Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most spectacular and lesser-trodden alpine ranges. This 9 Days Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Tour in Uganda offers a deep immersion into Uganda’s stunning highlands, combining the raw adventure of scaling glacial peaks with luxurious touches before and after your trek. You’ll journey through diverse vegetation zones from montane forests and bamboo thickets to alpine meadows and icy peaks. The goal: reaching Margherita Peak (5,109 meters), Africa’s third-highest summit. Whether you summit or trek to the base camps, this is an epic adventure for seasoned hikers looking to blend challenge with comfort and exclusivity.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your upscale hotel. Depending on your arrival time, unwind with a spa treatment, enjoy a lakeside sunset, or simply relax in your elegant suite.
Accommodation: Hotel No.5, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, The Boma Hotel.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Kasese – Gateway to the Rwenzoris
After breakfast, you’ll board a domestic flight or take a private scenic drive to Kasese, nestled at the base of the Rwenzori range. On arrival, you’ll transfer to your luxury lodge or hotel in the area and meet your Rwenzori Mountains guide for a detailed trek briefing. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the lodge grounds or visiting nearby cultural sites like the Ruboni Village.
Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Hotel Margherita.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Trek Day 1 – Nyakalengija (1,600m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652m)
Your Rwenzori expedition begins at Nyakalengija. After registration with the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS), you’ll set off with your guide and porters through lush montane forest, crossing the Mubuku River and ascending through fern-laden woodland. Look out for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and endemic birds along the way.
You’ll arrive at Nyabitaba Hut (2,652m) in the late afternoon, where you’ll settle into your alpine hut accommodation and enjoy a hot meal prepared by your mountain cook.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Trek Day 2 – Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut (3,505m)
Today’s hike takes you deeper into the Rwenzori wilderness. After a hearty breakfast, descend briefly through forest, then ascend into the bamboo zone. The trail includes exciting challenges such as crossing the Kurt Shafer Bridge and maneuvering through boggy terrain in the Heather zone.
You’ll reach John Matte Hut in the afternoon with striking views of Mount Stanley and the Margherita Glacier. Rest, hydrate, and enjoy a well-earned mountain dinner.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Trek Day 3 – John Matte to Bujuku Hut (3,962m)
This is a more technical and scenic day, as you ascend through the Upper Bigo Bog, using wooden boardwalks where possible, and follow the Bujuku River into alpine landscapes. You’ll pass Lake Bujuku, a misty glacial lake nestled beneath towering peaks. Arrive at Bujuku Hut, surrounded by views of Mounts Speke, Stanley, and Baker.
This hut is a key acclimatization point for those planning to summit Margherita Peak.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Trek Day 4 – Bujuku to Elena Hut (4,540m)
This is the day you rise into the alpine zone, dominated by giant groundsels and icy scree slopes. You’ll split off from the lower circuit and begin your approach to Mount Stanley. The trail to Elena Hut is steep and rugged but highly rewarding, with surreal glacial views.
Elena Hut is perched close to the snowline and is your base camp for the summit. It’s a cold night at high altitude, so prepare for early rest and layering up.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Trek Day 5 – Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m) and Return to Kitandara (4,023m)
Start before dawn for the summit push to Margherita Peak. Using crampons, ropes, and with guidance from your technical guides, you’ll navigate glaciers and rock faces to reach the summit, the third highest in Africa. From the top, weather permitting, take in stunning views over Congo and the Albertine Rift.
Descend to Elena Hut for a short rest and continue downward to Kitandara Hut, beside the tranquil alpine Kitandara Lakes, for your overnight stay.
Note: For those not summiting, an alternate hike to Scott Elliot Pass or exploring Lake Bujuku is available.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Trek Day 6 – Descent to Guy Yeoman (3,261m)
The descent continues through some of the most beautiful high-altitude landscapes in Uganda. Pass through the Freshfield Pass, descend through alpine meadows and past waterfalls, and arrive at Guy Yeoman Hut, surrounded by giant lobelias and moss-covered ridges. Take the evening to reflect on your achievement.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 9: Trek Day 7 – Return to Nyakalengija and Transfer to Entebbe
Your final trek day takes you through lush bamboo forest and across bridges back to Nyakalengija, completing your circuit. Celebrate your summit or alpine circuit with a certificate from the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services before transferring to Kasese for your domestic flight back to Entebbe. If time allows, enjoy a day room or celebratory dinner before your onward international flight.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 9 Days Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Tour in Uganda.
The 9 Days Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Tour in Uganda cost includes;
- Private airport transfers and domestic flights
- Luxury accommodation in Entebbe and Kasese
- Full-board trekking experience (with guides, porters, and cooks)
- All park entrance and permit fees (including summit fee if applicable)
- Technical climbing equipment (ropes, crampons) provided
- Emergency evacuation protocol and first aid-trained guides
However, the tour cost excludes; International air fare, Visa fees, personal medical and travel insurance, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides etc.