Page 52 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

220

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES Mount Stanley

vs Mount Kilimanjaro

ABOVE Trekkers heading towards the summit of Africa’s
legendary Mount Kilimanjaro
Those who climb Mount Stanley are promised a breathtaking variety of flora, fauna, FORGET MOUNT
and terrain that puts Africa’s more famous giant, Mount Kilimanjaro, to shame
KILIMANJARO?

THE BUILD-UP Mount Kilimanjaro, which
is the highest peak in Africa, is the tallest
Rwenzori Mountains, including colobus and blue mountain in the world that is accessible to
NEED TO KNOW
monkeys, which chatter in the forest canopies, hikers, and requires no technical mountaineering
LOCATION Mount Stanley lies bushbucks and antelopes, which graze near lakes expertise. Rising above the Serengeti, the broad,
in Rwenzori National Park, on snowcapped summit is an alluring fixture on
the border between Uganda and meadows, and mountain elephants, golden
and the Democratic %&. 3&1 cats, and leopards. And nearly 200 species of the horizon throughout much of Kenya and
-BLF
Republic of Congo $0/(0 "MCFSU 6("/%" endemic and migratory birds, from colorful turacos Tanzania. And the opportunity to visit some
HIGHEST POINT .06/5 )PJNB to bee-eaters, reside in the lowland jungles. of Africa’s finest game parks before climbing
16,763 ft (5,109 m) 45"/-&: ,BNQBMB the fabled mountain has undeniable appeal.
#VUFNCP The terrain on Mount Stanley, Africa’s third
FIRST CLIMBED In 1906, -BLF
by the Italian mountaineer &EXBSE -BLF highest peak, is tougher than that found on either
7JDUPSJB THE LETDOWN The major ascent routes are
and prince Luigi Amedeo 38"/%" Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya. The Rwenzori
CLIMBERS PER YEAR Fewer than 1,000 consistently crowded, and on the most popular
Mountains – also known as “The Mountains of the of these, dubbed the “Coca-Cola Route,” you’ll
Moon” because of their rocky white peaks – are find camps selling drinks and snacks. Wildlife
Explorers returning from Africa to Europe in the sliced with deep-cut gorges, rivers, and ravines. sightings, even at lower levels, are rare and the
mid-19th century were met with scepticism when Once you get near the summit, you’ll need to rope terrain at higher levels is often less than
they claimed to have seen ice and snow atop up and use an ice ax and crampons to traverse the picturesque. There are many inexperienced
Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, both of Elena Glacier, before making the final push toward climbers here who shortcut acclimatization, are
which stand just miles from the equator. But by the the summit. In addition to the challenging unfit for the challenge, and never see the summit.
time the British explorer Henry Morton Stanley landscape, be prepared for more rain and lower
GOING ANYWAY? If seeing Mount Kilimanjaro’s
returned home in 1889 with tales of a dazzling set visibility than you might find on other African peaks,
steadily shrinking glacier before it disappears is
of six glaciated summits in central Africa’s Rwenzori along with some dicey river crossings and knee-deep
still on your must-do list, make sure you go with
Mountains – the tallest of which was named mud. But the rewards are spectacular. The
a reputable operator that is committed to your
Mount Stanley in his honor – the extraordinary mountain’s tricky terrain and near-constant wet safety and the fair treatment of porters. These
reality began to sink in. Today, thousands of people weather explain why this UNESCO World Heritage operators are likely to recommend less-congested
travel to Africa’s equatorial peaks for their challenging Site is so unspoiled, lush, and full of life. routes offering gradual acclimatization and,
climbs, picturesque scenery, and to experience the therefore, a better chance of summit success.
strange existence of near-Arctic conditions in the PRACTICAL INFORMATION
tropics. But while some 20,000 people flock to
fabled Mount Kilimanjaro every year, fewer than Getting There and Around trekking package, and are
1,000 people visit Mount Stanley, which boasts The Rwenzori Mountains are usually in simple wooden huts
best accessed from Kasese in along the circuit.
all the majesty, much more wildlife, and none of
southwest Uganda, which is
the crowds of its more famous rival. about 185 miles (300 km) – When to Go
One of the most spectacular features of tropical or a 5- to 6-hour journey on Due to its equatorial setting,
mountains is the wealth of different ecosystems and paved roads – from Kampala’s Mount Stanley can be climbed
at any time of year, but July to
extraordinary biodiversity found on their slopes. Entebbe International Airport. mid-September and December
From Kasese, you can arrange
Mount Stanley is no exception. You’ll climb from to February do offer slightly
your trek into Rwenzori National
rain forest and moorland up to mossy forests and Park, which will include an drier conditions.
bogs, and finally onto glaciated alpine terrain. The ascent of Mount Stanley. Budget per Day for Two
mountain’s abundant rainfall gives rise to weird and Where to Eat An eight-day guided trek in the
wonderful plants, including heather that grows up Meals included in Rwenzori Mountains, including a
to 20 ft (6 m) high and giant groundsels and trekking packages to the climb of Mount Stanley, meals,
Rwenzori Mountains. accommodations, and porters is
lobelia, which look more like miniature trees than about US$750 for two people.
ground cover. Wildlife-spotting on Mount Stanley is Where to Stay
Accommodations also comes Website
also superb, and far superior to that of Mount
part and parcel with your www.rwenzorimountaineering
Kilimanjaro. Over 70 mammal species inhabit the

15/4/09 10:23:35
220-221_spo_mtstanley.indd 220 16/4/09 11:26:53
US220-221_spo_mtstanley.indd 220