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Experience lush forest trails, rugged alpine terrain, and rewarding peak views above the clouds.
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day trekking adventure through the legendary "Mountains of the Moon" - the Rwenzori Mountains. This carefully curated journey takes you through some of Africa's most spectacular and diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to alpine moorlands and glacial valleys, with the option to summit Margherita Peak (5,109m), the third highest peak in Africa.
Experience the unique beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains as you traverse through breathtaking landscapes including the Bigo Bogs, Lake Bujuku, and the stunning Kitandara Lakes. Each day offers spectacular views, unique giant lobelia and groundsel vegetation, and the challenge of high-altitude trekking in one of Africa's most magnificent mountain ranges.
Our experienced Rwenzori Mountaineering Service guides will share their deep knowledge of the mountain's ecology, geology, and history, ensuring a safe and rewarding trekking experience. With comfortable mountain hut accommodations and expert logistical support, you can focus entirely on the breathtaking mountain adventure.
This trek is designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking to conquer one of Africa's most challenging and rewarding peaks. Whether you're aiming for Margherita Peak or exploring the central circuit, this itinerary offers an authentic wilderness experience filled with unforgettable moments and stunning panoramas.
You will be welcomed by an experienced and professional tour guide of Rwenzori Mountaineering Service and start the journey to drive to Kasese town which is the next biggest town to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Lunch will be en-route as it will be advised by the safari guide.
The journey is likely to take you around 7-8 hours. Dinner and overnight is planned to be at Ruboni Community Camp or Equator Snow Hotel, where you'll prepare for the adventure ahead.
Distance: About 8km
After breakfast at the camp, you will go to RMS headquarters where you will be briefed about the whole hike. Start the hike from Nyakalengija through the Bakonzo settlements to Mount Rwenzori National Park gate where you will be registered before entering the park.
You will start the central circuit trail trek through the thick tropical forest with high elephant grass and dense bushes. This forest is home to various animal species like forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, duiker, and three-horned chameleon. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species like Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, and Strange Weaver.
Distance: About 11km
Have breakfast at the hut, then move through thick shrubs and forest for about 30 minutes to the Kurt Shafer Bridge at the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Continue through bamboo mixed with montane forests and slippery moss-covered rocks for a couple of hours.
Continue to Nyamulejju rock shelter where early hikers used to camp, stopping here for lunch. At this point, you'll have views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke if weather permits. Continue through alpine forest to John Matte Hut near River Bujuku. From here, you can see the Margherita Glacier on Mount Stanley between Alexandra and Margherita peaks.
Distance: About 5km
After breakfast, cross River Bujuku and continue through forest to the Lower Bigo Bog. This swampy valley is home to giant lobelias and features boardwalks that make navigation easier. Continue through this unique landscape with giant lobelias, everlasting flowers, and groundsels.
Take a steep hike along a ridge to the Upper Bigo Bog, then continue to Lake Bujuku. Arrive at Bujuku Hut with views of Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley. This location serves as a base for ascents of Mount Speke and Mount Stanley.
Leave Bujuku Hut on a new trail that rises and falls twice before climbing steeply through magical moss-draped groundsel vegetation to Scott Elliot Pass (4,372m). At the steepest section, navigate a short ladder before reaching Elena Hut (4,430m).
This steep rocky trail can be slippery when wet. Elena Hut serves as the base camp for climbing Margherita Peak (5,109m) on the Mount Stanley complex, requiring an additional day. Be prepared for changing weather conditions - rain, snow, and wind can occur in any season.
Optional Margherita Peak Summit: For those attempting Margherita Peak (5,109m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. This challenging 5-7 hour climb takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice, and exposed areas. This climb is for physically fit and technical climbers only.
Prepare for your return through Scott-Elliot Pass with spectacular views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, then descend past the Kitandara Lakes. The trail passes through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders before reaching Guy Yeoman Hut.
From Guy Yeoman, ascend steeply up the headwall spreading from the base of Mount Baker, continuing along the south side of the mountain to Freshfield Pass. From this vantage point, enjoy views into Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north.
From the pass, follow the long trail passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter, which served as base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi's 1906 expedition. Complete your descent to lower elevations, returning to comfortable accommodation.
The guide will pick you up from the camp in the morning after your breakfast, then drive back to Kampala or to the airport for your flight back home.
This marks the end of an extraordinary adventure through the legendary Mountains of the Moon, having experienced one of Africa's most challenging and rewarding trekking destinations.
End of Trek
Compare prices across different group sizes for this mountain adventure
| Number of People | Standard Package | With Margherita Peak | Private Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,850 | $2,450 | $2,800 |
| 2 People | $1,450 | $1,950 | $2,200 |
| 3 People | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,850 |
| 4-6 People | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| 7-12 People | $950 | $1,150 | $1,300 |
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