Exclusive Gorilla Vacations

11 Days Exclusive Rwenzori Trekking Uganda

11 Days Exclusive  Rwenzori Trekking Uganda

Safari overview

The Rwenzori Mountains, the largest mountain range in Africa, boast six main peaks exceeding 4,500 meters in altitude: Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, Mt. Baker, Mt. Gessi, Mt. Emin Pasha, and Mt. Luigi di Savoia. Situated along the Uganda-Congo border for over 120 kilometers, these mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highest peak, Margherita, at 5,109 meters on Mt. Stanley, was named after Italian Queen Margherita, who sponsored the first climbing expedition in 1906 led by Prince Luigi Amedeo of Savoy. “Rwenzori” means “mountain of the rain” in the local language due to its rainy nature.

Our Rwenzori trekking tours provide opportunities for both novice and experienced trekkers to explore the diverse vegetation zones and rich biodiversity of the region. The Kilembe Trail, inaugurated in 2009, offers a scenic and organized route. Shorter options include a 3-day trek to Samalia Camp or a 5-day trek to Weiseman Peak. For a more extensive adventure, the 8-day trek to Margherita Peak is available. Climbing is best during the dry seasons from December to March, June to July, and September to October.

While technically not difficult in lower stages, climbing the Rwenzori presents challenges requiring endurance, physical fitness, and some prior training. The final ascent to Margherita Peak involves glacier areas and technical equipment like ropes, crampons, and ice axes. Guides will assist in acquiring necessary skills for the climb. Are you ready for this thrilling adventure?

Detailed itinerary

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport we welcome you and transfer to Kampala for overnight in BB at the hotel, 

Lodge option: Cassia Lodge.

Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast

After breakfast you leave Kampala and drive Westwards in the direction of Kasese at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Lunch in restaurant. By evening you can meet your guides and start arranging for the next day, while relaxing in the montane atmosphere of the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Lodge option: Trekkers Camp Base or hotel in Kasese.  

Meal plan: Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Start your hiking from the starting point to sine camp . dinner and night overstay.

From Sine Camp the trail goes through the Bamboo zone and heather zone, where you experience the giant heather vegetation. You cross various streams and water falls covered by the green moss (Usnea lichen). The Mutinda Camp is set at 3588 meters, giving you a height gain of 992 metres. In the afternoon at Mutinda one may wish to climb up Mutinda look out at 3975 metres which offers breathtaking views. Distance: 6.1km – Time: approximately 6 to 7 hours of walking

From Mutinda Camp the trek today can be hard with steep ridges, boggy areas, high steps but also enjoying rewarding landscapes. The vegetation is unique with typical plant species. The arrival point is Bugata camp at 4100 meters, with a height gain of 512 meters. Distance: 8.6km – Time: approximately 4 to 6 hours of walking.

From Bugata Camp you proceed the trail to Bamwanjara pass at 4450meters, an excellent point for panoramic view of the peaks. The trail proceeds down the valley where you experience a lot of mountain vegetation like moss, giant groundsel and the lobelias. This is the breeding area for the colourful malachite sunbird. A steep section and final climb over a ridge leads to Hunwick’s camp at 3974 meters, situated on the top of a deep valley with good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismanns Peak and McConnell’s Prong. Distance: 8.3km – Time: approximately 6 to 10 hours of walking.

From Hunwick’s camp, the trail passes down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara. From here the route climbs to Scott Eliot Pass at 4.372 m and up to Margherita Camp at 4.485 meters situated in a rock shelter where the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906 camped before ascending the peaks in the first scientific expedition of the Rwenzori. This is the point where to prepare the final ascent to Mount Stanley main peaks. Distance: 5.1km – Time: approximately 3 to 5 hours of walking.

The final climb to Margherita Peak of Mount Stanlay starts after a wake up at 2:00am and an early breakfast to gain strength. The trail meets the glacier and will take about 5 to 7 hours walk to the summit, for a height gain of 624 meters covering 3.8 km. Margherita glacier has suffered with global warming and as the outer edges of the glacier recede the ice is becoming steeper with one section of about 200 meters more than 60% grade. This early climb allows to arrive at the top at the time when weather is expected to be clearer and upon the sunrise (in fact the weather is typically cloudy and stormy all through later morning to evening). The descent back to Hunwicks Camp at 3974 meters will take about 4 to 6 hours covering 8.9 km. Distance: 12.7km – Time: approximately 9 to 12 hours of walking.

From Hunwick’s camp you climb up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong then you reach Oliver Pass at 4,505meters. The trail follows below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of Nyamwamba River. Descend down to Kiharo camp at 3430 meters, set in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation. Distance: 11km – Time: approximately 4 to 7 hours of walking.

Descend downhill along Nyamwamba Valley with its moss covered rocks, waterfalls and deep forest back to the base camp in Kilembe. Debrief and refresh and continue to your hotel for the night. Distance: 14.6km – Time: approximately 7 to 9 hours of walking.

After breakfast, return back to Kampala in time for connections with the international flights from Entebbe International Airport.

Package price includes:

 Rescue fees in case of emergency rescue on Rwenzori Mountains

Park Entrance fees

Luggage 25kg per person (including food)

Guide, porters and cook

Transfer with 4×4 land cruiser or minibus

Accommodation in huts and hotels

 Full board and meals during the hike

Package price excludes;
– Air ticket and visa fees
– Soft sodas and alcoholic drinks
– Extra activities out of itinerary
– And other personal items/expenses

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