Rwenzori Trek

The ascent starts from Elena hut and ascends up steep often wet/verglassed slabs to the Elena Glacier and the Stanley Plateau, Africa’s largest icefield. There are several possible lines that are used depending upon the conditions. From here, one has good access to the excellent SE ridge of Alexandra Peak. One can also cross the Stanley Plateau to the north reaching the tow of Alexandra’s SE Ridge, drop down a steep gully to the Margherita Glacier, ascend this to the Alexandra/Margherita Col then from here ascend to the summit of Margherita Peak on snow trending left somewhat then generally wet or icy rock. The Margherita glacier is heavily crevassed, many of which are covered by a thin layer of snow. In addition, there are often wild ice formations along the way and on the adjacent ridges. At the summit, be sure to step to the West of the sign to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also possible to continue along the ridge to the west to reach Albert Peak. Descend back to the Elena hut then continue down to the beautiful Kitandara Lakes to the bivouac site below Speke peak.

You’ll need to bring your harness, helmet and climbing boots (Sturdy, warm B1’s or B2) and crampons.

The rest we provide – including ropes, carabiners, climbing and belay devices.

The ratio of local guides to 360 climbers is 2 guides to 4 climbers and 4 guides for 5 to 8 climbers. In addition there will be an internationally qualified 360 Guide joining every ascent.

Mount Stanley (Margherita) peak is the most technical summit to reach on this itinerary. On the Alpine scale of difficulty this ascent is rated PD. It is a mixed climb on rock, ice and snow and requires a basic understanding of the techniques and material needed to climb on this type of terrain. This is a fully guided ascent where steep / difficult terrain is protected by ropes set up by your guide team.

If you come to a point that you need to bail out whilst climbing the technical climb of Batian, then your climbing guide will make a plan in situ with you. Your safety will always come first  and they will work a plan out with you which doesn’t compromise the rest of your team’s chances of continuing.

You will be given a bag of summit snacks and you will find ledge to have a pause and eat.

If you need the loo you will have to go in nature .. finding a suitable spot en route!

Mount Stanley (Margherita peak, 5,109 meters), Mount Baker (4842 meters), Albert Peak (5088 meters), Mount Speke (4890 meters) and Mount Luigi di Savoia (Weisman peak, 4640 meters). The aim of this expedition is to attempt to reach the summit of all of these.

On a day to day level remember that you will be camping at altitude. You are likely to be cold, washing and toilet facilities will be limited, your appetite may be affected by the altitude and as you get higher on the trek you are likely to suffer shortness of breath and many people experience difficulty sleeping. Remember that everyone on the trek is likely to be experiencing exactly the same symptoms: physical and mental.

The 360 Expeditions training programs have been devised to be expedition specific. Use these as a guide but also feel free to contact us for individual advice on how best to incorporate a suitable fitness program with your own lifestyle.

If you are struggling from day one then you will not enjoy the rest of the trip. Physical preparation does not have to be Herculean: concentrate on cardio-vascular exercise during the week by taking short runs when time allows and try to spend at least 2 weekends a month going on long duration walks (longer than 6 hrs) carrying a rucksack of around 10kg.

This kind of regime will not only prepare your body for carrying minor loads but will harden your body against the big days on the mountain itself. In addition it will help break in your boots and get you used to your equipment. In combination this will pay dividends when you reach Mount Kenya because even though you can’t train for altitude your body will be ready for arduous days and you will be familiar with how to best use your equipment, both adding to you being able to enjoy and appreciate the mountain all the more. Summit day can be up to 9 hours long.

All meals on the mountain are of the highest possible standard. In fact considering that our cooks have to produce the best possible meals in a wilderness setting using only the most basic of facilities (kerosene stoves) the meals they produce are nothing short of a miracle. The meals are always fresh, nutritious and varied. We ensure that dietary preferences are always met and that the best local ingredients are used. The underlying aim is to provide balanced nutritional meals packed with carbohydrates to re-fuel hungry bodies and to replenish stores for the next day of activity. On top of well balanced meals clients are provided with coffee, tea and snacks upon arrival into camp. The morning wake-up call is usually accompanied with a cup of tea or coffee in your tent.

You are invited to bring along any of your favourite snacks and goody bags from home if they want. Concentrate on high energy food-stuffs such as Jelly Babies to give you that little boost on an arduous day.

Absolutely, please inform the office of any allergies or intolerances and we will ensure that these are taken into account on the trek.

Water comes from the fresh water streams in the mountain. The porters draw it using jerrycans and deliver it to the Camp.

There is no bottled water on our treks, all water is taken from streams and purified, so you’ll need to bring should water purifiers to purify at least 3ltrs a day. We do boil water at night for teas and coffee, so you can fill up your water bottles the night before with boiled water.

All accommodation during the trek is in huts with bunk beds dormitory style and mattresses. Unfortunately we can’t provide twins or singles for during the hike as the conditions are tough to build huts and we have a policy of conserving the mountain environment hence less destruction of nature,  but we endeavour to provide as much comfortable accommodation as we can. All you need is a warm four season sleeping bag.

In the camps on the trek there are pit latrines which are cleaned regularly.

At the hotels before and after the trek, yes it’s possible to have a single room. During the trek it is not possible. The wooden cabins at the camps are shared with 8 people in every hut.

The 360 Office team will be more than happy to organise a single room supplement.

We haven’t included hotels in Entebbe  due to many variations of flight schedules.

There have been no sightings of DRC fighters in this area for almost a decade. The Uganda Wildlife Authority carries out patrols of the route plus the UPDF carry out daily patrols of the borders of Uganda to Congo. Then there’s the geographical barrier in terms of terrain of the Rwenzori Mountains on the DRC side. The Rwenzori Mountains are incredibly steep on the Congo side which significantly helps the safety of this region.

All our guides are in communication by satphone or mobile phone where there is reception. In the vast majority of cases of emergency rescue the problems can be attributed to altitude and if so the solution is immediate descent to lower altitudes. Our local mountain crew are all experienced in dealing with any problems that arise. Our guides are qualified with the highest standard of wilderness first aid qualifications and can handle any emergency to the highest level of competency.

Although our acclimatisation regime ensures that everybody enjoys the best possible chance of getting high on the mountain, altitude related problems can happen. The most common of this is high altitude sickness – AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Symptoms for this can include headaches, nausea and vomiting.

In all this sounds quite dramatic but generally this is just the process your body naturally goes through to adjust to the higher altitudes and the reduced partial pressure of the atmosphere. For some people the acclimatisation process is a little longer and harder than others.

For our guides this is all part and parcel of ascending a near 5,000m peak and, although we asses each client’s personal situation carefully, we also further consider the compounding effects of dehydration brought on by excessive vomiting and continuing headaches.

AMS might sound frightening but our guides are fully trained (and experienced) in helping to relieve your personal symptoms and provide advice on how to best proceed.

In most cases AMS can be avoided by following these guidelines:

• Drink lots of water
• Walk slowly
• Stay warm
• Eat well

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the various affects that altitude can cause. During your pre-climb briefing, we describe altitude sickness to you in detail, and advise you how to cope with it. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it and to know how to deal with it and more importantly tell your guides how you feel. Our guides have seen every condition that the mountain produces, and they will always know how to deal with problems. 360 ascends the mountain on the Kilembe Trail. This is a longer route which greatly reduces the incidences of AMS developing.

HACE and HAPE rarely occur in the Rwenzoris but our guides are fully trained in the recognition of the onset of these problems and will deal with them at the first sign of their development.

Although we recommend you come armed with a course of Diamox or other high-altitude drug on this expedition, we do not recommend that take you these as a prophylactic during the trek or climb. We view Diamox as a treatment drug rather than a preventative medicine. Most adventure medics give similar advice, however we do appreciate this can be confusing, as many GPs (who aren’t necessarily mountaineers) do suggest taking it as a prophylactic.

We pride ourselves on designing all our itineraries with acclimatisation very much front and centre and this expedition itinerary has been carefully designed to allow for your body to adjust to the altitude gradually, safely and comfortably. However, if you find that you are still having problems adjusting to the altitude (see our FAQ on Altitude Sickness) then your expedition leader or expedition medic will recommend the correct course of action regarding taking Diamox.

It is far preferable to take Diamox if and when needed during the course of the expedition. If you are already taking it and then start having altitude related problems you are left with few options but to descend to a more comfortable altitude which sadly often means that the summit is not attainable.

Furthermore, Diamox is a diuretic, meaning you will have to drink a lot of fluid to prevent dehydration. Of course, the upshot of this is you’ll have to pee more which means you’ll probably be having to get up more in the night and take cover behind rocks during the day. Another quite common side-effect is that it can cause your extremities to “buzz and tingle” including your fingers, toes and lips which can feel quite unsettling. Other side-effects can include dizziness and light headedness with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Although all these side-effects are manageable when you have symptoms of altitude sickness, we personally believe it is counter-intuitive to take it unless necessary.

Of course, it is totally up to you, this is just our recommendation and we’re not doctors. If you do decide to take Diamox on the advice of your doctor then please do let your leader know in situ so they are aware of this. We also suggest you take the drug for a couple of days a few weeks before travelling so you can experience the symptoms before taking them during the trek.

The Malaria protozoa generally does not survive over an altitude of 1,500m so once you start the actual Rwenzori trek Malaria poses no threat.  We personally do not take them. However, in Kasese/Entebbe we recommend liberal use of repellent and hotels have mosquito nets on the beds.

We recommend that you visit your Doctor or travel clinic before departure for the latest advice. If you are extending your stay in Uganda to visit other areas then you should take them.

We advocate a little bit of self-help on the mountain. If you have a blister developing for example then please stop take off your boot and treat it before it becomes a problem.

Your own first aid kit should contain: a basic blister kit, plasters, antiseptic, sun-protection, your own personal medication (sometimes your porter might get to camp after you and if he is carrying your medication you may not be able to take it according to the regime you are used to), basic pain relief (aspirin and Ibuprofen), a personal course of antibiotics if prone to illness. Foot powder in your socks every morning is great for preventing blisters.

Generally the best approach to take when packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

Your 360 expedition leader and / or a local porter (we call the ambulance man!) carries a very comprehensive first aid kit which contains a wide range of supplies and medications. They are fully trained to use whatever is needed for any emergency that may arise. We advocate keeping this in mind when packing your own first aid supplies and keeping your own FA kit as compact and light as possible.

The following vaccinations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Polio

Yellow Fever (see below)

This list is not absolute and it is important you should see your GP Surgery or travel clinic for latest recommendations and to ensure you are up to date on necessary vaccinations.

Yes, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all travellers above 1 year of age. If you have an International Vaccination Certificate, it should be carried with you. This certificate shows which inoculations you have had and when. A Yellow Fever Vaccination is valid for life so if you have a certificate make sure you bring it with you. If you have not had a Yellow Fever Vaccination ask at your GP surgery or Travel Clinic about getting vaccinated.

If a climber needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance our 360 Guide. Additional costs (transport, hotels, flights etc.) will be incurred by the climber but our guides will be able to assist in every detail of your departure.

All our guides are in communication with each other by phone and radio. In the vast majority of cases of emergency rescue the problems can be attributed to slow acclimatisation or altitude and if so the solution is immediate descent to lower altitudes. Our local crew is very experienced in dealing with any problem that may arise. Our guides possess the highest standard of wilderness first aid qualifications and can handle any emergency to the highest level of competency without assistance if necessary.

It mandatory that all our climbers have insurance covering them for the mountain trek.

In case of any emergency, all huts are equipped with stretchers, and all teams are equipped with a first aid kit and a satellite phone.

The 360 Guide will analyse the situation and call the 360 office to inform them of the nature of the emergency whilst developing an in situ evacuation plan. The 360 office will contact the travel insurer. Often the first response for an evacuation, where a climber cannot walk is for the porters to stretcher the casualty down the mountains. Our local team can usually achieve this within hours and once at the park gate the casualty will be brought by vehicle to Integrated Medical services in Kasese for hospital first-aid.  Please note that rescue by stretcher on foot comes at a cost which should be covered by insurance. There is an airstrip in Kasese town in case your insurance company deems it necessary for the climber to fly to Kampala for better medical facilities.

We advocate the beg, steal and borrow principle for first timers instead of buying brand new stuff that may never get used again. The cost of equipment is usually a major deterrent for people coming onto trips in the first place.

Our guides usually start the walk wearing long, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts. Long trousers are recommended as a deterrent to insects, stinging plants and to act as sun protection. Shorts can also be worn on the initial few days of the trek as the temperature is usually warm. Ensure that you apply sun-protection frequently!

The prevailing conditions on the mountain will dictate what you will wear: if it is cold when you leave the camp in the morning then wear a fleece. As things warm up take advantage of the zipper system which most trekking clothing has and open and / or close the zips to adjust to your own preferred temperature. If you get too warm simply take a layer off.

Waterproofs are needed at all times. Mount Kenya is a big mountain that creates its own weather system. It is not unusual to be caught out in an afternoon rainstorm low down on the mountain. Waterproofs should be Gortex material or similar.

On summit day it gets cold and temperatures of -10 to -15 C are not unusual.

Typically our guides wear 2 sets of base layers (Long Johns) a fleece layer (top and bottom) and then on the legs waterproofs whilst on the upper torso a down jacket is often worn. If the wind picks up near the summit ridge our guides will put on their wind proof layer to ward of the wind-chill. On their hands they’ll wear a thin layer of working gloves over the top of which is a thicker set of “ski gloves” or mittens.

Their heads are covered by a thermal “beanie” hat and the hood of their down jackets. On their feet the guides wear one pair of thin socks and one pair of thick socks.

On summit day Guides use waterproofs as an invaluable wind shield to protect themselves against wind-chill when a strong wind blows.

Because of the huge variety of terrain encountered when ascending this mountain it is very important to wear the right footwear. Boots should be sturdy, waterproof, insulated against cold temperatures and offer adequate ankle support.

In addition it is highly recommended that your boots are well worn in to prevent the formation of blisters. A range of suitable boots are on the market and further advice as to which brand names are available can be found online or at your local gear store. When in-store try lots of boots on, use the ramps in the shops to test their traction, make sure they are comfortable as you will be almost living in them for days on end and they are very important.

For the ascent of Stanley, Baker and Speke peaks crampons are likely to be worn. it is an advantage to have crampon compatible boots (B2) for which you have your own crampons. Alternatively sturdy, waterproof, insulated B1 boots work with “non-technical crampons.

A daysack is worn by the client at all times during the trek. The content of this is mandatory and should include: a fleece (for when taking breaks or weather changes) a full set (top and bottoms) of waterproofs, sufficient water for the day, snacks, camera equipment, personal medication and a head torch.

Your day to day sack should weigh no more then 3 – 4 kg and a rucksack of around 30L capacity will more than suffice. This rucksack can be filled to brim with extra stuff when checking in at the airport. It is important that this bag has an adjustable waist belt to transfer the weight of your daily load onto your hips and from here onto your legs (your strongest muscles) to do most of the carrying.

Your porter bags should be off a soft material “duffel bag” or rucksack variety and should not be a suitcase or hard bodied metal case. Furthermore they should weigh no more then 12-14 kg when packed for the mountain. On all our previous East African expeditions we have found this weight to be ample and usually everybody can plan to take only enough clothes and equipment needed for the mountain. Please bear in mind that park regulations restrict porters only carrying 20kg and that on top of your load porters will also have to carry a share of the food, kitchen equipment, camping equipment and their own survival gear.

Inside the porter bag should be a change of clothing, your clothing for higher up the mountain, a sleeping mat (thermarest), sleeping-bag, personal toiletries etc. (see equipment list).

They are highly recommended and are often worth their weight in gold on summit day. Our guides wear them on all evenings from the first camp up. A layer system comprising of several layer of base layers, fleeces, and a thick jacket will suffice on most summit nights but nothing beats the efficiency of a good down jacket (especially when topped with a water proof layer).

Should be rated within the -10C comfort zone. From the first camp upwards it is not unusual to experience frosty nights and a good night’s sleep is important to giving you the best chance to climb this mountain. Ensure you get a sleeping bag that has this temperature rating at this comfort zone rather than as its extreme zone.

Our guides take sleeping bags rated to well below -10C to ensure that they are warm at night. 3 – 4 season sleeping bags can be enhanced by using an inner silk sheet (or similar). The idea is to be as comfortable and warm as possible for the night and henceforth to ensure plenty of sleep for the arduous days ahead. It is important to remember that down sleeping bags work by your own body heating the down that’s inside the bag.

Once you have warmed up the bag the down will retain the heat and ensure that you sleep at a temperature that’s your own body temperature. For best results it is best to wear as little as possible when inside your sleeping bag. Our guides will often only wear a set of thermals in their bag. It is important for the bag to trap the heat. By wearing multiple layers of clothing your clothing will trap this heat and your bag will not function properly.

You can rent equipment from www.outdoorhire.co.uk.

Uganda straddles the equator and daytime temperatures are warm. When in Rome do as the Romans. Shorts and T-shirts are fine to wear when in Kampala or Entebbe . Evening wear generally tends to be casual: long trousers and casual shirt are fine for all hotels and restaurants.

Ugandans are generally quite conservative in their dress code and are generally well dressed despite their situation in life. Your town and party clothes can be left in a safe lock up and will not need to be taken up the mountain.

It’s important to note that the Rwenzori mountains are increasingly being affected by climate change and that the seasons keep changing. Generally, it rains about 320 days a year. Late December to early March receives less rainfall than the preceding months although some showers may still occur. June through to October are also good as the daytime conditions are generally cooler but clear.

The temperature at the top of the mountain can vary widely. Sometimes it is only a degree or two below freezing, but visitors should be prepared for possible temperatures as low as minus 15 Celsius, especially in conjunction with wind chill.

Although we only schedule our expeditions at the optimal time, during the dry season there is a significant chance of rain. It is this natural force that shapes these mountains and allows for their unique eco systems to develop. We prepare for rainy days by always having waterproof clothing handy and by staying in huts rather than camping. Your guides will dictate what will happen for the ascent phase of this expedition should an unreasonable amount of rain / snow make the climb more difficult and if deemed too dangerous.

360 Expeditions will be booking flights on your behalf. We provide confirmation of flight times and departure terminal approximately three weeks before your departure date. Please be aware that flight schedules are subject to change. Please ensure that you have checked flight details before setting out for your flight.

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

You must have insurance that covers you for high altitude multi climbing that takes you to the height of 5000m+ mountains.

Your passport should be valid for 6 months after the date the trek starts. If it runs out before you may be refused entry. It is also advisable to have a couple of photocopies of your passport in case of loss.

Yes, all travellers are required to have a visa before travelling to Uganda.

You can apply for a visa at the Ugandan High Commission in London or apply online for an ‘e-visa’. You can find full details of how to apply on the website of the Ugandan High Commission in London. You should give yourself sufficient time to apply for a visa and make sure when applying that the start date and validity covers the period you wish to travel.

You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entry into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. You can apply for this visa on the ‘e-visa’ website.

Generally speaking deposits are due upon booking as we need to book your international flights well in advance. The full amount should be paid 4 months prior to departure. However having said this, our aim is to get you to the top of this mountain and we understand that personal financial situations can vary.

Please contact our friendly office crew to discuss a suitable payment plan should you find raising the funds to be difficult. We have after all been in your shoes and go by the motto of where there’s a will there’s a way.

Please read our terms and conditions carefully before you book. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits we must adhere to a strict refund policy.

Our local crew work extremely hard to ensure that your expedition runs well. While tipping is not compulsory, it is very much ingrained in the Ugandan culture. Once someone sees the hard work the crew provides and realises the small amount of money they get paid relative to your own income, tipping will seem the least you can do to say thank you.  We suggest a minimum of $200-250 dollars is given per trekker that will be then split across the team.

American dollars are readily recognised and easily converted to the local currency at banks. Upon arrival there will always be a bureau the change at the airport as well as lots of ATMs that will give you Ugandan Shillings. Once away from the airport you will need Ugandan , very few places will accept dollars except the bigger souvenir shops or your hotel, and they will not offer you a great exchange rate.

The amount of money you will need depends on how many presents you wish to buy or how much you wish to drink when you come off the hill. As a basic rule of thumb $200 USD should be more than adequate for any post expedition spending. Kenya is a relatively cheap place and when indulging in the local custom of haggling then goods can be very good value for money.

Your 360 leader will be happy to point out the relative bargains and the suitable prices plus where to get the best value for money. The only cash you’ll need to consider taking with you on the mountain is the local crew tips which are presented to them before you sign out from the national park.

Opportunities to charge your batteries will be limited. If you can get hold of a solar battery charger this is probably the best option. Also make sure that you keep your spare batteries warm i.e. by keeping them near your body day and night.

In Uganda, telephones and internet access are readily available in town. Our guides will carry satellite phones in the mountains. Mobile reception on the mountain is sporadic, but the locals know all the best spots to pick it up.

The voltage is 220v / 50Hz like the UK. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.

While we will do everything we can to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewelry, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.

As with travel in any foreign country, you need to look after yourself and your possessions, and this is no different.