Our 9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari has been often appreciated and described as the “ultimate mountain climbing experience”. The stunning Rwenzori Mountains boast of 5109 meters above sea level summit surrounded by breathtaking beauty, along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo. The slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site support a rich diversity of wildlife and bird species that include those endemic to the Albertine Rift endemics and Rwenzori Mountains endemics in addition to being the source of the Nile River.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, western Uganda

After a delicious breakfast at your Hotel in Kampala, be briefed on the Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari before embarking on the drive that lasts 7-8 hours. There will be a stopover at Fort Portal for Lunch then go on straight to the accommodation facility at the base of the Mountains.

Day 2: Hike to the legendary Nyabitaba Camp (at 2650 meters above sea level)

Kick start your Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari with the ascent to the Nyakalengija Trailhead starting at 1600 meters above sea level where you will meet the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park Ranger for briefing prior to undertaking the hike. This walk traverses through Bakonjo homesteads marked by steep foothills as well as vast banana plantations. Trek along the banks of River Mubuku then cross River Mahoma then ascend through the lush Podacarpus forest. Camping and dinner at Nyabitaba Hut at 2650 meters above sea level.

Day 3: Ascend to John Matte Camp/Hut at 3350 meters above sea level

On day 3 of the 9 days Rwenzori Hiking Safari you continue with your ascent from Nyabitaba after a wonderful breakfast. Walk through the tinny path transversing the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, below the Mubuku and Bujuku River confluence. The verdant rainforest slowly changes to a Bamboo forest where a slippery and moss-covered trail. The groundsel, giant heather and giant Lobelia vegetation emanates before the spectacular Nyamileju Rock Shelter prior to passing through a bog to the John matte Hut for dinner and camping.

Day 4: Thrilling walk to Bujuku Hut at 2900 meters above sea level

We shall proceed with the Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari through the remarkable trail that descends and crosses River Bujuku before entering lower Bigo Bog, where giant Lobelias are found. After crossing the Bog to the upper Bog, go on to Lake Bujuku where the views of the summits start appearing.

Day 5: Ascend to Elena Hut (4541 meters above sea level)

Leave Bujuku and continue to the Boggy Trail towards the higher slopes west of Lake Bujuku via the stunning groundsel ravine then ascend to the Scott Elliot pass at about 4372 meters above sea level. Make use of the metallic ladder to the extremely steep side after which the trail separate, with the right one leading to Elena Hut as well as Mount Stanley over a steep rocky trail while the left one leads to the Scott Elliot pass and down to Lake Kitandara.

Day 6: Ascend to Mount Stanley at 5109 meters above sea level and descend to Kitandara Hut at 4027 meters above sea level

Some hikers stop at this point but the determined ones continue from Elena Hut at 4541 meters to Lake Kitandara at 4023 meters above sea level. However, participants should be prepared for more challenging hikes, altitude sickness and visibility challenges while continuing for another 3 hours to Margherita peak at 5109 meters above sea level. After enjoying views at the summit, descend to Kitandara Hut before trekking to Elena Glacier and moving to Stanley Plateau. Expect scrambling to the Margherita summit-the highest and most beautiful point of Rwenzori Mountains and at this point ropes and crampons might be required. Get back to Scott Elliot Pass with breathtaking views of Lake Bujuku as well as Mount Speke at a distance before proceeding to Lake Kitandara.

Day 7: Descend to Guy Yeoman Hut at 3260 meters above sea level

Enjoy your breakfast and walk from the base of Mount Baker to the southern side of Rwenzori Mountains, to the fresh field pass at 4280 meters above sea level. At this point, views of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West as well as Mount Stanley to the North will be relished. Leaving this pass, the Boggy Trail proceeds downwards and transversing the Bujangalo Rock Shelter, base Camp for the historic and legendary expedition of Duke Abruzzi in 1906.

Day 8: Hike to Nyakalengija trailhead at 1600 meters above sea level

Continue with the hike to Nyakalengija hut, through a muddy and slippery trail during the wet season. Dinner and overnight camping at Nyakalengija Hut at 1600 meters above sea level.

Day 9: Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe

This day brings our 9 days Rwenzori Hiking safari to an end and after meeting your driver guide, start the journey to the Capital or Airport.