7 Days Cheptegei peak hike in Rwenzori Mountains via Central Circuit.
7 Days Cheptegei peak hike in Rwenzori Mountains via Central Circuit, known for their unique ecosystems, gorgeous landscapes, and demanding summits, the Rwenzori Mountains, sometimes called the “Mountains of the Moon”, are among the most beautiful mountain ranges in Africa. Cheptegei Peak is one of these peaks; it was named after the famous Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei. This article gives a comprehensive rundown of the 7-day Central Circuit trek to Cheptegei Peak, which takes hikers on a memorable excursion through an alpine landscape unlike any other.
Highlights of 7 Days Cheptegei peak hike in Rwenzori Mountains via Central Circuit.
Day 1: Depart from Nyakalengija (1650 meters) and hike to Nyabitaba camp at an elevation of 2650 meters
Day 2: Transfer from Nyabitaba to Johnmatte.
Day 3: John Matte camp(3505)m to Bujuku camp(3900)m.
Day 4: Bujuku hut (3900)m to Elena hut (4541)m
Day 5: Elena hut( 4541)m to Cheptegei peak4907m back to Kitandara lakes camp (4022)m.
Day 6: Kitandara lakes camp ( 4022m) to Guyeoman camp 3505m.
Day 7: From Guyeoman at an elevation of 3505m to Nyabitaba camp at an elevation of 2560m.
Detailed itinerary of 7 Days Cheptegei peak hike in Rwenzori Mountains via Central Circuit.
Day 1: Depart from Nyakalengija (1650 meters) and hike to Nyabitaba camp at an elevation of 2650 meters.
On this first day, you are required to report to the main office in Nyakalengija very early in the morning. If you are staying overnight at Equator Snow or Snow Heights, you will receive a detailed briefing about the Rwenzori trekking tour and the guidelines from the hotel. Afterwards, you will proceed to the park headquarters to begin the Rwenzori journey. The trek begins at the park gate known as Mihunga gate and covers a distance of 7 kilometers, taking around 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trail has an altitude of 1200 meters. The initial trail traverses residential areas and agricultural fields, gradually advancing through tall elephant grasses and thick undergrowth. You will scale high cliffs and bluffs, cross the river Mahoma, and then continue to ascend steeply until you reach Nyabitaba camp. Several distinct animal species can be observed, including the white and black colobus monkeys, three-horned chameleon, and Rwenzori Turaco birds. Experience an overnight stay at the Nyabitaba camp.
Day 2: Transfer from Nyabitaba to Johnmatte.
On this second day of the journey, we will hike from Nyabitaba at an altitude of 2650 meters to Johnmaate camp, which is situated at an elevation of 3505 meters.
From Nyabitaba, you will descend to your right and continue the trail that descends through the forest for around thirty minutes until you reach the Kurt Shafer bridge, located just before the point where the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers meet. The hike proceeds smoothly for a few hours, initially passing through a bamboo forest. However, it gradually gets more challenging, resembling spelunking, as you go through a lengthy and tiring section of rocks coated in slippery moss..
Mount Stanley and Speke are visible from the Nyamileju rock shelter, prior to entering the area characterized by the presence of the big Heather, lobelia, and groundsel. After traversing the exhausting marsh, you finally arrive at Johnmaate camp. While in this location, there is a significant probability of witnessing the impressive sights of Mount Stanley and Margherita Glacier. Enjoy an evening meal and spend the night at the hut.
Day 3: John Matte camp(3505)m to Bujuku camp(3900)m.
On the third day of the journey, we will hike from Johnmaate camp, located at an altitude of 3505 meters, to Bujuku camp, which is situated at an elevation of 3900 meters.
The trail from Johnmatte camp descends to cross the Bujuku river and enters the lower bigo bog, which is inhabited by giant lobelias. While traversing the bog, one must hop from one tussock to another. Eventually, the bog is crossed, although it is difficult to avoid getting one’s feet in the freezing ooze. Moving forward to the upper bigo bog, you will follow the Bujuku river, which occasionally flows underground from lake Bujuku. Along the way, you will enjoy views of mount Baker to the South and mount Stanley to the west. The Bujuku hut is strategically situated in the vicinity of Mount Baker and Speke, nestled in a narrow valley beneath Stulman Pass. An evening meal followed by a stay until the next morning.
Day 4: Bujuku hut (3900)m to Elena hut (4541)m
This journey from Bujuku hut at an altitude of 3900 meters to Elena hut at an altitude of 4541 meters.
After departing from Bujuku, the trail leads you into additional marshy terrain, while ascending the steep hills to the west of the lake. It then passes through the enchanting groundsel valley as it climbs to reach Scot Eliot pass, which stands at an elevation of 4372m. Located at the beginning of the gully, there is a metal ladder that allows you to traverse a steep portion. Beyond this point, the trail splits into two paths. The trail to your right ascends towards Elena hut and mount Stanley, along a challenging path strewn with sizable rocks. The trail on the left leads to Scott Eliot pass and descends to Kitandara lakes, while the trail on the right is for people who are not ascending Margherita mountain. Those ascending the summit will dine and stay overnight at the chilly and frozen Elena hut.
Day 5: Elena hut( 4541)m to Cheptegei peak4907m back to Kitandara lakes camp (4022)m.
On this day, we will hike from Elena hut at an altitude of 4541 meters to Cheptegei peak, which stands at 4907 meters. After reaching the summit, we will return to Kitandara lakes camp, located at an altitude of 4022 meters.
To reach the peak of Cheptegei, proceed to the base of Stanley glacier. The ascent to the summit of Cheptegei peak typically requires 2 to 3 hours, which might vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions and the climbing speed. This challenging hike leads you across treacherous terrain, including slippery rocks, icy sections on the Stanley plateau, and very exposed parts with open sides. This ascent is accessible to individuals of all fitness levels, regardless of their level of physical conditioning. It is feasible for everyone to reach the summit of Cheptegei peak. Ascend to the Stanley plateau and continue climbing. Accustomed to fog, altitude sickness, and inclement weather.
Hike to the summit of Cheptegei peak, which is the fourth highest peak of the Rwenzori. Despite the challenging weather and the elevated altitude, it is important not to become discouraged if you are unable to reach the summit. Get ready for your journey back via the Scot Eliot pass, where you may enjoy breathtaking vistas of Bujuku Lake, Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and the Kitandara Lakes below. Following the trail that traverses the Alpine zone characterized by scarce vegetation and rugged stones, continue downwards beyond the Kitandara lakes to reach the Kitandara lakes camp where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 6: Kitandara lakes camp ( 4022m) to Guyeoman camp 3505m.
On this sixth day, we will be trekking from Kitandara lakes camp at an altitude of 4022m to Guyeoman camp at an altitude of 3505m.
From Kitandara, the trail ascends sharply up the headwall, starting at the base of Mount Baker and continuing up the Southside of the mountain to Freshfield Pass at an elevation of 4280m. From this vantage point, you have a clear view of the Congo to the west and mount Stanley to the north. Proceed along the lengthy road that leads past the rock shelter of Bujongolo, which served as the base camp for the renowned expedition led by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. Stay overnight at the Guyeoman camp.
Day 7: From Guyeoman at an elevation of 3505m to Nyabitaba camp at an elevation of 2560m.
This descent to Nyabitaba typically requires approximately 6-7 hours of hiking. However, by beginning early in the day, it is feasible to complete the entire journey down to Nyakalengija. From Guyeoman, the path descends the steep cliffs of kichuchu and leads you through the bamboo forest areas until you reach Nyabitaba. Here, you can choose to have dinner and spend the night, or have lunch and continue your journey down to Nyakalengija, where you can enjoy hot showers at Equator snow heights.
The itinerary includes.
- Accommodation while on the mountain.
- Meals on full board while on the mountain.
- Trekking permit.
- Harness
- Crampons.
- Icy Axe.
- Helmet.
The itinerary excludes.
- Visas, tickets.
- Accommodation at the base camp you will either spend a night at equator snow heights or rubboni community rest camp.
- Yellow fever card. It should be valid.