11-Day Rwenzori Mountains
Overview
Trail: Central Circuit via Nyakalengija
Total Trekking Days: 9
Start/End Point: Kampala – Nyakalengija – Rwenzori Circuit – Kampala
Max Elevation: Margherita Peak (5,109m)
🏔️ Campsite Elevation Overview
Camp Altitude (m)
Nyabitaba Hut 2,651
John Matte Hut 3,414
Bujuku Hut 3,962
Elena Hut 4,541
Margherita Peak 5,109
Kitandara Hut 4,023
Guy Yeoman Hut 3,261
Nyabitaba (again) 2,651
🧭 Must-Carry Items for Rwenzori Hike
Technical Gear
Mountaineering boots (high ankle, waterproof)
Ice axe & crampons (provided at Elena, confirm condition)
Harness & helmet (for glacier roping)
Trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Clothing Layers
Thermal base layers (top/bottom)
Fleece jacket / softshell
Waterproof jacket & pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
Down jacket (for summit day)
Warm gloves (2 pairs: liner & insulated)
Woolen hat + buff/balaclava
Gaiters (bogs & snow protection)
Camping & Sleep
4-season sleeping bag (comfort rating: -10°C or lower)
Sleeping mat (self-inflating recommended)
Dry bags for clothing and electronics
Head net (for forest bugs)
Other Essentials Refillable water bottles (2–3L)
Purification tablets or filter
High-energy snacks & electrolyte sachets
Sunscreen & lip balm (high SPF)
Personal first aid kit (Diamox, blister care, etc.)
Waterproof backpack cover
Travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking)
Important information
- Road transport for the entire duration of the trip.
- Meals as indicated in the safari program.
- An English-speaking driver/guide.
- One liter of bottled water per day.
- Accommodation as indicated in the safari program
- The activities indicated in the safari program.
- Visas/entry permits to Uganda if required.
- Accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe after the excursion.
- Personal insurance covers.
- Tips, drinks and souvenirs
- All items of a personal nature
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change
Itinerary
En route stop: Equator monument
Lunch: Fort Portal
1700hrs: Arrive at Rwenzori Trekkers Hostel – Nyakalengija (1,646m)
Evening briefing: Final gear check, UWA registration
Dinner & Overnight: At the Lodge
Insight: Nestled at the base of the “Mountains of the Moon,” Nyakalengija is the main gateway into the Rwenzori National Park. Clear days reveal glacier-capped summits beyond the rainforest edge.
Distance: 10km | 5–6 hrs
Trail: Cross River Mubuku, pass through farmland, rainforest
Wildlife: Black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, Rwenzori turacos
Camp: Nyabitaba Hut – set in dense forest
Insight: Early exposure to the Rwenzori’s ecosystem. Prepare for humidity, leeches, and first views of Portal Peaks.
Distance: 7km | 6–7 hrs
Trail: Steep descent to Bujuku River then ascent through bamboo and heather zone
Camp: John Matte Hut – near Bujuku River, great sunset views
Highlight: First encounter with giant heather trees and Afro-alpine vegetation. The zone becomes boggy—gaiters essential.
Distance: 6km | 4–5 hrs
Trail: Cross the Big Bog using wooden boardwalks, gradual climb to Lake Bujuku
Camp: Bujuku Hut – near the glacial lake, below Mount Speke and Stanley
Insight: Lake Bujuku reflects surrounding peaks. This camp is ideal for acclimatization. Optional short hike around lake basin.
Distance: 4.5km | 5–6 hrs
Trail: Steep climb via Scott-Elliot Pass, snowfields begin appearing
Camp: Elena Hut – the high-altitude base for summit day
Highlight: Elena is cold, barren, and spectacular. Crampons and ice axes checked and prepared for summit attempt.
Summit Route: Elena – Stanley Plateau – Margherita Glacier – Summit
Return: Back to Elena → Descend to Kitandara Hut (4,023m)
Distance: ~10–11km roundtrip | 10–12 hrs
Insight: Crossing the Stanley Glacier and standing atop Margherita Peak is Africa’s third-highest achievement. Expect crevasses, roped traverses, and pure exhilaration.
Distance: 5–6 hrs
Trail: Alpine descent past Kitandara Lakes, up and over Freshfield Pass, then steep descent to Guy Yeoman
Camp: Guy Yeoman Hut – dramatic cliffside location
Insight: Lush scenery resumes as glaciers recede. The trail is rocky, often slippery. Use poles for stability.
Distance: 6km | 5 hrs
Trail: Pass through dense bamboo, waterfalls, and rugged bridges over river gorges
Camp: Return to Nyabitaba Hut
Insight: Familiar forest trail offers a sense of return, but still physically taxing. Leopard tracks often seen.
Distance: 10km | 4 hrs
Debriefing: Certificates issued at base camp
Transfer: Short drive to post-hike lodge for hot shower and recovery
Insight: After the high-altitude challenge, a night of comfort and reflection at a beautiful eco-lodge is the perfect reset.
Arrival: Evening arrival in Kampala (~8 hrs drive)
