The Bujuku Circuit
On Day One follow a dirt road from Ibanda three miles to Nyakalengija (5250 ft./1600 m.), then take the path to the Nyabitaba Hut (8700 ft./2651 m.). Many climbers prefer stay¬ing in a nearby rock shelter instead of the aluminum hut which can sleep up to 12 persons. Water and firewood are not available near the hut. Tent spaces are located nearby.
Day Two is the most grueling of the circuit. Climbers pass heather and groundsel before reaching Nyamiliju Hut (10,900 ft./3322 m.). Again, the rock shelter is often preferred over the hut. Water is available nearby; there is no room for tents. On a clear day you can see Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speak and numerous glaciers.
On Day Three, hike through giant heather and groundsel forest with colorful mosses and through a muddy bog to Bigo Hut (11,300 ft./3444 m.). The hut sleeps up to 12, and it is in good condition. A good rock shelter is nearby. Water and firewood are available. From Bigo Hut, you may hike northeast to Bukurungu Pass, north to Roccati Pass, or southwest to Lake Bujuku.
On Day Four, cross the Kibatsi Bog to Cooking Pot Cave. The left fork of the path leads to Scott Elliot Pass. Take the right fork and hike northwest to Bujuku Hut (13,000 ft./3963 m.), near Lake Bujuku, offering great views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Stanley. Two huts in fair condition can hold up to 14 people. Water is available. A rock shelter for the porters is not far from the hut.
On Day Five, return to Cooking Pot Cave, take the fork to Scott Elliot Pass and continue past Mt. Baker to Lake Kitandara and Kitandara Hut (13,200 ft./4023 m.). Continue on to Kabamba Rock Shelter (12,400 ft./3779 m.).
On Day Six, descend to Kichuchu (a rock shelter) and onwards through a bog and across the Mubuku River to Nyabitaba Hut and back to Ibanda.
The best time to climb is December-early February and June-July during the dry season. However, no matter when you climb, you will still get wet. Wood found on the mountain is usually wet, so a camp stove and fuel are highly recommended.
For information on climbing the summits and glaciers, I recommend the books East Africa International Mountain Guide by Andrew Wielochowski (1986) and Guide to the Ruwenzori by Osmaston and Pasteur (1972), both published by West Col productions in England. The best maps of the area are “The Central Ruwenzoris” with a scale of 1:250,000, and “Margherita” with a scale of 1:50,000.
ACCOMMODATION - CLASS C/D: See “Kasese” below.
CLASS F: A few huts with dirt floors are available for rent at Ibanda. Many of the huts on the hiking trails are in poor condition but are in the process of being renovated. Bring a ground sheet and insulated pad for your sleeping bag. It is best to bring your own tent.
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