Rwenzori Ranges Hikers Association

Rwenzori Nature Adventure following the beginning of the Bukurungu Trail

RRHA did a very good job to customise the trip to our interests and fitness! From the first answer to our inquiry and during the trip, they were always concerned to make us meet our goal. We wanted to see the fabulous mountain flora of Rwenzori. It took us 2 days to reach the zone of giant lobelia. The nature up there is so beautiful, next time we should add one more day, just to stay and move around in this zone.
We were 2 clients, and 7 Porters carried the material for the groups upkeep during the 4 1/2 days trip. 2 guides of RRHA stayed with us during the hikes and an UWA Ranger. The cook made the group of 13 people complete.
Augusto is a professional cook, serving us varied, delicious and nutricious meals. At the meals he provides hot water for tea, coffee etc.
We usually had to ask ourselves about the next water source to make sure we refill our bottles, drink enough during the day and have some water left for brushing teeth.
In village restaurants we got used of beeing offered water to wash hands before eating. On the mountain, you have to care yourself for your hygiene.
The guides answerd many questions about the plants, were patient for foto breaks and adjusted to our speed of hiking.
Porters seemed to be not so experienced in tightening the tent, which we used to improve ourselves. But they built a new open air toilet wherever we reached. Toilets hidden from the camp, but with marvelous views :-D Generally they were hardworking, friendly and helpful, although we couldn't speak their language Lukonzo. But they were ready to teach us some.
The path we used seemed to be cut out freshly out of the djungel and bushes, making the hike a real nature adventure. The campsites chozen were in beautiful places, with great views and/or surrounding.
As the clients we were given privacy of our tent placed in a distance from the others, but we were also welcome at the fireplace enjoing the warmth of the fire and the "group feeling".
Although we didn't have a lot of rain on our trip, most of the hike we used rubber boots. Maybe next time we will leave the hiking shoes at home. But don't underestimate the cold temperatures. Even on lower altitudes it can get cold in the evenings. It doesn't need gloves, but thermal cloth and a warm hat covering the ears are nice. Also useful is an isolating mat to sit on during the meals.
To have a good preparation of the trip, it is worth to ask back on questions about the packing list, and the detailed programm of arrival and departure day; About how and when to reach where. On our arrival day we got surprised by a first hike of 2 hours. Which was nice, but we were not aware of, und just by luck we reached early enough.
Generally all staff of RRHA did their job well. Whenever you miss something, ask as early as possible.
An inconvenience occured about how to pay the bill. Finally we payd in cash at the office on the day of starting the trip.