reach Nyabitaba.
End of the 6 Day Rwenzori Portal Peak Trek Itinerary