At this very moment, 6 pm european time, Bram and Tim should be touching down at the Kampala airport in Uganda. A new adventure starts and hopefully we'll be able to follow them through the jungle through the Moon Mountain (Rwenzori Mountains) range and their summit of its highest peak Mt Marguerita, standing 5109 m tall. This is the 3rd highest mountain in Africa, after Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, and has permanent snow capped tops (still...)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwenzori_Mountains
Bram and Tim will be gone for a little more than two weeks, including an exciting trek into the jungle to look at the impressive gorillas. There are 3 gorilla families in Uganda that can be approached with a guide with very small groups and a permit is mandatory, which you'll have to require well in advance. I've included their itinerary below!
To raise awareness for those who really need it, we've decided to use our Tenebo association and try to collect some money for the same project as for the Zanskar trek - the Haitian orphanage Maison Arc en Ciel, for some very simple reasons:
- We have a direct link to this orphanage, knowing that every penny sent is being used for the children;
- It's been exactly one year since the earthquake hit Porto au Prince, which killed more than 280.000 people. Situation is slowly improving, but it is very very slow... only 5% of the actual rubble has been removed, and more than a million people are still living under very poor conditions in tent camps etc..
- With poor sanitary conditions and hygiene, Haiti has been badly hit by a big cholera outbreak, that has killed more than 2000 and is still being spread.
- Arc en Ciel moved into their new building, even if it was not finished, to get out of Porto au Prince to avoid cholera contamination. The building still doesn't have the necessary facilities for sanitary and running water, but is safer for the children. Lack of funds have unfortunatley stalled the construction work of this building.
- Porto au Prince is one of the poorest cities in the world. So many orphans suffering from AIDS from parents who've died, at a constant risk of falling into the hands of child abuse. With the earthquake, there are many many more orphans, who need our help.
- Arc en Ciel and their staff, have created a home for some of these children and through adoption the children will eventually have a new family. But they also have an extended exterior programme, delivering food, water and other help to those who are not as fortunate.
- However small or big donation, I cannot think of a better place to give it to. Maison l'Arc en Ciel, we'll be there for you!
More details on how and when you can admit your donation, will follow in my next post, hopefully tomorrow!
Here's the itinerary:
UGANDA - The Rwenzori Mountain Trek and summit of Mt Marg10 Days Rwenzori Mountain Trek
21/01/2011
Day 1 Arrival -Pick you up from the air port to Air port Guest House where you will spend a night before and after.
22/01/2011
Day 2: After Breakfast Our Driver/Guide will meet up with you at your Accommodation in Entebbe to start on the Journey to Kasese.
The Journey will take about 5 hours through Mubende District with a lunch stop in Fort Portal at the Gardens Resturant before Heading to Ibanda at the Foot of the Rwenzori for your Accommodation at RMS headquarters/Rwenzori Basecamp.
23/01/2011
DAY 3: START OF THE EQUATOR GLACIERS TOUR
Early in the morning transfer to Nyakalengija (1646 meters) where you will start your climb into the mountains. The hike takes you along the Mubuku River and through thick equatorial vegetation before arriving at the Nyabitaba hut (2650 meters). You might hear chimpanzees or see blue monkeys. Dinner and overnight in Nyabitaba hut. Total hiking time: 5-7 hours Ascent: 1200 meters
24TH/01/2011
Day 4: JOHN MATTE HUT
After early breakfast you will start the hike through the Kurt Sharfer Bridge to marvel at the sparkling Mubuku river confluence. In the afternoon you will reach the Nyamuleju hut from where you might enjoy a nice view at Mount Stanley and Speke. Climb through the open patches, lobelia, and heath moss forest when proceeding up to the John Matte hut (3415 meters) for overnight. Total hiking time: 7 hours Ascent: 915 meters
25TH/01/2011
Day 5: BUJUKU HUT
Depart early through the giant Lobelias and heath trees. You ascend to the Bigo Bog and scenic landscape of lobelias and giant groundsels. You will pass lake Bujuku, majestically settled between the famous mountains. Continue to a rock shelter called Cooking Pot and soon you will arrive at your final stop for today. Dinner and overnight at the Bujuku Hut (3960 meters). Total hiking time: 3-5 hours Ascent: 560 meters
26TH/01/2011
Day 6 : ELENA HUT
Head off from the valley with scenic alpine vegetation consisting Giant Groundsels and Lobelia and continue to ascend Mount Victoria and Mount Speke at 4890 meters. Depart through the lovely views of the Savoia and Elena glaciers, scale further through to the Scott Elliott pass and proceed through the snow to the Elena Hut (4560 meters) for overnight rest. The Elena Hut will be your base for the final conquers of the Rwenzori Mountains. Total hiking time: 3-5 hours Ascent: 470 meters
27TH/012011
Day 7: FINAL ASCENT TO THE ALPS OF AFRICA
Early morning ascent to the snowy Alexander peak (5092 meters) and then onwards to the highest peak at 5109 meters, the famous Margherita! Thereafter we directly descend to the beautiful lake Kitandara for overnight stay at Kitandara hut (4020 meters).
Total hiking time: 3-5 hours Ascent: 670 meters - Descent: 1090 meters
28TH/01/2011
Day 8: GUY YEOMAN HUT
After early breakfast a long descent begins. First we climb from Lake Kitandara to the Fresh field Pass from where you can look into the neighboring country Congo. We will have a picnic lunch on the way and continue our journey while descending to the Guy Yeoman hut (3260 meters) for dinner and overnight. Total hiking time: 5-7 hours Descent: 1000 meters
29TH/01/2010
Day 9: NYABITABA HUT
The last part of the hike! Drop very steeply along the Mubuku River and join the original route near the Bujuku river. Dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut (2650 meters).
Total hiking time: 5-7 hours Descent: 600 meters
30TH/01/2011
Day 10: KASESE
Today we descend to Nyakalengija which will take approximately 2-3 hours. Then we proceed to Kasese to check in at Hotel Margherita/Rwenzori International Hotel/Mweya Safari Lodge for Relaxation. Today we descend to Nyakalengija which will take approximately 2-3 hours. Then we proceed to Kasese to check in at Hotel Margherita/Rwenzori International Hotel/Mweya Safari Lodge for Relaxation.
31ST/01/2011
Day 11: KASESE
Today we take off a day to relax and ponder on the next move to Bwindi impenetrable forest for Gorilla tracking. While in Kasese a bit of shopping is ideal and probably mixing with the community as part of the tour. Over night Kasese town
1ST/02/2011
Day 12: KASESE TO BWINDI
Travel to Bwindi national park through Queen Elizabeth national park where you will be able to view a few wild animals. Check into your accommodation depending on your gorilla group.
3rd/02/2011
Day 13: BWINDI
Go gorillas tracking with other trackers. This tracking is exciting but also tedious
Therefore you should be prepared to go through the track.
Returning from the forest can not be predicted because finding the gorillas depends on where they slept last night. Overnight to your previous accommodation,
4th/02/2011
Day 14: RETURN TO KAMPALA
The drive back to Kampala will take either the Fort Portal or the Ishaka-Mbarara Route with a Lunch Stop at Agip Motel and proceed with another stop at the Equator after shopping and coffee break, you will be transferred to you Accommodation in Entebbe at Entebbe Airport Guest house/The Boma Guest house. After returning you will relax for the remaining days.
Stay tuned... love you,
Jenny
But, against all odds... the boys were smart enough to purchase a local phonecard for 25 dollars, and with the access to a local phoneprovider, we had our first SMS in this morning! They boys were on the foottrail, leaving base camp at 1646m, gaining altitude towards the first stop on the trek, the Nyabitaba Hut at 2650m, hiking along the thick equitorial vegetation along the Kubuku river. They've arrived and with them a new sms reading: Great to know that our SMS arrive. We're in the first altitude camp, a couple of steep parts, some good sweating. Unfortunately still have my cold (Tim) but it's OK. Great guide and porters (2). Big kiss Tim & Bram. Brigitte tried to return a SMS, but it doesn't work. So we'll hope the connection will last as they get further into the mountains. 
