9 Days Mountain Rwenzori Expedition

Overview

9 Days Mountain Rwenzori Expedition

Your journey into the legendary Mountains of the Moon begins! You’ll spend 7 days hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains via the central circuit to the 5109-meter Margherita peak on Mount Stanley, Africa’s 5th highest summit. Your private driver will whisk you from Entebbe to the vibrant community of Ruboni in Kasese, nestled at the foot of the Rwenzori’s. This is your base camp, a place to prepare, meet your enthusiastic local guide and team, and immerse yourself in the energy of the region.

Ready to hit the mountain? Spend the night in Kasese and embark on your adventure the very next day! Take a look at the detailed itinerary below and let the excitement build for this truly unforgettable experience.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer to Mountain Rwenzori National Park

Upon arrival at the airport, our guide will welcome you and embark on a scenic drive to the western part of Uganda. The vibrant Ugandan countryside unfolds as you journey towards Kasese Town, nestled near the DR-Congo border, in the shadow of the mighty Rwenzori Mountains. This charming village will be your base camp as you prepare for your thrilling trek.

Once settled into your camp/lodge, enlist your guide’s expertise in organizing your trekking gear and packing essentials. Take some time to acclimate to the altitude change the anticipation builds as you envision the unforgettable journey that awaits.

Overnight: Ruboni Community Camp

Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Nyakalengija – Nyabitaba Hut 2650m asl

After an early breakfast, prepare for your adventure! You’ll arrive at the Nyakalengija trailhead (1600 meters), where a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) sets the stage for your journey. Learn the rules and let the anticipation build as they describe the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

The trail unfolds, winding past traditional Bakonjo homesteads nestled amidst verdant banana plantations and the rising foothills. Follow the Mubuku River, crossing the Mahoma, before ascending into the lush Podocarpus Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and perhaps even a glimpse of the elusive chimpanzee. Listen for the rustle of leaves as you might be lucky enough to encounter a forest elephant leaving its mark. Birdwatchers will be in paradise! Scan the branches for the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, and search the forest floor for the camouflaged Three-Horned Chameleon.

Night falls as you reach Nyabitaba Hut, perched on a ridge with an epic panorama. Witness the foothills below, the twinkling lights of Kasese town, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains bathed in the fading evening light.

Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut – John Matte Hut 3505m asl

Embark early on the central circuit trail, seeking to conquer the day’s distance before the sun reaches its full strength. From Nyabitaba camp, descend through the verdant forest towards the Kurt Shafer Bridge. Just before the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers, a breathtaking sight awaits, the first glimpse of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke dominating the landscape. This majestic panorama might slow your pace momentarily, but it will fill you with determination for the journey ahead.

The trail grows challenging, with bamboo giving way to a long stretch of slippery, moss-covered rock. But persevere! Beyond lies a realm out of legend: the mythical zone of giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel – a testament to the unique wonders of the Rwenzoris. Press onward through the marshland, with the promise of John Maate Hut, your shelter for the night, guiding your steps.

Overnight: John Matte Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: John Matte Hut – Bujuku Hut 3962m asl

From John Matte Hut, the trail takes a plunge downward. Cross the Bujuku River and prepare for the realm of the giant lobelias – the Lower Bigo Bog. This is where things get a bit squishy. Expect to get creative with tussock-hopping skills, and be prepared for the occasional ‘surprise’ sinkhole. Trust us, wellies are seriously your friend for this part – soggy boots and muddy pants are no joke for the rest of your trek. But hey, tough it out, and the reward is worth it! Conquer the bog, and suddenly, the serene beauty of Lake Bujuku reveals itself. Catch those epic views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley – it’s enough to make you forget the mud for a while.

You’ll camp at Bujuku Hut, tucked in the valley under the watchful gaze of Mount Baker and Speke. A little wet, maybe a little tired – but with an experience you won’t soon forget.

Overnight: Bujuku Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut 4541m asl

Leaving Bujuku behind, buckle up for more boggy adventures! But hey, don’t worry – next up are those ladders on that seriously steep slope. Just imagine the views from up there, right? After that, prepare to enter an enchanted forest straight out of a fairytale – the Groundsel Gully. At the crossroads, ignore the left turn (that’s for another time) and hang a right towards Elena Hut. This is where you’ll be hunkering down for the night. Word of advice: it gets seriously chilly here, so layer up and keep those toes toasty!

Overnight: Elena Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Day 6: Elena Hut – Margherita Peak 5109m asl

Decisions, decisions! Today’s a big one on the Rwenzori adventure. Elena Hut marks the point where you choose your adventure: ascend to Margherita Peak, the highest point in the range, or trek to the breathtaking Lake Kitandara (4023 meters).

If you choose Margherita, brace yourself. Depending on conditions, it’s a pre-dawn climb over glaciers, battling slippery rocks, icy terrain, and fierce winds. It’s a 4 to 5hours battle to reach the Stanley Plateau, where you’ll need to take time to adjust to the altitude. But then the summit scramble to Margherita! Snap some souvenir photos at that epic sign, soak in the triumph and then it’s a 2 to 3 hours descent back to Elena for lunch.

After refueling, prepare for another challenge: the descent to Scott Elliot Pass, with those incredible views of Lake Bujuku and Mount Speke. Finally, push on to Lake Kitandara, winding down through a starkly beautiful landscape of rocks and sparse vegetation.

Overnight: Kitandara Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Day 7: Kitandara – Guy Yeoman 3261m asl

From Kitandara, prepare for a thrilling ascent! The trail climbs steeply, clinging to the slopes beneath mighty Mount Baker, ultimately reaching the breathtaking Fresh Field Pass at 4282 meters. Here, the vast Congo landscape unfolds before you, while to the north, Mount Stanley stands sentinel. The trail continues, weaving through carpets of high alpine moss before a heart-pounding descent on a rocky track. This path leads you to Bujongolo, a rock shelter that echoes with history – it was here that the Duke of Abruzzi made his base camp in 1906.

Tonight, you will camp at Guy Yeoman Camp. Rest amidst this rugged landscape, a modern-day explorer following in the footsteps of those who came before.

Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Day 8: Guy Yeoman – Nyabitaba 2651m asl & Descend to Nyakalengija 1600m asl.

Today marks the final descent! After an early start, conquer the 7 to 8-hour trek from Guy Yeoman down through the dramatic Kichuchu cliffs. Beyond, the trail throws down a muddy challenge – cross the Mubuku River twice, navigate the bamboo forest, and push onward towards the familiar ground of Nyabitaba. You will have a hot lunch here before proceeding to Nyakalengija for hot showers, dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Ruboni Community Camp

Meal plan: Full board

Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

After your breakfast, your guide/driver will drive you back to Entebbe. You will stop-over for lunch along the way in Mbarara town.  You will most likely reach Entebbe airport in the evening for overnight or outbound flight back home.

Overnight: No

Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch