Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Adventure for 5 Days
Iconic Africa Safaris welcomes you to an exhilarating adventure through the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Our 5-day Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Adventure is tailored for speedy and robust travelers, ready to conquer the peaks of Mount Stanley via the Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit. This expedition promises a thrilling experience as you explore various peaks, culminating in reaching the summit of Mount Stanley in the swiftest manner possible. It’s a challenge reserved for the healthy, strong, and agile, as you’ll be covering long distances each day at a brisk pace. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Book now and immerse yourself in this remarkable journey!
Tour Highlights
- Discover the beauty of South Western Uganda.
- Commence and conclude your safari in Entebbe, Uganda.
- Enjoy a countryside road trip in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Airport (or hotel) transfers included.
- Additional accommodation arrangements available upon request.
- Maximum group size: 6 people.
- Flexible departure dates.
- Customization options available.
- Solo travelers welcome (Age Limit: 15 years and above).
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival
Upon your arrival, our team will be ready to pick you up from the airport or your hotel. If needed, we can arrange accommodation before the tour begins for an additional cost.
Day 1: Nyakalengija (1700m) to John Matte Hut (3420m)
Your journey to Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Adventure kicks off in Nyakalengija, where you’ll receive a briefing and select your hiking equipment. Accompanied by experienced guides and porters, you’ll traverse through local settlements, tropical forests, montane forests, bamboo forests, and parts of the alpine zone. Along the way, enjoy a stopover at Nyabitaba hut for lunch before proceeding to the Kurt Schaffer Bridge, located at the confluence of Mubuku and Bujuku Rivers. Finally, reach John Matte hut, where you’ll dine and spend the night.
Day 2: John Matte to Elena Hut (4563m)
Following breakfast at John Matte hut, navigate through rocky and slippery terrain while crossing various rivers and streams. Admire the distant Margherita and Alexandra peaks as you advance. Journey through the lower bigo bog, where boardwalks facilitate movement, and marvel at unique flora including giant lobelia, groundsels, and everlasting flowers. Continue your ascent towards Elena hut, where dinner and overnight accommodations await.
Day 3: Elena to Bujuku Camp (3930m) – Ascend to the Summit
Prepare for an early start as you begin your ascent around 2 am. Equipped with hiking gear and headlamps, navigate through rocky terrain, utilizing ropes at certain points towards the Stanley glacier. Crampons will be necessary for this leg of the journey. Traverse the Stanley glacier and proceed towards the Margherita glacier, leading to the summit of Margherita peak, the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains. After reaching the summit, descend to Elena hut for rest and lunch before continuing towards Bujuku hut, where dinner and accommodation await.
Day 4: Bujuku to Nyabitaba Hut (2660m)
After breakfast at Bujuku hut, descend through the upper bigo bog, continuing towards the lower bigo bog and eventually reaching John Matte hut for lunch and a brief rest. Continue the descent to Nyabitaba hut, where you’ll spend the night after dinner.
Day 5: Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija
Following breakfast at Nyabitaba hut, commence your descent back to Nyakalengija. Navigate through bamboo forests, being cautious of slippery and muddy paths. Take your time balancing over vertical mud or steep rock sections. After approximately 5 hours of trekking, reach Nyabitaba hut for lunch. Continue the descent for an additional 3 hours until you reach Nyakalengija.
Upon arrival in the late evening, options include driving back to Kampala, planning an overnight stay in Kasese town, or extending your adventure with additional safaris like gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Your 5-day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking experience concludes here.
End of Tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. Our team will ensure you’re dropped off at the airport or your hotel as per your convenience.
