The Upper Bigo Bog, situated at an elevation of 11,800 feet, is a captivating attraction within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda, nestled in the scenic Bujuku River valley. One of the distinctive features of this bog is the discernible line running through its middle, which is actually a boardwalk. This boardwalk serves a dual purpose—it facilitates easier trekking for visitors while also protecting the delicate vegetation from unnecessary destruction, preserving the pristine beauty of the bog.
Visitors to Upper Bigo Bog can engage in serene and immersive sightseeing experiences as they traverse the boardwalk, allowing them to soak in the breathtaking vistas and unique flora that characterize this remarkable landscape. The bog is renowned for its gigantic vegetation that lines the alpine meadows, great bogs, and valley bottoms of the Rwenzori Mountains, offering visitors an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of nature.
Upper Bigo Bog is located near the western border of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda, making it easily accessible by road. To reach this captivating destination, travelers can embark on a scenic journey, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains before arriving at the tranquil oasis of Upper Bigo Bog.
The trail to Upper Bigo Bog takes adventurers through a captivating landscape, with the journey beginning at John Matte Hut. As trekkers descend to cross the Bujuku River and enter the Lower Bigo Bog, they are greeted by the sight of giant lobelias, adding to the allure of the surroundings. The trail continues through the lower bog until reaching the round metal ‘uniport’ of Bigo Hut and its rock shelter. From there, a steep section past the hut leads to Upper Bigo Bog, where visitors can traverse the boardwalk and admire the stunning scenery.
Despite the challenges posed by the muddy terrain, the experience of jumping from tussock to tussock on the grassy bog is exhilarating, offering adventurers a unique and memorable trekking experience. As travelers navigate the boardwalk through Upper Bigo Bog, they can appreciate the efforts made to preserve the delicate ecosystem while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.
The trail descends to cross the Bujuku River, leading into the Lower Bigo Bog, characterized by its abundant giant lobelias. Trekking across this bog involves navigating from tussock to tussock, often resulting in the feet sinking into the freezing ooze below. Despite the challenges posed by the terrain, the journey through the Lower Bigo Bog is an exhilarating experience, offering glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Continuing on, adventurers make their way across the bog to reach the Upper Bigo Bog, where the landscape transitions to reveal stunning views of Bujuku Lake. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the majestic peaks of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west, adding to the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Nestled below Shulman Pass, Bujuku Hut provides a welcoming retreat for weary trekkers, offering a cozy setting for dinner and an overnight stay.
The journey to Upper Bigo Bog involves traversing a steep section past the hut, with the latter half of the bog featuring a constructed boardwalk to facilitate easier trekking. While some may view the boardwalk as an intrusion, it serves the important purpose of protecting the delicate bog ecosystem while ensuring a smoother passage for hikers.
After crossing the Upper Bigo Bog, adventurers continue their trek to Bukulu Lake, where the southern end of the lake offers a breathtaking backdrop of Mount Baker and panoramic views of Mount Stanley to the west and Mount Speke to the north. Beyond the lake lies a rock shelter known as Cooking Pot, followed by Bukulu Hut, strategically located for climbers embarking on expeditions to Mount Speke. With an overnight stay at Bigo Hut, trekkers can rest and recharge before continuing their journey through the scenic Rwenzori Mountains.
Despite the challenges encountered along the way, including navigating through muddy terrain and coping with fluctuating temperatures, the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape makes the trek through the Lower and Upper Bigo Bogs a truly unforgettable experience. As adventurers press onward, they are rewarded with glimpses of Margherita Peak and the Stanley glaciers, reinforcing the breathtaking allure of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
