Mt. Rwenzori Hiking Safari.

Overview Day by Day Itinerary Rates Inclusions Hiking Tips

Rwenzori mountain also known as "Mountains of the moon" is a mountain range located in eastern Uganda on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The highest peak of the Rwenzori is Margherita at 5,109 metres (16,762 ft) which is the highest point in Uganda and the third highest in Africa.

Hiking to the summit of Margherita Peak is a lifetime experience with views of breathtaking scenery, a diversity of flora, streams of water and lakes and various species of birds and animals and finally the snow capped and glaciated mountain peaks.

Hiking Equipment

  • Waterproof clothing
    Rwenzori mountains receive rain all year round therefore you need high quality water proof clothing since the rains may sometimes go on for days during your trek.
  • Footwear
    Ankle-high hiking boots with ankle support are recommended as they will keep out a lot of water and most insects.
  • Trekking pole
    If you don't have those fancy poles, just ask one of the guides to get you a piece of bamboo to use as a walking stick.
  • Technical gear
    If you plan on summiting Margherita peak, you will be provided and trained on how to use harnesses, caribinas, ice axes, helmets, rubber boots,crampons, ropes and ice screws. It is recommended to come along with your own pair of crampons although there are also some to rent.

Safari Activities.

  • Hiking
  • Nature walks
  • Birding

Accommodation.

  • Hotel Margherita
  • Sandton Hotel
  • Marafiki Safari Lodge
  • Sine Hut (2,596m)
  • Mutinda Camp (3,688m)
  • Bugata Camp (4,100m)
  • Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)
  • Margherita Camp (4485m)
  • Kiharo Camp

Location of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

DAY 01

Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Kilembe Kasese.

Our tour guide will pick you up in the morning from either your hotel in Entebbe or from the airport and drive to Kasese which is the nearest town to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The drive takes about 8 hours with a stopover for lunch at Fort Portal and then proceed to Kilembe where you will check in at Sandton Hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 02

Trek to Sine Camp.

After an early morning breakfast and briefing about the Rwenzori trekking rules and regulations, you will start at Trekkers Hostel at 1,450 meters proceed to Sine Camp at 2,596 meters being an altitude gain of 1,146 meters and covering 9.3km.

If you are still fit and want to proceed to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters, may do so. This will give you more time at Mutinda Camp where you may climb up to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.

DAY 03

Sine Camp to Mutinda Camp.

Trekking starts at 8.30am with a journey through the bamboo zone which is a steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow. You will experience the beautiful forest atmosphere as you climb 551 meters altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters. Here you can have a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading to Mutinda Camp.

Mutinda Camp lies at 3,688 meters altitude climbing 1,092 meter

In the afternoon you may wish to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout at 3,925 meters. The climb takes one to two hours up and one hour coming down. At this point you get a view of the Rwenzori Mountains down to Kasese town and Lake George. If you plan on climbing to Margherita or any other main peaks, Mutinda is a good way to acclimatize and reduce the risk of high-altitude sickness.

DAY 04

Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp.

Hike to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters, gaining 412 meters in altitude. This journey is rather challenging because it gets muddy and boggy especially in the wet season but is also enjoyable due to the fantastic views as you make a steep climb to the Namusangi Valley at 3,840 meters. On the trail you will encounter a variety of plants, streams and waterfalls as you climb steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.

DAY 05

Bugata Camp to Hunwick's Camp.

You will leave Bugata Camp and ascend to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters where you can have rest depending on the weather. The trail will give you an excellent view of the three main peaks and passes around some bogs and thick green vegetation, moss, giant groundsel and lobelia. You will most probably see the Malachite Sunbird as it feeds on the many lobelia flowers as this is a known breeding site.

After a steady climb you will reach Hunwick's Camp where you will have good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.

DAY 06

Hunwick's Camp to Margherita Camp.

You will make an enjoyable walk-up Scott Elliott Pass is enjoyable and up the ridge of Mt Stanley to Margherita Camp at 4,485 meters. From here you have great views of Mt Baker, Scott Elliot Pass and some of the high glaciers on Mt Stanley.

You will reach Margherita Camp late in the evening, relax a little bit and later on go through preparations for summiting. You will be taken through drills for preparing and using hiking equipment and attire like ropes, hiking shoes, ice breaking axes as well as crampons. Then you will retire to your cabins for a night.

DAY 07

Summit Margherita Peak.

This is the toughest hike on the route as you head to Uganda's highest point, Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters and then pass directly down to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 meters.

DAY 08

Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo.

From Hunwick’s Camp you will start the day by climbing up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong where you get the best views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass before reaching Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 meters. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Olivers Pass is 3km. The trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River which flows down thought Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elisabeth National Park.

After crossing the confluence, the trail meanders down the valley to Kiharo Camp, this route is littered with piles of rocks and debris which are a result of melted glaciers.

DAY 09

Kiharo to Sandton Hotel.

The walk from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 16km and another 2.8km down to Trekkers Hostel taking between 5 to 8 hours with a stopover for lunch at Forest View Camp.

This trail goes downhill through the River Nyamwamba Valley where you will have some beautiful views of moss-covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests. In the clear areas you may catch a glimpse of a Red Duiker quietly feeding in small clearings as you pass along the river.

After a brief rest at Trekkers Hostel you will proceed to Sandton Hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10

Transfer back to Kampala.

After a delicious morning breakfast, you will start the drive back to Kampala for the flight back home.

The tour is rated at $1900 per person.

Please note that:

  • The maximum group size for high altitude treks is 8 or 9, or up to 15 for low altitude treks.
  • Rates may vary depending on conditions outlined in our Terms and Conditions..

Included

  • Vehicle with driver
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Park Entrance fees
  • Guides and porters throughout the 10-day trek
  • All meals
  • Accommodation throughout the trek in dormitory-style huts along the trail
  • All technical equipment (recommended to bring own crampons)
  • Bottled mineral water in vehicle

Excluded

  • International Flights
  • Visas
  • Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Tips
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Laundry services

For more information on what is included and excluded from this tour package please check our Terms and Conditions.

Fitness and medical issues

Rwenzori trek tours require a good level of fitness. You will be asked about your general health when you book your trek. Altitude sickness can be a problem for many people. It’s highly recommended that you consider taking a day off mid-climb, to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Insurance

If you’re planning to climb the Ruwenzori’s, particularly if you are climbing Margherita, you are advised to take out travel insurance.

Emergency contacts

You will need to provide these when you sign the disclaimer form before starting your trek.

Hiring a Porter

Porters are allowed to carry a maximum of 15 kg each including your clothes, hiking and camping equipment and all your food. The porters will collect firewood and water every evening for you at camp so you only need to carry one day’s personal supply of drinking water at a time.

Ranger guides

You will be allocated two or more armed Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers who will act as your guides throughout the trip.

What to carry in your day pack

Your day pack (personal rucksack) should contain your waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers, drinking water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and snacks.
  • Snacks
    Stock up on plenty of your favourite snacks. G’ nuts (groundnuts), biscuits, bananas and dried fruit will give you more energy than chocolate and sweets.
  • Water
    To keep hydrated at altitude, you will need to drink at least two litres of drinking water per day, even in cold weather. The porters collect and boil water every night. By the time you drink it the next morning, it will have cooled nicely.
  • Hot water bottle
    Since it is usually cold up in the mountains, it is always advisable to carry a hot water bottle.

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