Tusk Rwenzori Mountain Challenge for Conservation

This trek is accompanied by English-speaking local guides, a Tusk representative, and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager. The local staff and Different Travel tour manager are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be supported by a team of assistant guides, cooks and porters who together make your journey possible.

The terrain will vary but in general you will experience undulating terrain where you gain and lose altitude throughout the day, aiding acclimatisation. It is essential that your training includes hill walking to include trekking up and down gradients; training on flat terrain will not adequately prepare you. Underfoot the terrain will vary from very boggy sections which slow your pace and make the trek very challenging, along with rocky and uneven trails, gravelly tracks, scree and possibly even snow at higher altitudes. Regardless of the terrain the views are spectacular.

Temperatures will depend on the altitude, the weather and wind chill. For the days trekking in altitudes up to 3000m you can expect day time temperatures to range between 12-20°C, and night time temperatures to drop to approx. 5°C. For the days trekking above 3000m the day time temperatures will range from approx. 5-7°C during the day and drop to approx. -5°C overnight; wind chill may make these temperatures feel colder.

Weather conditions will vary as this mountainous area has its own unpredictable weather system, however you can expect rain most days, and some bright, dry sunny days with clear skies. You should also be prepared for overcast days with high humidity, cold dry windy days and even snow. It’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing technical non-cotton layers and waterproofs.

This is a tough trek which we grade challenging. You will be trekking on uneven terrain which is often boggy; you will experience variations in climate, be exposed to altitudes of up to 3975m and will stay in basic mountain huts. Each day you will trek an average of 8 hours per day.

Meals are provided as specified in the itinerary and during the trek are cooked by your trek team who will prepare hearty meals. Plates, mugs and cutlery is provided. Typical meals during the trek include:
Breakfast: Porridge, toast, sausages, eggs, omelette, pancakes etc.
Lunch: Sandwiches, salad, chapatti and jam, a carton of juice, fresh fruit.
Dinner: Potatoes, vegetables, pasta, rice, noodles, meat or vegetable stew, cheese, eggs etc.

You will stay in a hotel in Kasese, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kampala on a twin or triple share basis. During the trek you will stay in basic mountain huts. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag but mattresses are provided. All accommodation is on a shared basis (mountain huts are mixed dormitory style rooms) but a single room may be available at the hotels (subject to availability and payment of a single supplement).

At the hotels there will be showers and flushing toilets. During the trek there are no showers so please bring a pack of biodegradable baby wipes to maintain your personal hygiene. At the campsites during the trek the toilets will be African ‘long drop’ style (a hole in the ground covered by a wooden hut for privacy), and will vary in regards to cleanliness and quality. Toilet paper is not provided so you will need to bring your own (2 rolls should suffice). If you need to use the toilet during the trek day, you will need to find a bush/rock as there are no toilet facilities along the trails (you only find toilets at the camps). Never leave toilet paper on the ground; you must put it in a biodegradable (not plastic) bag (e.g. dog poo bag) and dispose of it at camp. NEVER leave toilet paper or other litter on the trail.

The minimum age is 18 (or 16-17 if accompanied by an adult) and there is no upper age limit. Each participant should arrive in Uganda with a good level of fitness having engaged in suitable fitness training; they should be healthy, have a determined attitude and be willing to be pushed out of their comfort zone.

Commitment to physical preparation is fundamental to ensure your best chance of success, and enjoyment, during the trek. Your training should replicate the trek as closely as possible so engaging in many multi-day hill walks of 7+ hours per day is the optimal training ground. Hill walks should be supplemented with strength training and cardiovascular exercises such as gym workouts, running, swimming, cycling, boot camps etc. You can download a number of free apps which help you train and track your progress. E.g. MyFitnessPal, MapMyWalk, C25K (couch to 5k run) etc. Attempting to complete the trek without training will make each day more challenging than necessary, being inadequately prepared may prevent you from completing the trek, and it may hinder the experience of your teammates. You must take your training seriously.

The highest altitude on the trek is 3975m, at Mutinda Lookout although you will only visit here for around an hour, which offers a great opportunity for acclimatisation. You will stay above 3000m from trek day 2 to the middle of trek day 4. It is generally considered that altitudes above 3000m are ‘high altitude’ and when visiting high altitude areas most people will experience altitude related symptoms, to varying degrees. Common effects of altitude exposure include a mild headache, nausea, lack of appetite, insomnia and subsequent fatigue and feeling more breathless at exertion than usual.

The susceptibility of an individual to experience altitude related symptoms is not clear-cut and can even happen to those who have visited areas of high altitude many times before. That said, ensuring you arrive for the trek fit and healthy, making sure you keep well hydrated and eat plenty (even when you don’t feel like it) and getting plenty of rest and trekking slowly, will help you cope with the increased altitude. Bringing plenty of snacks you enjoy will help ensure you’re eating enough even if you lose your appetite.

Your local guides are very experienced in spotting the signs of altitude sickness but you must also take responsibility for reading up on the effects of altitude exposure so you can recognise the signs.

Information can be found at the NHS pages about altitude and the Travel Doctor website among other sources.

When you visit your surgery for details about vaccinations, anti-malaria medication and general travel health, your nurse or doctor may mention a medication called Acetazolamide (Diamox). This medication is sometimes considered an aid to acclimatisation but is not licensed for this use due to lack of clear evidence about its efficacy. Diamox is a prescription-only medication, and has a number of unpleasant side effects. You must speak to a medical professional for details, but note that as an unlicensed medication they may refuse to prescribe it.

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.

The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.

If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP.

In the event that your medical issues at the time of booking represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your booking will not be confirmed and the deposit will be refunded.

We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.

Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive and does not account for your personal taste or preference. It should be used as a guideline only. If you have any questions or queries regarding this list which are not answered in the sections above please contact info@different-travel.com.

*Please ensure you pack your boots in your hand baggage in the unlikely event your luggage is delayed or goes missing.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options.