Detailed itinerary for climbing the 10 peaks of the Rwenzori mountains.
On the first day of the journey of climbing the 10 peaks of the Rwenzori mountains. , we will start in Nyakalengija, which is situated at an elevation of 1640 meters. Our destination for the day is Nyabitaba camp, located at an altitude of 2650 meters.
Commence the day by promptly engaging with your guides and porters in the early hours of the morning, initiating the journey that will last for a duration of 4-5 hours, leading to Nyabitaba camp situated at an elevation of 2650m. You traverse the expansive farmlands and fields, making your way through dense elephant grass and passing by local residences, until you reach the entrance of the park. Starting at the gate, the trail leads you along the banks of the Mubuku River, passing through different forest zones, until you reach the Kyoho and Mahoma rivers. Depending on the fortuity of the day, you may have the opportunity to observe a rare three-horned chameleon and numerous primates. Following the crossing of River Mahoma, the trail proceeds up hill in a difficult manner into River Mahoma, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
On the second day of the journey, we will be hiking from Nyabitaba camp at an altitude of 2650m to Johnmaate camp at an altitude of 3505m.
The majestic and awe-inspiring gateway peaks, with their somber beauty, welcome you in the morning and cast a shadow on your right shoulder as you traverse the junction of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers via the Kurtshuffer Bridge.
Ascending and descending through the bamboo forest area, where trees are adorned with moss and lichen, leads you to Johnmaate camp. The afternoon sun frequently offers a captivating view of the golden Margharita and Alexanderia peaks, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the snow-covered landscape. The distance between Nyabitaba and Johnmaate may be covered on foot in 7 hours.
On the third day of the journey, we will reach Johnmaate camp at an altitude of 3505m.
From there, we will go to Bukurungu rock shelter, where we will set up our tents.
The day begins with awe-inspiring vistas down the valley, followed by a challenging five-hour ascent through muddy terrain. However, the effort is well worth it when you reach the bukurungu camp rock shelter. The vegetation zone in question is the Heather/Rupenia zone, which offers the opportunity to observe the Rwenzori red mountain duiker and rock hyrax.
On the fourth day, we will visit the Bukurungu rock shelter and climb both the summit of Portal Peak (also known as Kihuma Peak) and Peak Cagni simultaneously.
After waking up early, you get ready with your guides to make an effort at conquering both Portal Peak (Kihuma) and Peak Cagni simultaneously. An arduous climb up the sharply inclined rocks is followed by a less demanding but still strenuous hike in climbing boots to reach the summit of the aforementioned stunning peaks. After capturing the beautiful photographs, proceed with a cautious descent to the Bukurungu rock shelter for a warm midday meal. Then, continue descending to the bigo camp for an evening meal and overnight stay.
On the fifth day of the journey, we will reach Bigo camp, which is located at an altitude of 3505 meters.
At this point, we will set up our tents at the skull cave rock shelter. A challenging yet rewarding trek takes you into the afro alpine zones, where you have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of plant species, such as the Rwenzori giant lobelia and everlasting flowers. You will embark on a 6-hour hike to reach the Skull Cave rock shelter, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 6: We will be visiting the skull cave rock shelter and the Rocket pass/lac de laluna.
Starting from the skull cave, the track leads you through the marshy sections, where you must navigate by jumping from one tussock to another, while observing a variety of species. The vegetation consists of low-lying plants and expansive, unobstructed flat terrain. The distance between Skull Cave Rock Shelter and Rocket Pass Rock Shelter can be covered on foot in around 5 to 6 hours.
An evening meal followed by a stay until the next morning.
Day 7: Rocket pass to Lac de Laluna, ascending Mount Gessi via Orlando top.
Rise early in the morning to embark on a brisk stroll among the expansive vegetation areas. This expedition will lead you to the summit of Orlando peak on Mount Gessi. Upon capturing numerous exquisite photographs, we will proceed to the Rockert Pass campsite to indulge in a delectable dinner and spend the night.
Day 8: Rocket pass and Lac de Laluna – Mount Emin (Congo side)
Rise early in the morning to have breakfast, as this will guide you through the arduous marshland amidst stunning scenery. The excrement of the Rwenzori red mountain duiker serves as a pleasant path for you to stroll on before you climb sharply to the exposed cliffs of the Emin summit, which stands at an elevation of 4900m. Upon successfully summiting Mount Emin, proceed to lac de laluna for supper and spend the night there.
Day 9: Journey from Lac de Laluna to Bigo Camp at an altitude of 3505m.
The hike from Lac de Laluna to Bigo Camp is a rather easy trek, however it becomes slightly more difficult as it descends towards Bigo Camp. You have the opportunity to observe Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and Mount Speke.The journey from Lac de Laluna to Bigo Camp requires a duration of 8 hours. An evening meal followed by a stay until the next morning.
Day 10: Depart from Bigo camp at an altitude of 3505m and hike to Bujuku camp at an altitude of 3900m.
Begin your day with awe-inspiring views of the valley. Embark on a challenging 4-hour journey over difficult and marshy terrain, which will be both demanding but ultimately fulfilling. Traverse the upper Bigo Bog and witness the stunning splendor of Lake Bujuku at an elevation of 3900m. The body of water, situated near bujuku camp, is characterized by its black color, low temperature, and calmness. An evening meal followed by a stay for the entire night.
On the 11th day, we reached Bujuku camp at an altitude of 3900m. From there, we climbed Mount Speke, namely the Victoria Emanuelle summit, which stands at 5420m.
Begin your preparations with your guides in the early morning, since this climb in the Rwenzoris is known to be one of the most challenging yet fulfilling.
Starting from Bujuku, the path leads to Stulman’s Pass, as Dr. Stuhlmans, the first European to accurately characterize the vegetation zones from the foothills to the snowline, recognized that Rwenzori is not only a single mountain but a range.
Following this pass, the trail will lead you directly to the snowline of Mount Speke, all the way up to the summit of Victoria Emanuelle Peak (Mount Speke). After capturing your magnificent photographs, make your way back to Bujuku Camp for a delectable dinner and spend the night there.
On the twelfth day of the journey, we will be traveling from Bujuku camp, which is situated at an altitude of 3900 meters, to Elena camp, which is located at an elevation of 4541 meters.
Starting from Bujuku, ascend over a prominent ridge of the gully. A sturdy metal ladder facilitates crossing a steep portion, after which the trail bifurcates. The trail to the right ascends to Elena Camp at an elevation of 4541m and Mount Stanley, requiring a challenging ascent over sizable rocks. On the other hand, the trail to the left leads to Scott Eliot Pass at 4300m and descends to Kitandara Lakes Camp.
The journey from Bujuku to Elena requires a 4-hour walk, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
It takes around 3 hours to reach the summit of Margharita Peak, starting from the base cam. The journey involves trekking through snowy conditions. After capturing high-quality photographs, return to the Elena camp for a satisfying hot lunch. Then, proceed to the Kitandara lakes camp for a delicious dinner and spend the night there.
Day 14: We will be camping in Kitandara Lakes at an altitude of 4027m. On this day, we will be climbing Weismans Peak and Mount Luigi de Savoi (also known as Sella Peak).
The plan is to depart from Kitandara Lakes Camp, located at an altitude of 4027m, early in order to successfully ascend both peaks and then return to Freshfield Pass for wilderness camping. This will involve going through the areas of Bigata and Harns camps. The round trip from Kitandara to the peaks and back to Freshfield Pass for dinner and an overnight stay takes approximately 10 hours. The region was named Freshfield Pass in honor of Douglas Freshfield, a prominent explorer who successfully ascended the Mubuku Valley and reached the snowy peaks. However, he was hindered from proceeding farther due to persistent rainfall in 1905.
Day 15: Freshfield camp to Mount Baker
The trail from Freshfield Pass ascends sharply, leading you through senecio bushes, offering excellent views of Congolese homes and Mount Stanley. Upon capturing magnificent photographs above Mount Baker, proceed to Freshfield Pass for a midday meal. Then descend to Guyeoman camp, situated at an elevation of 3505m, to enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Day 16: Departing from Guyeoman camp at an altitude of 3505m, we will trek to Nyabitaba and then descend to Nyakalengija.
Suggested itineraries to hike mount Rwenzori national park
7 Days Rwenzori Trekking Expeditions, Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit
As its well know that Rwenzori mountaineering takes you through either of the two routes, book the 7 days Rwenzori mountain central circuit trail to hike through the various vegetation covers up to the top of margherita peak the highest point on Uganda’s famous rwenzori mountains national park located in south west with the nearest time being kasese.
7 Days Rwenzori Trekking Expeditions - Kilembe Trail Hike
As its well-known that Rwenzori Mountains have two hiking routes that the Kilembe Trail and the Central Circuit that all lead you to Margherita Peak which the best place for hikers in Uganda.
Either you book the 8 Days/ 7 nights Rwenzori central circuit hike or 8 days/ 7 night Rwenzori kilembe Trail you will experience the ultimate adventure goal of reaching
8 Days Rwenzori Trekking Expeditions, Central Circuit Rwenzori Mountains
8 Days Climbing rwenzori Mountain or 7 Days climb rwenzori central circuit tour is adventure of life time, due to its good looks and remoteness. Basically, it maximizes the chances for summit success rate by many hikers. This reduced traffic jams at certain poiv nts and also made for a more enjoyable experience by restraining crowds.
3 days trek to Mahoma Loop central circuit.
On the first day of 3 days trek to Mahoma Loop central circuit journey, we will start in Nyakalengija, which is situated at an elevation of 1560 meters. Our destination for the day is the Omukakiza camp, located at an altitude of 2500 meters.
On 3 days trek to Mahoma Loop central circuit, start your day by quickly contacting the reservation officer of Rwenzori Mountaineering Service to arrange for guides and porters.
12 Days Rwenzori Mountain Trek - Rwenzori Peaks Expeditions
Planning to trek all rwenzori Mountains reaching to all peaks in the great rwenzori Mountains National parks in Uganda. Rwenzori Mountaineering has designed the 12 days Rwenzori Trekking as an alternative for 12 Days gorilla trekking & Rwenzori Trekking to explore the various vegetation cover on various mountains on the mountain of the moon. Optional travelers interested in trekking Elgon mountains , book the 6 Days Mount Elgon & Sipi hike with Rwenzori mountaineering service
6 Days Climbing Weismans peak in Rwenzori Mountains : Trek Rwenzori
There is no glacier on Weismann and no need for ropes or technical equipment, except in very poor conditions. On a clear day, the view from the top of Weismann to the Kachope Lakes below and to Mts Stanley and Baker in the distance is marvellous.
The route to Weismann Peak from Kilembe and back takes 6 days. See our Weismann Peak climbing itinerary. Weismann Peak can be climbed en route to Margherita/Baker – allow an extra day.