Travel to Kasese – the home of the Rwenzori

Kasese - Your 9-day Mountain Rwenzori trekking adventure begins when a guide picks you up from a convenient location in Kampala. As you drive towards southwestern Uganda, you’ll make a brief stop at the equator to take photos at the monuments, stand in both the Southern and Northern hemispheres simultaneously, and conduct a few experiments that prove the equator’s location.

Your next stop will be in Mbarara town for lunch, and you’ll reach the Rwenzori region by evening. You’ll retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and overnight, preparing to start your Mountain Rwenzori trekking journey the next day.

Transferring to Nyakalengija

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - On the second day of your Mountain Rwenzori trekking adventure, you’ll report to the headquarters of Rwenzori Mountain National Park for a briefing and to hire necessary equipment before hitting the trails. Starting from Nyakalengija, you’ll follow the trail through plantations and the humble homesteads of the Bakonjo – the mountain dwellers. The trail will take you across the Mahoma River, arriving at Nyabitaba hut, which is about 2,652 meters up Rwenzori Mountain.

The hike lasts between 5 – 6 hours. From this location, you’ll enjoy the scenic view of the portal peaks and Mount Kyniangoma. The Rwenzori Turaco, monkeys, and chimpanzees are the most common inhabitants in this area. The second day of your Rwenzori Mountain trekking adventure will end as you retire to bed after dinner.

Depart from Nyabitaba hut (2650 m) – arrive at John Matte hut (3380 m)

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - On the third day of your Mountain Rwenzori trekking adventure, you’ll descend the ridge to Mukubu River and then climb through a bamboo forest towards John Matte hut – 3,380 meters. Your afternoon will involve climbing and hopping through boulders, ascending via the north side of Bukuju River through a giant heather forest. This hike will last between 5 - 6 hours. You’ll have dinner and spend the night at John Matte hut.

Leave John Matte hut (3380 m) – arrive at Bujuku hut (3972 m)

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - The fourth day of your Mountain Rwenzori trekking tour will have you trekking from John Matte hut (3,380 meters) to Bujuku hut (3,972 meters). Along the way, you’ll encounter a series of bogs, which are the most common feature in this part of the mountain. You’ll traverse via Bigo bog and Lake Bujuku. Also, in this part of Mountain Rwenzori is the mythical ‘everlasting flower,’ which is said to remain on the plant for about 40 years. You’ll spend the night at Bujuku hut.

Hike from Bujuku hut (3972 m) – stop at Elena hut (4541 m)

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - On the fifth day of your Mountain Rwenzori trekking tour, you’ll leave Bukuju hut and climb through moss-covered groundsel greenery, proceeding to Scott Eliot pass (4,372 meters) between mountains Baker and Stanley. When you reach this point, you’ll proceed to Elena hut (4,540 meters) for the night. You’ll sleep, preparing to ascend to Mount Stanley the next day.

From Elena hut (4541 m) – Punta Margherita (5109 m)

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - You’ll depart from Elena hut early in the morning and embark on a hike to the Stanley plateau. As you cross this in the northwestern direction, you’ll follow the Margherita glacier to the summit, which is a 3-hour hike. You’ll then descend via Elena hut, proceeding to upper Kitandara lake and passing through the mass of thick mud to lower Kitandara lake, halting at Kitandara hut. From this point, you’ll proceed to climb Mount Baker or Mount Louig do Savoia and to the peak – Vittorio Sella. A Mountain Rwenzori trekking tour is the ultimate safari adventure for the avid sightseer.

Leave Kitandara hut – stay at Guy Yeoman hut

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - On the seventh day of your Mountain Rwenzori trekking adventure, you’ll proceed from Lake Kitandara and ascend to the Freshfield pass (4,282 meters). You’ll then hike along a ridge of high alpine mossy glades before descending from the circuit amidst rocks and bogs. At this point, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, and Mount of Savoy. You’ll then embark on a soggy trail leading to Bujongolo, Akendahi, and Kabamba rock shelters. This is where the Kabamba valley starts, leading you to Guy Yeoman hut (3,261 meters). This hike can last up to 6 hours. This region of Mountain Rwenzori lies amidst mountains, rivers, and beautiful greenery.

Depart from Guy Yeoman hut – arrive at Nyabitaba hut

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - On the eighth day of your Mountain Rwenzori adventure, you’ll leave Guy Yeoman hut and hike towards Nyabitaba hut. To get to Nyabitaba hut, you’ll have to descend along Mubuku River, past Kichuchu, a rock shelter, then join the original route down to Bujuku River. This hike lasts about 2-3 hours. You’ll spend the night at Nyabitaba hut.

Descend back to headquarters – return to Kampala

Rwenzori Mountains National Park - On the last day of your Mountain Rwenzori trekking adventure, you’ll leave Nyabitaba hut in the morning, descending steeply off the ridge through the lush vegetation to the base of the mountain. You’ll proceed to the park headquarters where you’ll return any equipment you hired. You’ll then embark on your journey back to Kampala, arriving in the late evening. This will mark the end of your 9-day Mountain Rwenzori trekking adventure.

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes

• Guide Service Fee
• Any Private Expenses and Travel Insurance

The ‘Mountains of the Moon’, or more formally known as the Rwenzori Mountains, are geographically located on the Western border of Uganda and Congo. Being a well-recognized destination for mountaineering and hiking, the Rwenzori range offers challenging trails leading towards Margherita peak, the highest summit in the region. A 9-day mountain Rwenzori expedition package is an ideal opportunity to explore these majestic mountain ranges, notable for their eternally snow-laden peaks.

To reach Margherita summit, the top-most point in the range and the third highest in Africa, one must embark on a rigorous ascent. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park, which houses these ranges, is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, hosting 70+ species of mammals, 217 bird species - among which 19 are unique to the Albertine rift, and a selection of the rarest plant life on the globe.

Apart from the demanding climbing activity, the mountain Rwenzori journey also incorporates a plethora of other adventures. One can engage in nature walks and visit the nearby Bakonzo villages to interact with the indigenous community during this trek.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.