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THE ULTIMATE
JOURNEY TO RWENZORI MOUNTAIN PEAKS Depart Kampala, Uganda on July 2 and return
July 17 – 16 days, 15 nights The Rwenzori range, also known as “The
Mountains of the Moon”, are a spectacular and remote set of mountains on the
border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the
home of the largest equatorial ice cap in the world and Margherita Peak on
Mount Stanley. At 5109m, it is the third highest peak in Africa. It also gets
about 1/100 of the traffic of its bigger cousin Mt. Kilimanjaro. We have worked
with the top agency in Uganda to craft a unique itinerary that carefully
controls acclimatization and increases our chances of success on this peak. We
will start with the trek on the Rwenzori central circuit, which is renowned for
the impressive differences in flora as you ascend. The trail takes you through
multiple vegetation zones, from dense rainforests and bamboo forests to alpine
meadows and glacial areas, offering a unique cross-section of the park's varied
environment. Some of the flora are going to make you think that you’re in a
Doctor Seuss book! Then we take a detour to the Congo side peaks of Mount Gessi
(4715m, PD+) and Mount Emin (4798m, AD) to provide for acclimatization. In
total, we will have permits to summit 10 peaks over our 16 day trip. All of the
peaks require some glacier travel and some require rock scrambling or snow /
ice climbing up to 60 degrees. Since each participant has their own guide, you
are completely able to turn back or skip any of the peaks. Each participant will be assigned their own
guide and 2 porters who will carry up to 12kg each. For every 2 participants,
we will have an armed park ranger for safety and security. Security is an issue
with the DRC so close, but our agency has had no issues in the past 10 years.
External Affairs Canada recommends against going near the border with the DRC –
unless you are with a trekking company authorized by the national park. Accommodation will be in tents for at least
the Congo side peaks, but you may choose to stay in huts for the rest of the
trip. Personally, I’ll take a tent! Temperatures are expected to be in the -1
to -3C range mid day on the summits. We are choosing the beginning of July as
this is right in the middle of the Uganda dry season, and provides us with the
greatest probability of good summit weather. The price is
US$3700 and it includes All accommodations
as per the itinerary. All ground
transportation in private luxury 4x4 vehicles. All national park
and permit fees for Rwenzori Professional
mountain guides, porters, and cooks. All meals and
bottled water as per the itinerary. Group climbing
gear (ropes, etc.). Rescue protocols
and standby support There is an extra
$50 charge if you want to rent one of the agency’s tents, and an additional fee
if you don’t bring your own harness, crampons, helmet and ice axe. Optional add ons
at the end include wildlife safaris to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and
rhinos. Risks on this trip
include altitude, political instability, crevasses, rock fall and having to
listen to Steve’s jokes for the one millionth time. Contact the trip
organizer for the complete itinerary and an application form. Applications will
be accepted until December 15. A deposit of $1000 will be required.
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