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.
Rwenzori Circuit
Day 3
On Day Three you leave John Matte Hut to cross the Bujuku River and enterthe lower of the two Bigo Bogs where your first real experience jumping from
tussock to tussock in a grassy bog begins. The trail is very muddy and
follows the left (southern) edge
of Lower Bigo Bog until eventually it reaches the round metal
"uniport" of Bigo Hut and its rock shelter. A steep section past the hut
leads to upper Bigo Bog. In the last half of this bog a board walk has been
constructed. Though some may thin
k it an ugly intrusion, it makes walking easier and keeps hikers from
further damaging the bog.
A beautiful narrow stream at the upper end of this bog makes a good lunch break. An hour and half beyond the upper bog,
and after climbing through drier ground
nd criss-crossing the river, you reach Bujuku Lake. The southern end of
the lake is in a majestic setting, with Mt. Baker to the south and views
west to Mt. Stanley and north to Mt. Speke. The trail route along the lake's
northeastern shore crosses
the worst mud on the trip, and damage done by visitors is apparent here.
Beyond the north end of the lake is a rock shelter called Cooking Pot and a
short distance further is Bujuku Hut (13,000 ft / 3,962 m), favourably
located for parties climbing Mt Speke (which requires technical skills and special equipment).
Time to reach Bujuku from John Matte is typically 5 hours,and the elevation gained a
modest 1800ft (560 m). But the long stretches of bog, and the mud along the
lake make this another strenous day. The shaded location and frequent mists can make Bujuku hut
uncomfortably cold for hikers and especially guides and porters with their
simple blankets and light clothing.
Day Four
Copyright © 1997, Hot Ice Ltd.
Photos copyright © 1997 by Scott A. Yost, used by permission.