8-Day Climbing Adventure at Rwenzori Mountains in Africa
Highlights
Conquer the summit of Margherita Peak, the highest point in Uganda, standing at an impressive 5,109 meters
Spot lush forests and bamboo trails to glaciers and the stunning Scott-Elliot Pass
Marvel at breathtaking views of Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and Mount Baker as you ascend through rugged terrains
Hike through dramatic valleys, past crystal-clear lakes, and narrow streams, experiencing the beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains
Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Bakonzo people
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kampala
mountaineering, nature, trekking
Private Tour
8 Days
Hard
English
Description
Embark on an exhilarating 8-day expedition to conquer the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and other alluring summits. Begin your tour with a scenic drive to the national park, followed by challenging hikes at Nyabitaba, John Matte and Elena through lush forests, bamboo trails, and breathtaking valleys. Marvel at panoramic views of Mount Speke, Stanley, and Baker as you ascend to altitudes over 4,000 meters. Conquer the ultimate Margherita Peak, the highest point in Uganda, standing at 5,109 meters.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- After breakfast our 8-Day tour to climb Rwenzori Mountains will begin with a pick up by the driver/guide from your hotel in Entebbe and after drive to Rwenzori mountains in Kasese.
- Dinner and overnight at Sandton hotel in Kasese.
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Day 2: Hike from Nyakalengija camp 1615 meters to Nyabitaba Hut 2651 meters
- You will be at the starting point of Rwenzori mountaineering services offices at Nyakalengija camp by 7am for briefing and also this will give you ample time to check if there is some hiking equipment you don’t have so that you can hire them from here.
- We then climb Rwenzori Mountains that begins at 5400 feet (1,646 m), the hike will take you through typical forest mud and wattle and the Bakonzo homestays, on this hike also expect to see different types of primates along the way.
- Dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut 2652 meters above sea level.
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Day 3: Hike from Nyabitaba at 2651meters to Mubuku River-John Matte Hut 3380 meters
- After breakfast start from Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut 3380 meters, after you have crossed the bridge of both Bujuku and Mubuku rivers, will begin to hike the central circuit in an anticlockwise direction which is very challenging.
- After going through the challenging area you will hike through the bamboo forested area which is not difficult all the way to Nyamuleju Hut.
- Dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba camp.
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Day 4: Hike from John Matte to Bujuku Hut 3962 meters
- Start the day from John Matte hut across anther bridge of Bujuku River to the lower Bigo bog, there is a steep section past the hut that will lead to upper to Bigo, have a stopover for lunch at a beautiful narrow stream on the upper end of the bog which is very interesting.
- You will be seeing Mount Speke in the north, Mount Stanley to the west, and Mount Baker in the South.
- Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut/camp at 3962 meters.
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Day 5: Hike from Elena/Kitandara Hut at 4023 meters
- We will leave Bujuku hut and go on a new trail. This new trail rises and falls twice before finally hiking steeply through magical different vegetation about 4,372 meters up to Scott Elliot Pass, there is the steepest section which requires to hike using a ladder but the distance is short and the ladder is very strong.
- After the hike to Elena Hut 4,430 meters, continue your hike with the few steps below the pass, before reaching Elena Hut/camp which is also known as the base camp for hiking 5,109 meters up to Margherita peak within Mount Stanly which may need another day.
- Depending on weather conditions, snow and wind can occur at any time of the day.
- Dinner and overnight at Elena camp.
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Day 6: Elena Hut (4541m) to Margherita peak/Mount Stanley Peak to Kitandara hut 4027meters
- After breakfast we will start the hike with the aim of getting to Margherita peak 5109 meters, and continue to the base of Mount Stanley Glacier in order to reach the summit of Margherita peak, the whole day hike takes about 6 to 7 hours but it depends on one’s fitness and speed in other wards this hike is only for physically fit and experienced hikers.
- We climb the Rwenzori Mountains on to the glacier, crossing to Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent, acclimatized to fog, high altitude sickness, and coolly weather, as you hike up to the summit of Margherita peak which is the highest peak of the Rwenzori mountains in Uganda, once you make it to highest of Mt Rwenzori you have to prepare for return because it is the most interesting part of Rwenzori mountains hiking safari, it takes you through the Scott-Elliot pass with million-dollar views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke and down to the Kitandara Lakes.
- Dinner and overnight at the Kitandara Hut/Camp.
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Day 7: Hike down from Kitandara 4027m to Fresh field Pass 4282m to Nyabitaba 2651m
- Today we hike down from Kitandara trail that ascends steeply up the headwall and it will spread out from the base of Mount Baker as you continue to enjoy the view of different DR-Congo and west of Mount Stanley to the north as you trail down to the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.
- Dinner and overnight at Guy Yeoman camp.
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Day 8: Hike down to Nyabitaba 2651m & transfer to Entebbe/Kampala
- We hike to Nyabitaba that takes about 5 to 6 hours so if you are able to start early it is possible to go all way down to Nyakalengija up to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit of 8 Days Rwenzori Mountain hiking safari in Uganda.
- Dinner and overnight in Entebbe or Kampala or late flight back home.
What's Included
Meet & greet services airport transfers to/from Entebbe airport
Accommodation and meals on safari as above
One Hiking permit each
Drinking water on a safari vehicle
Services of driver/guide
All park entry fees and set activities on the itinerary
What's Excluded
Visas
Personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature
Charter/Scheduled flights are also an optional extra
Plus all expenses of a personal nature like tips, drinks, etc
Know Before You Go
Frequent Questions
1. What is the latest date we can book so that we are assured of getting a permit to see the gorillas and chimpanzees?
The trekking permits (more so gorilla) in Uganda are in very high demand (yet a limited number is made available) which makes stating a specific deadline very difficult. Since it’s not possible to tell (accurately) whether the permits available (now) can still be available in the next days, weeks or months, clients are (usually) encouraged to make a down payment (whenever possible) which helps the company to go right away and secure permits plus accommodations.
2. How long are the walks for the gorillas?
The walk for gorillas may take between 2-6 hours (before actual encounter) depending largely on the movement of the gorillas. The chance of encounter is 99%. Usually, the trackers go ahead and locate the gorillas and then direct the ranger guide to lead the trek to the location. Once with the gorillas, you will be allowed an hour of encounter which is unforgettable.
3. Can you tell me (us) something about tipping?
How much to tip (e.g. driver-guide, ranger, hotel staff etc.) has been and is always a difficult one to say (for sure) as it depends largely on the level of gratitude one has felt and of course the budget. Nonetheless, it could be USD 10, 15, 20, etc. per day or put together (for driver-guide) and given at the end as you say “Goodbye”.
4. We are vegetarians. Can that be accommodated?
The answer is always a Yes. Uganda being an Agricultural economy, boasts of multiple options to select from in terms of food while on your trip. Almost everyone can have something to choose from. Be it gluten gluten-free diet, Vegetarian, or Halal, there will always be an offer to cater for one’s preference. If not on any diet restriction, you are even luckier.
5. Does this price include the tracking permit fees?
It is always a Yes given the fact that almost all our safari itineraries are costed including fees for all park entries and major activities proposed. Whenever the cost for an activity is not included in the itinerary, then such activity is listed as “Optional”.
6. How much deposit is required and are the payments progressive or paid a certain time in advance? [a] We always request our esteemed clients to make a down payment of 60% to enable us to start preparation for the trip e.g. buying trekking permits, and making commitment deposits to the suggested accommodations. [b] The 40% can be paid 2 weeks before the start of the trip to enable us to finalize preparations awaiting their arrival.
7. What are the payment options for this safari?
To proceed, the payment can be made either by bank(wire) transfer or credit card. Normally, our esteemed clients communicate the preferred mode and details to proceed are provided.
8. Could you also let me (us) know if ATM cash machines are available outside Entebbe?
Yes, ATM cash machines are available outside Entebbe. It is possible to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport or in major towns along your safari route. If you plan to use an ATM card or credit card, it would be good to notify your Bank that you will be using your Credit Card or Debit Card for cash withdrawals from an ATM in your safari destination i.e. Uganda. In case you wish to have some local currency, the assigned tour driver-guide can always lead you to the nearby forex point.
9. What are our options for transportation?
Road transfer is commonly used given the fact that it’s quite cheap. For those who are interested, Air transfer is possible to some selected destinations e.g. Murchison, Bwindi, Kidepo, Kasese, Jinja, and Tororo (if seats are still available and one is fine with cost).
10. How many people are on the trip at one time and what sort of vehicle are we in?
A] We offer private tailored safaris. That means you will be assigned a driver-guide, and safari car and you won’t be joined by another of our esteemed clients. [b] We do provide either a safari van or a safari land cruiser. Either car is comfortable enough.
11. Can you also collect us from the airport?
It’s a Yes. You can be sure of meeting our driver-guide/representative patiently waiting for you in the arrival section of the Airport. This is what we do from time to time. No need to worry at all.
12. Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
Please check (https://www.immigration.go.ug/content/visas-and-passes) to see if you belong to visa-exempt nationalities i.e. nationals of countries that do not pay for Uganda visas.
13. Is it better to apply for a tourist visa before we come or get it at the airport?
It is better and recommended that you get it (visa) before arrival. Apply for your visa now online (https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/). Your details shall be verified and you will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. The East Africa visa is ideal when visiting Rwanda or Kenya too. If you're visiting only Uganda, then apply for the Uganda Tourist visa which costs USD 50 (also payable online).
14. I understand that gorilla trekking offers different routes. How physically strenuous are these? Gorilla trekking has different routes as the gorilla families are in their natural habitat and hence not found in the same locations every day. One can expect an average trekking time of 2-3 hours before reaching the gorilla group, but there are cases whereby a trekking group walks only for 1 hour until they reach the gorilla family while others take 6 hours. An average physically fit person can master any route and length of the trek with ease. Additionally, there are local trekking support staff available who may help in carrying bags and/or giving support in ascending and descending.
15. What happens if we don't see any gorillas? Do we get our money back? Can we go again the following day?
Luckily, no traveller has ever missed seeing gorillas. The chance of seeing the gorillas in Uganda is at 99%. [b] In the unfortunate event that you fail to see the gorillas, the company does not refund the money for reasons that the permit(s) would have already been paid for. Maybe when you take legal action against the permit issuing Authority. The travel company (e.g. Home To Africa) just helps to secure permits on behalf of their esteemed clients but has no control over the permits at all. [c] Unless with special permission, permits are only valid for the date it was secured.
16. Can you clarify the type of accommodation?
All our esteemed clients’ accommodations are always planned and reserved in either en suite cottages (rooms) or safari tents.
17. What kind of clothing do you recommend?
Keep it simple, plain and practical for your comfort while on Safari. If you are hiking, gorilla or chimp tracking, pack trekking strong shoes or jungle boots for hiking, long-sleeved shirts offer proper protection for you from thorns and insects, long stockings (if putting on shorts), comfortable jeans (pants/trousers). Others may include a hat or cap which comes in handy, Khaki is good for its colour and feels good as you wear it, and some comfortable shorts, dresses and blouses (female). A rain jacket also comes in quite handy.
18. Can we be picked up from our Hotel in Kampala/Entebbe other than the airport?
The answer is Yes. In case you’re already staying in the country before the safari start date, all we need is the address to your hotel and the assigned driver/guide will pick you up right from your hotel to start the trip. Otherwise, we shall be happy to pick you up from the airport.
19. Could you book us a hotel on arrival for an extra night just to get over our jet lag?
The answer is always a big YES and we (Home To Africa) are always delighted to offer its esteemed clients such accommodation at no cost (but excluding meals).
20. I’d like to get a SIM card for my phone, which company do you use?
There are quite several telecommunication companies in Uganda. However, the most commonly used are MTN and Airtel Uganda. You can acquire a SIM card from either.
21. Is Uganda a safe country for tourists?
Contrary to what many think, Uganda is one of the safest tourist destinations on the continent. "In Uganda, we never once had the feeling of being ripped off," said a traveller giving her account of the trip into Uganda.
22. Are drones allowed to take pictures while in the park?
Drones are only allowed when one is on a filming or commercial photography trip which must be arranged, paid for and park authority alerted in advance. Anyone found using a drone with no proper authorization shall be liable to penalty.
23. Does changing a tracking sector affect the probability of seeing the gorillas?
The probability of encountering gorillas remains at 99% in all 4 sectors of Bwindi and the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla NP. No need to worry at all.
24. Is it possible to have a copy of the gorilla’s permit which is the most expensive thing on our trip? If you would like to have it (permit), the assigned driver-guide can hand it over to you. Otherwise, he will have it and hand it over at the point of tracking.
25. Do we go alone to the Gorillas or in a group? You will be in a group of at least 8 people.
26. Do you all offer the Flying Doctor's service
Unfortunately, we do not offer flying doctors' service. However, we do have medical insurance that covers our clients while on the safari. In case of a health emergency, our driver-guide can rush our esteemed client(s) to a nearby medical facility. For a very critical emergency, we can seek support from the Authority (Uganda Wildlife Authority) for an airlift (if required) or any other means they can offer.
27. What is the best time to travel to Uganda?
The months of; December to February and from June to September are considered the best times to visit Uganda, but some intermittent rain is possible due to unpredictable seasonal changes. All the same, one can still visit Uganda even in the months considered “low season” and the encounter, and experience are still outstanding. The “low season” months do have fewer travellers which means the parks are not crowded.
28. Can this trip go for a solo traveller? I am a bit concerned about safety, as I am alone. Could you comment on that, please?
The answer is Yes. [b] As far as safety is concerned, there's no need to worry at all. We always assign our esteemed clients some very professional, dedicated driver-guides who endeavour to see that our clients' stay is a memorable one. We have hosted so many solo travellers before and none has told us of any bad experience. Check this experience: “I planned this trip as a single woman travelling for 6 days alone. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. I was met with warmth and true hospitality”. The other thing is that we keep in contact all the way to be sure that all is going well.
29. Do you know by now which gorilla family we shall visit?
Unfortunately, we don’t get to know that prior. The gorilla family for you to trek is never specified to us. You get to know them during the briefing.
30. Do the cars get close to the animals? Can you see them well enough?
Yes, it is possible to get close and see animals well enough. However, it’s important to note that off-track game viewing is not allowed and failure to adhere attracts a penalty.
The 8 Days Climbing Rwenzori Mountains is an exciting activity for those who love hiking; the Rwenzori Mountains are very famous for being the fourth highest mountain in Africa and for its slippery trails, muddy and steepness with frequent rain.
Mt Rwenzori’s steep terrain and high altitude make it one of the most challenging hiking safaris in Africa. The recommended best time to hike Rwenzori Mountain is during the dry months of June, July, August, December, January, and February for more information contact Kisoro tours Uganda, take note that it is advisable to bring your hiking gear like hiking boots, warm socks, warm gloves, warm sleeping bag and rain gear among other.
What To Bring
List of what to bring for Mt Rwenzori hiking and Climbing Packing list
1. Your own sleeping bag?
As you prepare for the Mt Rwenzori hike you must take note that nights in the Rwenzori mountains are very cold so it is worth buying yourself a quality sleeping bag to keep you warm at night because of the high altitude, if you are hiking to the top of Mt Rwenzori mountains we would recommend that you bring a sleeping bag with a minimum rating of -10 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit) for you to enjoy this amazing hike.
2. Large duffle bag for all your stuff?
We recommend this large duffle bag because it helps you to carry all your stuff in one big duffle bag, which makes it work for porters is easy who carry, the duffle bag must be big enough but again not exceeding 20kgs to carry all your things which includes sleeping bags, clothing, and other personal items you might need while up in the mountain.
3. Small backpack bag?
It is also nice to have a small or medium backpack bag for carrying your important personal items like cameras, phones, laptops, travel documents, and other personal items. This backpack must be lightweight because any extra weight is a huge deal on long hikes like Mt Rwenzori, please also remember to bring a rain cover and a side mesh for your water bottle is highly recommended because it reduces the weight strain.
4. Carry some T-shirts?
When travelling T-shirts are always recommended because they take up little space and are also easy to dry off when you need them, this is one of the reasons why carrying some T-shirts to use during your safari in Africa.
5. Ski Jacket is recommended?
In the case of Mt Rwenzori, If you planning to hike up to Mount Baker, or Stanley we recommend that you bring a ski jacket for the snow and ice, the ski jacket must be water-resistant to do the job well.
6. Body Belt
A body belt is good to keep your valuables like money, travel documents, and other small personal items as much as it isn’t very comfortable it is a very safe and easy way of keeping your most valuable items on you.
7. Pair of Trekking Pants/trousers?
1 or 2 pairs of trekking trousers to use during your hike will be a nice thing to bring with you, for those who love wearing shorts, you can bring some zip-off pants/trousers which you can easily convert into shorts to make you comfortable. For those who love jeans, it is not recommended because jeans can easily soak up a lot of water during the hike and also take a long time to dry which you may not like if rains as you hike up to Rwenzori.
8. A Pair of Trekking Poles are recommended?
Trekking pol will help you to support your joints as you hike up and down the Rwenzori mountain ranges, these trekking poles help you to reduce strain on your joints by a good percentage which is a nice thing to have on the hike to Rwenzori, it is recommended that you choose a lightweight pole that can easily be adjusted in height to help.
9. Few pairs of socks?
Hiking to the summit of the Rwenzori mountains requires a daily hike with a minimum of about 4 to 5 hours so you need to pack a few pairs of socks because you may need to change a pair of socks each day during the hike but also some times during cold nights as you reach farther up in the mountain as you approach the summits you will surely need a pair of clean sock to keep you warm.
10. Waterproof Rain Poncho?
A rain poncho is very handy because it will provide the best rain cover for both you and your backpacker bag. Rain Poncho works well because it is also lightweight, waterproof, and easy to fold into a tiny package without the need first wait for it to dry.
11. Waterproof Walking/hiking Boots?
If you are a hiker the first thing to tick on your list of what to bring for Mt Rwenzori hiking/climbing is done on foot so a good hiking boot is worth investing in because a good hiking boot is the only way of getting up in the mount Rwenzori.
12. Waterproof Ankle Gaiters?
Rwenzori hiking takes you through muddy areas as you also cross rivers and streams which is part of the experience of hiking Mount Rwenzori so a pair of good waterproof ankle gaiters to keep the mud and the water away from your shoes will be a nice thing to have on your packing list.
13. 2 Pairs of Waterproof Garden Hand Gloves?
Garden hand gloves are very good they will protect your hands and fingers from the very cold weather up in the mountain.
14. Cleaning Essentials.
It is also recommended to bring your cleaning Essentials like Toothbrush and Toothpaste, Soap, and deodorant among others, these cleaning essentials you can bring from your home or buy them here in Uganda before you start hiking.
15. Travel Medium Towel?
This kind of towel is really good because it can easily dry fast and you can as well use it to dry your face and hands after rain.
16. A Few Packets of Wet Wipes?
We recommend that you bring wipes or buy them here before you start hiking because once you start you will sweat a lot so in this case, wipes will be helpful.
17. Tissue/Toilet Pepper?
Before you start hiking toilet tissue is always provided but some people have, their own choice of tissue and toilet paper so if you are one of those people please remember to bring extra because it’s better to have extra than run out while up in the mountain.
18. Lip Balm for ladies?
For ladies and some men who may need this lip balm, it is recommended because once you start hiking up higher and higher in the Rwenzori mountains some people get dehydrated which can cause chapped lips so lip balm will help moisturize the chapped or dry lips, this can work for both women and men.
19. Insect Repellant?
For all our clients we recommend that you bring insect repellant and if you forget you will have to buy it here before you start the trip, This is because mosquito bites are not nice at all but also there are other insects as you reach up in the mountain so the insect repellant will keep the insects away as you enjoy the hike.
20. Sunscreen?
This will help to protect your skin from direct sun during the hike but it is advisable to try and bring sunscreen that is sweat-resistant because the hike makes you sweat all the time.
21. Malaria Tablets?
Malaria is a common disease in Africa, as you plan your African trip it is recommended to first visit your doctor to advise you on the possible way of not getting it while you are on your African trip.
22. Your Regular Medication and other Extra Medication?
Some people do have other regular medication so we remind them not to forget it because some of them it is very hard to get the same medicine once you have started the hike so it is advisable to always first visit your doctor for advice.
23. Plasters / Adhesive Dressing?
Hiking to the summit of Mt Rwenzori requires you to climb for a few hours each day which can sometimes lead to blisters that need to be properly treated with good quality plasters and bandages just in case you need it.
24. Energy giving Snacks?
The good hiker needs good energy giving snacks to give you that extra bit of energy to push harder at that point when your body starts to get tired, Hiking a mountain like Mt Rwenzori is not an easy thing to do for most people especially those who are not experienced hikers.
25. Headlamp?
As you plan to hike Mount Rwenzori, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no electricity on the Mountain so a torch or headlamp is the main source of light at night, we recommend a headlamp because leaves your hand free compared to a torch which you have to keep holding in your hands.
26. Ice Axe (if hiking to the top of the summit)?
For those who are hiking to the top of summit Mount Stanley and Baker depending on which trail you use to the peaks, all go through the snow for you to reach the top so an ice axe is the perfect snow tool to help as you hike up and down. You may not have to bring it from your country because you can easily hire one from here before the start of the hike.
27. Crampons (if hiking to the top of the summit)?
For stability when in the snow we recommend that you wear crampons on your hiking shoes, These crampons are very good as you hike in the snow-capped areas towards the peak of Mount Baker or Stanely, the best Crampons when hiking Mt Rwenzori are marked as C2 and C3 so when buying them please remember that.
28. Scarf to warm your Neck (Neck warmer)?
It is always nice to keep yourself warm while you are up there in the mountain so carrying a scarf or neck warmer for your neck is one of the small things that you need to add to your packing list
Meeting Point
Entebbe, Uganda
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
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| 1 to 5 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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