This 10 Days Rwenzori Mountain Climbing Tour culminates at the 5,109-meter-high Margherita summit in the Rwenzori Mountains. One of the most fulfilling things you can do in Africa is this. Enquire Now Despite being the third highest peak in Africa, many climbers believe that ascending the Rwenzori is the most difficult thing they can do in the continent.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer to Kasese.
You will be picked up by your safari guide at your hotel and driven to Kasese. You will stop along the route at Mpambire to view the royal drum makers and near the Equator to take pictures at this incredible location. Continue towards the Queen Elizabeth National Park, being mindful of the surrounding fauna.
Accommodation: Margherita Hotel.
Meals: (Dinner).
Day 2: Nyabitaba Hut (2,650 m)
After a cup of coffee in the morning, you will drive to the 1,600-meter Nyakalengija trailhead. After meeting the porters and guides, start the ascent to Nyaibitaba Hut. Stroll past the Bakonjo homesteads and through the matoke plantations situated on the steep hillsides. Proceed on the trail across landslides near the Mubuku River. Once you have crossed the Mahoma River, ascend sharply to reach Nyabitaba Hut across bracken fern slopes and Podocarpus woodland.
Accommodation: Nyaibitaba Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: John Matte Hut (3,350 m)
You will descend through the forest on the trail from Nyaibitaba to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, which is located right below the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers’ junction. After going through the bamboo thicket, cross a protracted and taxing section of mossy rock. Before entering the area inhabited by gigantic heather, lobelia, and groundsel, one may observe Mount Stanley and Mount Speke from the Nyamileju rock shelter. After trudging through the exhausting swamp, arrive at John Matte Hut for dinner and spend the night there.
Accommodation: John Matte Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Bujuku Hut
The trail descends from John Matte Hut to bridge the Bujuku River and into Lower Bigo Bog, the big lobelia home. The bog is eventually crossed by jumping from tussock to tussock, though not infrequently without the feet tasting a little of the cold sludge below. Bujuku Lake, with views of Mount Stanley to the west and Mount Baker to the south, replaces the Upper Bigo Bog. Bujuku Hut is situated in a little valley behind Stuhlmann Pass, perfectly shaded by Mount Baker and Mount Speke. We’ll spend the night at the hut for dinner.
Accommodation: Bujuku Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Elena Hut (4,541 m)
After leaving Bujuku, the trail climbs the steep slopes west of the lake, passing through the eerie Groundsel Gully and over additional bog before reaching Scott-Elliot Pass at 4,372 meters. The track splits into two at the head of the gully, where a metal ladder helps you over a steep part. The trail on your left descends to Kitandara lakes and proceeds to Scott-Elliot Pass, while the trail on your right climbs steeply over big stones to reach Mount Stanley and Elena Hut. We’re going to spend the night and dinner at the chilly Elena Hut.
Accommodation: Elena Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Margherita Peak
To reach the summit of Margherita Peak (5,109 meters), continue to the base of Stanley Glacier. The Margherita summit can be reached in five to seven hours, depending on the weather and the rate of ascent. This is a difficult walk across three glaciers, ice, slippery rock and some very exposed areas that are completely exposed to the elements. Please take note that this route should only be attempted by technically skilled and physically fit climbers. Continue your ascent by traversing the Stanley Plateau and continuing up onto the glaciers. Once you’ve acclimated to the fog, cold weather, and altitude sickness, climb Margherita, the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Remember not to lose hope even if you are unable to reach the peak due to the difficult conditions and high altitude. Get ready to make your way back via the Scott-Elliot Pass, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Speke, Bujuku Lake, Mount Stanley, and the Kitandara Lakes. Step down past the Kitandara lakes for dinner and an overnight stay at the Kitandara Hut, following a trail that takes you through an alpine zone of limited vegetation and jagged boulders.
Accommodation: Kitandara Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Guy Yeoman Hut (3,260 m)
From Kitandara, take the steep headwall trail that climbs the south side of Mount Baker from the base of the peak to Freshfield Pass. Views of Mount Stanley to the north and the Congo to the west are expansive from this location. After descending the pass, follow the long trail past the rock shelter at Bujongolo, which was the base camp for the famous expedition headed by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.
Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Nyabitaba (2,650 m)
Follow the trail that leads to Nyabitaba Hut. It is necessary to balance carefully over the steep rock or vertical muck because the path can be muddy and slippery. Keep in mind that this is a part of the mountain’s adventure.
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 9: Nyakalengija Trailhead (1,600 m) – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After arriving at the trailhead, carefully navigate the muddy paths until you reach Kasese, which should happen around lunchtime. After lunch in Kasese, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Embark on a launch ride along the Kazinga Channel to witness an array of fauna, such as a solitary buffalo, hippos, elephants, and numerous drinking birds.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 10: Return to Kampala – Departure.
Get up early to go on a game drive. After eating breakfast, head towards Kampala, arriving late at night.
End of the 10 Days Rwenzori Mountain Climbing Tour.
The 10 Days Rwenzori Mountain Climbing Tour includes;
- Hiking Mount Rwenzori.
- Porter Fees.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Services of an English speaking tour guide.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
However, the tour cost excludes; Airfares, Visa fees, personal expenses like souvenirs, beverages, tips to local guides, laundry and any items not listed as included in the cost.