Overview
Rwenzori trekking, Uganda: A varied journey takes us into the heart of Africa to the fascinating Rwenzori Mountains, the Mountains of the moon, the "Rainmaker" or "King of Clouds". A unique vegetation with huge Scenecia and lobelia forests awaits you in an untouched and winding landscape, impressive and mystical...
The third highest mountain range in Africa is located on the border between Uganda and Congo and optionally we organize the search for mountain gorillas (Gorilla Tracking) in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Expedition leaders
Trek the mountains of the moon
Itinerary Ruwenzori (12 Days)
You are prepared, ready to departure flight to Uganda, Entebbe.
Landing in Entebbe. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and drive you to Kampala. Check-in at the hotel, relax by the pool and in the evening dinner together to get to know all participants. Africana Hotel*** B&B.
We drive Via Fort Portale to Queen Elizabeth National Park, not far from Rwenzori National Park. We stay overnight in a lodge outside the park, with beautiful views and the chance to observe wildlife. Hippo Hill Lodge / full board.
In order to reach the National Park Headquarters in Nyakalegija, we drive to Kasese and follow the signs to the National Park. After another 15km passing small villages, we arrive at the headquarters to register. Our trekking starts! At the beginning, we pass villages, then we go deeper in the jungle, following the valley of the Mubuku River. This lower part of the mountain has a high animal population and with some luck we can see some of them. At the end of the day, as the altitude rises, the vegetation changes and after about 3-4 hours we reach the Nyabitaba hut (2650m) where we stay for the night. Full board.
We initially climb along the Nyabitaba Ridge, then cross the valley of the Mubuku River over the Kurt-Schäffer Bridge and follow a steep path through bamboo forests. This soon clears and an afro-alpine landscape with boulders, grass plains and ferns follows. With a bit of luck you will get first views of Mt. Stanley and Point Margerita. After about 5 to 7 hours we reach John Matte Camp (3550m). Full board.
We follow the trail to the west through partly very marshy and- depending on the conditions - very wet terrain, which is partly defused by footbridges. Waterproof shoes and walking sticks are very useful here. Today we see special plants like lobelias and giant groundels ("Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro"), which only grow on the mountains of East Africa. After a steep climb, we reach Lake Bujuku, along the eastern shore and we reach the camp. Approx. 4-6 hours trekking to the Bujuku hut (4000m). Full board.
The most technically demanding day leads us first along Lake Bujuku, then over steep paths and an intermediate pass - with breathtaking views of Mount Stanley and the Stanley Plateau, the largest glacier in Africa - to the highest point of the trekking trip, the Scott Elliot Pass (approx. 4550m)! The descent below Mount Baker leads to the picturesque Kitandara Lake (4000m), approx. 4-6 hours. Overnight at a hut / full board.
We ascend to Freshfield Pass (4400m), a wide plateau below Mount Baker, and then descend over partly steep and slippery paths into the valley of the Mbuku River. There, after a hike of about 4-6 hours, we reach the Guy Yeoman Hut (3500m) / full board.
We go back down to Nyabitaba Hut, where the Central Circuit closes, then continue to the headquarters (about 4-5 hours hike). After saying goodbye to the support team, we will be picked up and drive to Hippo Hill Resort, full board.
****Hippo Hill Resort, shared twin/double, FB
A famous national park in Uganda named after Queen Elizabeth II, known for its stunning wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos, as well as boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel. We will drive on classical Safari with unlimited game drives during the day.
****Hippo Hill Resort, shared twin/double, FB
Morning safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we can see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, lions, garzels, zebras and many other animals. After lunch we drive back to Kampala (5-7 hours) for a farewell dinner. Hotel, B&B.
Extension for gorilla tracking or safari (Queen Elizabeth, Kabale, Murchsion Falls). If you are participating with fellow climbers (please see Rwenzori Expedition under Climbing), you can spend the extra 3 days this way. Please ask us for more information!
Flight & arrival at home (or extension in Uganda, Africa)
Prepare
Rwenzori Trek
Adventure travelers are perfect for the Rwenzori. The difficulty of the hiking trails depends largely on the weather conditions, and the long journey into the heart of Africa involves challenging terrain. However, those who embrace the adventure will be rewarded with experiences that last a lifetime.
Conditions of the trek
• Temperatures ranging from +30°C to 0°C (86°F to 32°F)
• Humid and warm to cold and wet
Downloads
Participation requirements
You should be able to hike in pathless terrain and be in good physical condition. The weather conditions can be morally demanding. Daily trekking stages last between 6-8 hours.
Comparison - Level of difficulty: The ramified paths and the frequent humidity can lead to much more difficult hiking conditions than the famous neighbours in East Africa, Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro (normal routes). Daily trekking distances are not longer but the paths can become difficult and slippery when wet. We can of course be lucky and walk through the Moon Mountains in absolutely brilliant weather, but you can't rely on it.
In the Alps, the paths in dry conditions would be comparable to routes of the SAC scale T3 but in wet they can be compared more to routes of the scale T5-6 due to the type of the terrain (very slippery).
Questions about the Rwenzori?
The Rwenzori is a mountain range, and this tour is a trek through the range. For climbing the highest mountain(s) of the Ruwenzori, please refer to the requirements and information provided for the mountaineering trip to the Rwenzori (under Climbing).
The difficulty depends greatly on the weather. If there has been a lot of rain, it can be slippery and occasionally dangerous. Good footing and quality footwear are essential in such conditions.
Tents can be provided. However, after rain, the Rwenzori can get very muddy, and during heavy rain, the campsites may flood. Therefore, even with a tent upgrade, you might prefer to retreat to a hut.
Testimonials
Costs & Services
Our Rwenzori trek is a full service package from/to Kampala (Entebbe airport). Interesting add-ons (Gorrilla Tracking, Safari) can be booked in Uganda. Please send us your questions, or - if already convinced - you can book our tour directly online.
Full Service
- Organization and leadership:
- from 2 participants with our local guide
- from 8 participants with SummitClimb expedition leader
- a maximum of 14 participants - Airport transfers to Kampala
- 2x accommodation (double room, sharing) in Kampala, ****hotel with breakfast
- 1x accommodation (double room, sharing), ***Lodge/Hotel, full board
- 2x accommodation (double room, sharing) at QE-Nationalpark, ****Hippo-Hill Lodge, full board
- Transport by bus and 4x4
- Group equipment (kitchen, tents)
- Cook and experienced kitchen crew
- Three meals a day (breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner)
- Water (boiled and prepared)
- Medical equipment and first aid kit
- Satellite telephone (only for groups of more than one participant)
- Local mountain guide of the RMS
- Porters and personal porter (up to 18kg) per participant
- All national park fees (USD35 per person per day)
- RMS (Ruwenzori Mountaineering Service) compulsory services
- All overnight stays before and after trekking in a double room with full board
- During trekking overnight stay in simple huts of the RMS (personal tent on request)
- International flight
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee for Uganda
- Dinner and lunch in Kampala (we usually go out to a restaurant together)
- Personal equipment
- Snacks, alcoholic beverages, other personal expenses
- Tips (US$ 150 to US$ 200)
