Best Accommodation, Camps in Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail
The Best Accommodation, Camps in Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail. Boasting as one of Africa’s highest peaks, the Rwenzori mountains are a majestic mountain range located in Uganda on the boarder with the Democratic republic of Congo. The Rwenzori ranges are a UNESCO world heritage its offering scenic and rewarding experiences with snow capped peaks, rugged terrains and very comfortable cozy accommodation that enhances relaxation in the mountain as well as safety. The Central circuit trail is popular for its well maintained camps and huts which offer accommodation for trekkers visiting the Rwenzori mountains. By providing basic shelter at designated point in the mountains, hikers are able to enjoy rest at the end of the days walk. The camps are Nyabitaba hut, Johnmatte hut, Bujjuku hut, Ellena hut, Kitandara hut and finally guyoeman camp. In this article we explore all the spacious accommodation facilities that are available for hikers on the central circuit trail.
The Best Camps in Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail
Nyabitaba camp (2652m)
Elevated at an impressive height of 2652m above sea level, Nyabitaba camp is the gateway on the central circuit located within the dense forest of the Rwenzori mountain. Its about 4-6hours from the base of the mountain the park gate, the camp marks the beginning of the challenging section of the trail. The camp is within the incredible towering trees just above River Mubuku offering trekkers with scenic views of Portal peaks. The camp is comprised of a waiting or general room with several other dormitories for hikers which have beds organized in decker form. Groups can occupy these different rooms or share with other trekkers . The camp has solar lighting facility and a dinning area where trekkers can sit for a hot meal and share experiences.
Johnmatte camp (3414m)
Taking the anti clockwise route of the central circuit trail from nyabitaba camp , the trail leads you to Johnmatte camp as the second camp on the central circuit trail. Johnmatte camp is located in the heather zone surrounded by the heather trees and located along the shores of River Bujjuku at a height of 3414m above sea level. The camp offers incredible views of the glacier on mount stanely on a very clear day treektrs can start to spot the highest peak of Margherita from this camp. The aerial view from John matte is stunning with a mixture of fogg from the portal peaks and the sunrise can be spotted from this camp.
Bujjuku (3962m)
Bujjuku camp is the next camp on the central circuit trail located within the Alpine zone at a height of 3962m above sea level. Bujjuku camp is the is an iconic treasure famous to be located within the centre of the Rwenzori mountains . Hikers are excited to know that once they have a night at Bujjuku camp they are located in the centre of the spanning environment of the Rwenzori mountains. The camp is very special not only for its location but for the features that range from Lake Bujjuku which is very near the camp , its also located in the middle of the three major Rwenzori peaks of Mount Stanely, Mount speke and Mount Baker which together form a triangle in the Bujjuku valley.
Ellena camp (4541m)
In the ice and glacier zone is Ellena camp famous for being the launch camp for the summit of Mount Stanley. Trekkers summiting Margherita peak, or other peaks on Mount Stanely enjoy the short night ahead of the summit at Ellena camp . The camp is located within bouldering rocks at a height of 4541m attracting very cold and harsh whether conitions due to the high altitude . Ellena camp is a significant hut on the central circuit trail being the launching area for the summit of Rwenzori highest peak and hikers are encouraged to prepare very well for the whether as well as the altitude with a proper packing list with item s that can ensure hikers are well equipped for the cold temperatures and thin air associated with this camp. No flora o fauna can be spotted at Ellena camp except for the moss and lichens that cover the rocks , the area is also famous for snow which can snow at any time of the day. Rooms are organized in dormitory form with bank beds which can accommodate a huge number of trekkers.
Kitandara Camp (4023m)
Located in the Alpine zone, Kitandara camp is the next camp on the Central circuit as hikers descend from Ellena camp or set off from Bujjuku, they are ushered into Kitandara camp but the twin lakes of Kitandara. Kitandara camp is elevated at a height of 4023m above sea level in the alpine zone its cold and chilly as well du its height and the lakes as well as the towering peaks located near it , hikers are encouraged to prepare in advance for the cold temperatures associated with the camp. The camp is just on the banks of Lake Kitandara surrounded by the towering peaks of Mount Baker just above the camp and the views of Mount Luigi di savor from afar. The Lake Kitandara located just at the camp offers trekkers an opportunity to sit on the shores of the Lake and relax taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Rwenzori mountains. The camp is organized in a dormitory format with bank beds for trekkers to rest after the days strenuous walk.
Guy yeoman Camp (3261m)
Guy yeoman camp is the last camp on the Central circuit trail elevated at a height of 3261m above sea level in the montane zone of the Rwenzori mountains. After crossing several streams that emerge from the great River Mubukku, Guy yeoman is located just after the great river surrounded by mountains and valleys with unique views of the flora and fauna. The camp is located at a height of 3261m above sea level, its not associated with cold temperature like its neighboring camp Kitandara. Facilities that are found at this camp include dormitories with bank beds that offer a comfortable stay for trekkers . The surrounding around guyoeman camp consists of boggy terrain offering hikers with a adventurous and exciting walk through the varying terrains of the Rwenzori mountains .
Conclusion
The Central circuit trail of the Rwenzori mountains is a unique trail offering hikers with beautiful sceneries of the mountain and comfortable stay during their stay in the mountain in the comfortable accommodation. The camps are designed to provide shelter and strategically located in various spots on the mountain ensuring trekkers walk a reasonable distance to reach the camp for a well deserved rest in the Rwenzori mountains. The camps are basic and better improved huts have been established to enhance luxury within the Rwenzori mountain. From Nyabitaba , to Johnmatte, Bujjuku ,Elena Kitandara through Guy yeoman the camps offer a very unique experience. Trekkers enjoy shared experiences when they stay together in these camps and networking is enhanced. From the lush montane forest in Nyabitaba at the footstool of Rwenzori mountain to the rock and ice at Ellena camp the journey through the central circuit is a life time experience with these camps offering a safe and comfortable stay for trekkers visiting the majestic Rwenzori ranges.