Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 7-day high-altitude trek through the mythical "Mountains of the Moon" in Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains National Park . Following the iconic Central Circuit route from Mihunga Gate, this expedition traverses lush rainforests, bamboo zones, and otherworldly afro-alpine bogs filled with giant lobelias and groundsels. The journey culminates in a thrilling technical summit push across glaciers and ice to Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mount Stanley—Africa's third-highest peak—before descending through scenic alpine lakes and river valleys to Kasese.
Quick Facts & Highlights
🏔️ Scale Margherita Peak (5,109m): Conquer the highest peak on Mount Stanley, navigating glaciers and icy ridges to reach Africa's third-highest summit.
🌿 Unrivaled Botanical Biodiversity: Hike through distinct eco-zones, from rainforests inhabited by primates to dense bamboo, giant heather, and mossy bogs.
🔄 The Classic Central Circuit: Experience the full loop itinerary, visiting iconic mountain stops including John Matte, Bujuku Lake, Scott-Elliot Pass, and Kitandara Lakes.
🛖 Mountain Hut Accommodations: Stay in established alpine huts throughout the trek, supported by professional guides, porters, and mountain crews.
Duration
7 Days/6 Night
Rating
4.9 (15 Reviews)
Pickup Point
pick ups and drop offs at Entebbe International Airport for Uganda
Price
1,400$
Itinerary
DAY 1: MIHUNGA GATE TO NYABITABA CAMP
Nyakalengija Briefing & Ridge Ascent
Drive to Nyakalengija for trip briefing and equipment organization.Start the hike passing local farmland to the park boundary, then follow a thick forest along the Mubuku River.Cross the Mahoma River tributary and begin a long, steep climb onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba Hut.Spot wildlife along the way, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the vibrant Rwenzori turaco.Elevation: 1,615m to 2,651m asl (Elevation Gain: 1,036m) | Hike Duration: ~6–7 hoursDuration: 6 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at Nyabitaba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: NYABITABA CAMP TO JOHN MATTE CAMP
Bamboo Forest, Kurt Shafer Bridge & Bogs
Descend through the forest to Kurt Shafer Bridge, located just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers.Traverse a long stretch of slippery, moss-covered rock through the bamboo forest.Catch views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke from the Nyamuleju rock shelter before entering the giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel zone.Cross the tiring bog to reach John Matte Hut for dinner and overnight rest.Elevation: 2,651m to 3,505m asl (Elevation Gain: 854m) | Hike Duration: ~7–8 hoursDuration: 7 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at John Matte Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: JOHN MATTE CAMP TO BUJUKU CAMP
Bigo Bog, Lake Bujuku & Acclimatization
Descend to cross the Bujuku River and enter Lower Bigo Bog, jumping from tussock to tussock amid giant lobelias.Pass Upper Bigo Bog to reach Bujuku Lake with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west.Arrive at Bujuku Hut, set in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke—ideal for acclimatization before summiting.Elevation: 3,505m to 3,962m asl (Elevation Gain: 457m) | Hike Duration: ~4–5 hoursDuration: 5 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at Bujuku Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: BUJUKU CAMP TO ELENA CAMP
Groundsel Gully Ascent & Base Camp Setup
Leave Bujuku across boggy terrain, climbing steep slopes west of the lake through Groundsel Gully.Ascend a steep trail over large boulders to reach Scott-Elliot Pass junction.Turn right onto a cool and icy trail leading directly up to Elena Hut for those climbing Margherita Peak (while the trail to the left leads down to Kitandara Lakes for non-climbers).Elevation: 3,962m to 4,541m asl (Elevation Gain: 579m) | Hike Duration: ~5–6 hoursDuration: 6 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at Elena Hut / Kitandara Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: ELENA CAMP TO MARGHERITA PEAK TO KITANDARA CAMP
Glacier Summit Push & Descent to Kitandara
Early morning departure to climb Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mount Stanley, taking 4–5 hours across three glaciers, slippery rock, ice, and exposed ridges.Cross Stanley Plateau and scramble to the summit, the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains.Descend back to Elena Hut (2–3 hours) for lunch before continuing down via Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372m asl) with scenic views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke.Trek through alpine zones with sparse vegetation and rough boulders past Kitandara Lakes to Kitandara Camp (3–4 hours descent).Elevation: 4,541m to 5,109m (Summit) down to 4,430m asl | Summit Hike: ~4–5 hours | Descent: ~5–7 hoursDuration: Full Day | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at Kitandara Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO MOSHI
Fresh Field Pass & Bujongolo Rock Shelter
Ascend steeply up the headwall spreading out from the base of Mount Baker along the south side to Fresh Field Pass (4,282m asl).Enjoy expansive views into the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north.Descend long mossy high-alpine sections and steep rocky trails past Bujongolo rock shelter—the historic 1906 expedition base camp of the Duke of Abruzzi.Arrive at Guy Yeoman Camp for dinner and overnight.Elevation: 4,430m up to 4,282m (Pass) down to 3,261m asl | Hike Duration: ~6–7 hoursDuration: 7 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at Guy Yeoman Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: GUY YEOMAN (3,261M ASL) – NYABITABA (2,651M ASL) – MIHUNGA GATE (1,615M ASL)
Final Descent & Summit Certificates
Descend after breakfast through the rainforest from Mweka Camp (3,100m) down to Mweka Gate (1,980m) and Mweka Village.Receive summit certificates at the gate (Gold for Uhuru Peak, Green for Stella Point).Transfer to Springlands Hotel in Moshi for a hot lunch, shower, and celebration with the mountain guides and crew.Distance: ~15 km | Hiking Time: ~3 hours | Elevation: 3,100m to 1,980m | Habitat: RainforestDuration: 6 hours | Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Springlands Hotel Moshi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Full Meal Plan:
All meals on the trek included:
Breakfast (7)
Lunch (7)
Dinner (7)
What's Excluded
❌ Technical Equipment: Climbing gear (crampons, ice axes, harness, etc.)
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ Experienced Mountaineers & High-Altitude Hikers: Ideal for seasoned adventurers looking to challenge themselves on Africa's third-highest summit (Margherita Peak, 5,109m) with technical glacier crossings and ice climbing.
✅ Remote Wilderness & Alpine Enthusiasts: Perfect for trekkers wanting to explore the legendary "Mountains of the Moon," navigating unique afro-alpine bogs, giant lobelias, and pristine glacier-fed lakes.
✅ Endurance Hikers: Designed for fit travelers ready for a grueling 7-day circuit featuring steep ascents, rocky terrain, muddy paths, and long daily trek durations (5 to 10 hours).
✅ Classic Circuit Adventurers: Great for hikers who want the complete Rwenzori experience, following the iconic Central Circuit loop through varying eco-zones from dense rainforest to alpine glaciers.
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