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9 Days Mountain Rwenzori Expedition
The 9-Day Mountain Rwenzori Expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for true explorers. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori range straddles the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering some of Africa’s most spectacular mountain scenery. This trek includes seven days of exhilarating hiking, culminating in a summit of Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters, the highest point on Mount Stanley.
Journey Through Uganda’s Iconic Landscapes
Begin your expedition with a scenic transfer from Entebbe to Kasese, the gateway to the Rwenzoris. From the trailhead at Nyakalengija, trek through local villages and lush banana plantations before entering dense montane forests alive with colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. Higher elevations reveal dramatic landscapes of bamboo groves, moss-covered heather trees, and giant lobelias, creating an otherworldly environment unique to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Daily Challenges and Breathtaking Views
Each day of the 9-Day Mountain Rwenzori Expedition offers new challenges, from crossing slippery bogs to climbing steep glacier slopes using ladders and ropes. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker. The summit day begins before dawn at Elena Hut for a glacier ascent to Margherita Peak, rewarding trekkers with unforgettable views of glaciers and peaks stretching across the Albertine Rift.
Descent and Cultural Encounters
The descent is equally rewarding, passing through Kitandara Lakes, Fresh Field Pass, and Bujongolo, the historic base camp of the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1906 expedition. Nights are spent in mountain huts, offering rest and camaraderie amidst the wild Rwenzori landscapes. Along the route, immerse yourself in the culture of the Bakonjo communities, whose traditions and stories enrich the expedition experience.
Why Choose the 9-Day Mountain Rwenzori Expedition?
This trek is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to combine physical challenge with Uganda’s unique ecosystems. With experienced local guides, fully supported camps, and an itinerary designed for acclimatization and safety, the 9-Day Mountain Rwenzori Expedition promises an unforgettable adventure, blending mountain conquest, wildlife, and cultural discovery.
Overview
Embark on the ultimate adventure with this 9-day Rwenzori Mountains expedition, taking you deep into the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Over seven exhilarating trekking days, you’ll navigate lush forests, rugged valleys, and mystical alpine landscapes before summiting Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s 5th highest mountain. The journey begins in Kasese, at the foothills of the Rwenzoris, where you’ll meet your guide and prepare for the ascent. Along the way, discover an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, from colobus monkeys and Rwenzori turacos to giant lobelias and groundsels found nowhere else on Earth. This challenging trek is rewarded with awe-inspiring views of glaciers, lakes, and volcanic peaks. Perfect for adventurous travelers, this expedition blends raw wilderness, cultural encounters, and the thrill of standing atop one of Africa’s great summits.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s 5th highest point
- Explore diverse ecosystems from montane forest to alpine zones
- Encounter rare wildlife including colobus monkeys and Rwenzori turacos
- Cross bogs, glaciers, and dramatic mountain passes
- Retrace the footsteps of early explorers in Uganda’s “Mountains of the Moon”
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and begin the scenic drive to Kasese, a charming town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains near the DR Congo border. As you pass through Uganda’s vibrant countryside, the excitement builds for the trek ahead. At your lodge, your guide will help you get organized, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Overnight: Ruboni Community Camp
Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Nyakalengija – Nyabitaba Hut (2,650m ASL)
After an early breakfast, your trek begins at the Nyakalengija trailhead (1,600m) with a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The trail winds past Bakonjo villages, banana plantations, and the Mubuku River before climbing into lush Podocarpus forest. Watch for colobus and blue monkeys, and possibly chimpanzees or forest elephants. Bird lovers may spot the Rwenzori turaco or a three-horned chameleon. By nightfall, you’ll reach Nyabitaba Hut, with sweeping views of the foothills, Kasese’s twinkling lights, and the towering Rwenzoris.
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut – John Matte Hut (3,505m ASL)
Start early on the central circuit trail to beat the midday heat. From Nyabitaba, descend through dense forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, where the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers meet. Here, you’ll catch your first stunning glimpse of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. The trail grows tougher, with slippery rocks and bamboo leading into a surreal landscape of giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel. Press on through the marshes to reach John Matte Hut, your resting spot for the night.
Overnight: John Matte Hut
Meal plan: Full board
Day 4: John Matte Hut – Bujuku Hut (3,962m ASL)
From John Matte Hut, the trail descends to cross the Bujuku River, leading into the soggy Lower Bigo Bog. Get ready for tussock-hopping and occasional sinkholes – wellies are a must! Push through, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Bujuku, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley. You’ll camp at Bujuku Hut, nestled in the valley beneath Mount Baker and Mount Speke, feeling tired, maybe a bit muddy, but with an unforgettable experience ahead.
Overnight: Bujuku Hut
Meal plan: Full board
Day 5: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (4,541m ASL)
Leaving Bujuku, brace yourself for more bogs and steep slopes, with ladders offering epic views. Then, enter the fairytale-like Groundsel Gully. At the crossroads, take a right toward Elena Hut, where you’ll rest for the night. It’s chilly here, so bundle up and keep warm!
Overnight: Elena Hut
Meal plan: Full board
Day 6: Elena Hut – Margherita Peak (5,109m ASL)
Today, decide your adventure! From Elena Hut, choose to ascend Margherita Peak or head to Lake Kitandara. If you opt for Margherita, prepare for a challenging pre-dawn climb over glaciers, icy rocks, and fierce winds, reaching the summit after 4–5 hours. Enjoy the views and photos before descending back to Elena for lunch. Then, tackle the descent to Scott Elliot Pass, with stunning vistas of Lake Bujuku and Mount Speke, before heading to the serene Lake Kitandara.
Overnight: Kitandara Hut
Meal plan: Full board
Day 7: Kitandara – Guy Yeoman (3,261m ASL)
From Kitandara, embark on a thrilling ascent to Fresh Field Pass (4,282m), with breathtaking views of the Congo landscape and Mount Stanley. The trail weaves through alpine moss before a rocky descent to Bujongolo, the historic site of the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1906 base camp. Your journey ends at Guy Yeoman Camp for the night, surrounded by rugged beauty and following in the footsteps of past explorers.
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Meal plan: Full board
Day 8: Guy Yeoman – Nyabitaba (2,651m ASL) & Descend to Nyakalengija (1,600m ASL)
Today marks the final descent! After an early start, conquer the 7–8 hour trek from Guy Yeoman down through the dramatic Kichuchu cliffs. Beyond, the trail presents a muddy challenge – cross the Mubuku River twice, navigate the bamboo forest, and push onward toward the familiar ground of Nyabitaba. You will enjoy a hot lunch here before proceeding to Nyakalengija for hot showers, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Ruboni Community Camp
Meal plan: Full board
Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, your guide/driver will transfer you back to Entebbe. You’ll stop over for lunch in Mbarara town. You will likely reach Entebbe Airport in the evening, either for an overnight stay or your outbound flight back home.
Overnight: None
Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Price Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Rwenzori permit (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
Price Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
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Tour: 9 Days Mountain Rwenzori Expedition
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