Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail: Complete Guide for First Timers

The Rwenzori Central Circuit trail/route located in the Rwenzori mountains is an eminent route that has evolved into the premier trekking trail leading to one of Africa’s highest peaks . The Rwenzori Central Circuit trail is located in Kasese district in a small town called ibanda the village is Nyakalengeji . Discovered by the hunters in the early 20th Century the trail offers a unique and challenging adventure to margherita peak as well as other peaks within the Rwenzori mountains . The less challenging and less steep nature of the terrains on this trail make it more desirable as compared to other routes within the Rwenzori mountains . Both very experienced and less expereiced hikers can embark on this route in the Rwenzori mountains discovering the diversity of the ecosystems as well as its beautiful sceneries.

History of the Rwenzori Central Circuit trail

Way back in the early 1900 , is where the history of the Rwenzori Central Circuit trail/route dots back when hunters found a trail which was later used by the explorers who discovered paths through the dense forest and rugged terrains of the Rwenzori mountains. These early pioneers who visited the mountain laid a foundation of this trail that has now become n icon route of Africa’s trekking routes. The trail was officially established in the 1950’s and has since become popular attracting International trekkers from all over the globe to discover the beauty of the Rwenzori ranges. The route has gained International recognition with hikers from far and wide.

Significance of the Rwenzori Central circuit trail

The Rwenzori Central circuit trail holds a significance in the Rwenzori mountains making the destination a prime destination for both eco tourism and adventure .

The Central Circuit trail goes beyond attracting hikers from allover the world by contributing sustainably to the local and national economy at large boasting the entire GDP of the country.

Revenues generated from the tourism along trail are used in the conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ensuring the sustainability as well as protection of the Rwenzori mountains with its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna .

The Rwenzori Central Circuit trail contributes to the reputation of Uganda internationally as being among the top destination for mountain hiking prompting eco tourism as well as tourism practices .

To the locals

For the locals who are the Bakonjo clad around the village of Nyakalengeji to the them the trail is an icon offering the people around it with opportunities through being hired as guides, chefs rangers and porters. The community directly participates in the tourism activities along the mountain some of whom are directly employed by the Rwenzori mountaineering service who are the main managers of the concession from Uganda Tourism board . Others benefit indirectly through by being near the mountain they in one way or another earn a living by just being along the mountain , those operating businesses are directly supported by the officials as they purchase from them.

This engagement not only supports the local economy but also empowers the communities providing mountaineering skills through trainings and empowerment. The central circuit trail also holds a rich history for the locals who associate the mountain with their culture as its seen as among the places that host their local gods such as the rain maker .

To the Climate

The Rwenzori mountains are also known as the mountains of the moon ,they play a crucial role in the climate of the region promoting the central circuit trail. The Rwenzori mountains are not only a significant water catchment area but also feed a number of rivers and lakes that are key factors for the agricultural sector as well as major factors that attract rainfall within the region and Uganda at large .

The Central circuit trail has lush forests at the base of the mountains , and these attract rain within the region supporting the farms and plantations of the mountain . Promotion of sustainable tourism practices along the central circuit conserves the environment as well as regulates the climate in the region attaining long term protection of the Worlds’s UNESCO heritage site.

Flora and Fauna on the Rwenzori Central circuit Trail

Among the attraction of the Rwenzori mountains is flora and fauna, millions of plant species and animals survive along the Central circuit trail and have been here for generations some of which are used as local herbs or medicine by the community . The Central circuit comprises of different zones on varying altitudes each altitude with distinct flora . As trekkers embark on ascent the central circuit through the forest zone , bamboo zone ,heather zones and finally the alpine zone they will encounter different types of plant species all through the journey .

In the lower part of the mountain the central circuit trail is dominated with lush green towering trees in the tropical forest , this area hosts various tree species . Its within this region that most of the fauna can be seen from the colobus monkeys , three horned chameleon as well as the Rwenzori Turaco which is endemic to the Rwenzori mountains. Ascending further up thinkers will enter into a new environment that is having bamboo trees , shrubs , and oldman’s beard trees this is the bamboo zone . After the bamboo zone the altitude changes and this is the heather zone surrounded with heather trees as well as the Lobelias and groundsels . After the heather zone the Central circuit is the Alpine zone that is characterized with huge rocks , the whether in this zone is harsh and vegetation here includes the everlasting flowers , mosses , lichens, some groundsels and the cushion plants .

The Rwenzori mountains are a home to a wide range of birds making it a premier destination of birders . Hikers can see a numerous number of the birds frok the Rwenzori Turaco , malachite sunbird and the scarlet tufted malachite sunbird. Additionally hikers can spot several animals including the dicker, forest elephant among the many .

Features on the Central circuit trail /route

The Central circuit is an iconic trail with stunning features adding to the beauty of the route making it very rewarding to hikers who choose to embark on this trail . The trail has unique features like the cascading waterfalls , numerous glacial lakes with the major ones being the Bujjuku lake located just near Bujjuku camp, the Twin Lakes of Kitadara offering trekkers woth panoramic views . Falls on the central circuit trail include Mubuku falls that provide perfect spots for taking very nice pictures. The trail also has significant rivers that are also a source of water the communities around the mountauin including the notable River Mubbuku and River Bujjuku.

There are countless streams located in the mountains among the many and these have very clear and pure water . Glacier is among the other features that are associated with the Central circuit trail as hikers wmbark on the summit of the highest peak Margherita they are able to see the glacier using this route . Ontop of all the above there views of the numerous peaks on the Rwenzori mountains are also spotted using this trail as well as the Congolese

homesteads and rainforest of the Albertine rift valley or peaks from the Virunga mountain in Congo .

Vegetation zone

The Central circuit trail is characterized with different vegetation cover with varying altitudes each with unique plant species .At the start where the altitude is between 1800 and 2500m above sea level is the montane zone which draws trekkers to a forested area with various tree species such as the prunus African, podocarps . The trees in this area play a crucial role in the region offering rain for the farmers around the mountain but also most of these trees are known to be medicinal . Beyond the height of 2500m above sea level is the bamboo zone and this is dominated by the bamboo trees , the old man’s beard trees among the many making this zone very beautiful with numerous portal peaks. Further up is the heather zone beyond 3000 meters above sea level a very stunning zone with the giant lobelias and groundsels with several other heather trees.

Finally is the Alpine zone above the altitude of 4000m that presents hikers with extreme harsh whether of winds and here hardy vegetation survive including the lichens , mosses that can adopt to the whether in this vety cold part of the Central circuit trail on the Rwenzori mountains.

Accommodation/Camps on the central circuit trail of the Rwenzori mountains

The central circuit trail offers comfortable accommodation for trekkers using this route , having to rest in the serene wooden huts constructed at various points in the mountain. After a whole day of walking resting is very essential to ensure the trek is smooth and every other is successful and its among the first step for acclimatization for trekkers. Camps on this route have spacious rooms in form of dormitory setting and are specially constructed to enhance the comfort for hikers . With cozy bedspaces hikers are able to still enjoy the night and don’t require sleeping mats while using the central circuit trail as a sleeping bag will be just enough .

Nyabitaba camp welcomes you on this central circuit trail welcomes you on your first day , its hidden in the forested zone within the towering trees right above the roaring river Mubuku . The trail continues with Johnmatte as the second camp for hikers on the Central circuit , its located in the bamboo zone also along the River Bujjuku at (3,414m) offering scenic view of the portal peaks as well as views of mount Stanely on clear days . Next is Bujjuku camp a hidden gem located just after Lake Bujjuku also in the center or heart of the Rwenzori mountain.

The Bujjuku camp is located in a region that forms the Bujjuku triangle formed by the presence of the three peaks of Mount Stanely , Munt Speke a well as Mount Baker. The camp too has spacious bed space arranged in different rooms with a chimy to regulate the temperature since the camp is very cold and this helps heat up the place . Bujjuku camp is located in the alpine zone beyond at 3962m above sea level. Further up beyond 4000m is Ellena camp surrounded by boarding rocks and is the launch camp for the summit of Magherita as well as other peaks on Mount Stanely including Alexander peak, Albert peak and Chiptegei peaks.

Reaching Ellena camp is not for the weak however is doable with prior preparation and exercises. After the summit there are two more camps on the Central circuit trail that include Kitandara and Guyeoman . Kitanda camp is located on the showers of the lower twin lake of Kitandara. Finally is guyeoman camp which can easily be accessed on the central circuit route from nyabitaba using the clockwise route , its majorly preferred for hikers going to Bakerand Luigi do savor they transfer from nyabitaba direct to Guyeoman camp for nights before the summits .

Duration to Sumit Margherita peak

The central circuit trail is the shortest and less tiring route to Margherita . Hikers with a very limited stay in Uganda are encouraged to embark on this route . Previously hikers conquered the challenge in a minimum of 5days however we have overtime received hikers who have beaten the odds and challenged us using only 3days or 4 days to summit the Margherita peak and head back to the base . This however is done by very experienced and well trained hikers as the trail involves walking very long hours a day and achieving a different kind of altitude every other day. Most trekkers embark on the 6 days or 7days offering a very relaxed and enjoyable adventure taking a steady pace as well as having ample time for acclimatization that is very necessary for high altitudes . With this extended and yet standard days for trekking the Rwenzori mountains hikers are very assured to successfully summit and are promised to fully soak into the rich ambiance of the Rwenzori mountains that offers scenic views of the entire vast landscape.

Trekking other peaks on the Central circuit trail in the Rwenzori mountains

The Central trail is also a gate way to all other mountains in the Rwenzori mountains , the Rwenzori mountain is formed up by a series of other peaks. The Central circuit trail offers trekkers an opportunity to explore all other summits that are located within this rugged environment of the Rwenzori’s. Among the many peaks is Mount Gessi which is the first hikers encounter on this trail elevated at a height of 4715m . Mount Emin is also another reachable summit on this trail known for its rugged terrain . Next is Mount speke elevated at 4890m also the second highest peak in the Rwenzori ranges and among the most prominent peaks with Africa being the forth highest peak in Africa .Mount Baker is the next summit that can be accessed from Kitandara camp of the central circuit trail and also from the Guyeoman camp if hikers take the clockwise trek . Mount Baker promises incredible views including view of the Congo forest as well as the homesteads of Congo. Finally mount Luigi di Savor with its eminent weisman peak is also accessed from the Central circuit trail , the peak is stunning with stricking rocks and offers a very unique adventure for hikers who embark on its summit .Additionally the central circuit trail can also lead you to Mount Stanely which hosts more than just the summit of Margherita peak but also has peaks like mount Alexander , Mount Albert and the notable newly named Chiptegei peak offering trekers with a wide variety of choices to choose from .

Conclusion

The Central circuit is a notable route that is eminent for its rugged terrains that are easily conquered by hikers with or without experience. The route originary used by the hunters back in the early 90’s is not a premier route and a desired destination which hikers from allover the world take on to discover the beauty of the beauty of Rwenzori mountains. Under the aurity of the Uganda wildlife authority and locally managed by the Rwenzori mountaineering service , the route is well maintained ensuring sustainable tourism and conservation efforts for generations to come .Whether summiting Magherita peak , exploring the varying vegetation zone, or the iconic lakes and rivers the Rwenzori mountain has a lot to offer trekkers on the central circuit including the multiple peaks guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure in the Rwenzori mountains.