This is an archived web site I designed in 1997 for Hot Ice Ltd, a Uganda safari operator. Subsequent years brought trouble for the Ugandan travel industry, and this site was discontinued. Things have improved since then. You can look them up for current contact information.
Day Two
On Day Two, from Nyabitaba Hut the trail leads westward for a half km, then drops north (right) steeply to Kurt Shafer Bridge, crossing below the confluence of the Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers. By turning down to the bridge you begin the central circuit counterclockwise; do not be tempted to take the circuit clockwise since that direction is much more difficult and adds considerable danger for you and your porters.
After crossing Kurt Shafer bridge the muddy, slippery trail climbs steadily up through bamboo forest. After one and half hours you encounter an area of slippery boulder hopping which many hikers consider the most difficult and dangerous footing on the circuit. This section has been compared to "caving above ground".
After five hours of hiking from Nyabitaba you will reach small hut at Nyamileju (in poor condition) and its accompanying rock shelter. If you have gotten a late start or you know that there is a large group ahead of you at the next hut, you might consider staying the night here. Nyamileju means "place of beards," referring to the lichen and spanish moss draping trees nearby. On a rare clear day, the major Rwenzori peaks Mts. Stanley and Speke can be seen from the top of the rock near the hut. Nyamileju also marks the start of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel zone, the remarkable vegetation types found nowhere else in the world except high altitude tropical African mountains.
The one hour walk to John Matte Hut (11,200ft/ 3,414 m)
is through a tiring bog full of these extraordinary plants, and the slow pace
can be delightful chance to examine and photograph this unique environment.
Well situated, John Matte is newly constructed, large and confortable though
muddy around the site. Typical time to reach John Matte from Nyabitaba is
at least 7 hours.
Many hikers consider this the most tiring and longest day
of the circuit so an early start is important. The loss of altitude to Kurt
Shafer Bridge means the total elevation to be gained on this day is at least
3,000ft (915 m). Hikers who feel they have reached their limits by this
point, or who have limited time, should consider John Matte a reasonable
stopping point. You can just enjoy the unique vegetation in the bog and the
great views and the following day begin your return to Nyabitaba.
Day Three
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