Cost of Trekking mountain Rwenzori 2024/2025
Cost of Trekking Mountain Rwenzori: Mountain Rwenzori offers a remarkable adventure with very unique stunning natural beauty of diverse flora and fauna. Its an array of beauty with over four unique zones that interchange with increase in altitude , hikers experience the evergreen forest that covered with towering tree , beyond 2800m they are drawn to the bamboo zone , the heather zone welcomes them at a height above 3000m and beyond 3500m the alpine zone is discovered , finally they are mesmerized with the views of the rock and glacier zone an impressive height beyond 4500m and above. Rwenzori mountains display their beauty beyond the zones, with multiple streams flowing from the highlands, some of which form big rivers and others fill up the lakes including Iren Lake, Bujjuku Lake and the Kitandara Lakes. Beyond the beautiful attractions the mountain is very affordable , and we know that while planning to trek the rwenzori mountains the cost is a key factor . In this article we have tackled the cost of trekking the Rwenzori mountains and the various costs that are associated with the Rwenzori Expedition. We shall cover the cost of the permits required , guides , porters , government taxes(vat) , hiking equipment , meals , accommodation , transport charges among the many. Whether you are seasoned hiker or novince trekker understanding the cost will aid you to plan a successful and memorable trip to the majestic Rwenzori ranges.
Overview of the Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains, also famously as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This range is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, diverse ecosystems, and challenging trekking routes that also differ in the cost of trekking Central circuit trail is a bit cheaper as compared to Kilembe trail and Bukulungu trail even more affordable as compared to the above two. Margherita boasts as the highest , standing at impressive height of 5,109 meters, making it the third highest peak in Africa. Trekking in the Rwenzoris offers a unique experience, traversing through tropical rainforests, bamboo forests, heather zone , alpine zone and finally the snow capped peaks.
Essential Costs for Trekking the Rwenzori Mountains
Cost of Trekking mountain Rwenzori, Rwenzori mountains doesn’t need a trekking permit like the gorillas and chimpanzees in Bwindi and Kibale reprectively . The process of hiking the mountain is quite more simplified and direct that after landing in Entebbe you can take on a domestic flight to Kasese and you immediately start your hike in the mountains , its as easy as that.
However park fees are essential for hiking and these are remitted at the park gate of the Rwenzori mountain , you pay per day for the number of days intended to be spent in the mountains. The rates are 35$ per day per person.
This however , doesn’t mean there are no extra costs to be paid charges for tracking are dependent by the 3 main routes being Central circuit route that is managed by Rwenzori mountaineering service designed to give back to the community, the Kilembe trail that is also employing the locals and finally the bukulungu trail that typically involves camping. All of these differ in pricing structure.
Central Circuit Trail Permit: The cost for a permit on this trail typically includes park entrance fees, guide fees, porter services, and camping fees. The price for foreign non-residents is around $1350 for a 7-8 day trek, while East African residents and Ugandans pay significantly less.
Kilembe Trail Permit: Similar to the Central Circuit Trail, the Kilembe Trail requires a permit that covers various services. The cost for foreign non-residents is approximately $1400 for an 8-10 day trek.
Guide and Porter Fees
Hiring a guide is mandatory for trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. Guides are experienced mountaineers who ensure your safety and provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna. The cost of hiring a guide is usually included in the trekking cost Additionally, porters are essential for carrying equipment and supplies. Each trekker is typically assigned one porter, but additional porters can be hired at an extra cost, usually around $15 per day.
Equipment Rental
Equipment Is very crucial for any hiker and while planning to visit the mountain its a very important aspect to consider. From hiking gear to personal gear all through to camping gear. Proper equipment ensures a safe and comfortable trek in the Rwenzori mountains, especially when it comes to the technical hiking equipment that is mandatory for all who are summiting the peak.
Essential hiking equipment include : Climbing gears , Camping gears , and personal equipment.
Hiking gears
At all seasons you will require the hiking gears which range from crampons , ice axes , harnesses , and helments. This is mandatory for all who summit maghemite peak since the peak is covered with glaciers and ice whether during the dry season or the wet season. The crapons aid you to walk on the ice and at this point your walking stick becomes the ice axe while the ropes are joined together with harnesses and finally the helmet becomes your headgear during your visit to mgaherita. This is always incorporated and part of the cost charged.
Personal gears are equally essential and these range from sleeping bags , warm clothing , rain jacket , water proof trousers , hiking boots , gloves , capes ,rubber boots among the many, as these are personal gears incase hikers lack, then they can hire from the offices, but we recommend that they consider packing these items for a comfortable and remarkable rwenzori expedition.
Camping gear is only necessary for hikers who plan to visit other peaks like Mount speke , mount Baker , mount Emin , Mount Gessi , mount Luigi de Savor and other portal peaks that are not strategically located near the constructed huts for the trails . The camping gears needed include camping tents , sleeping bags cooking stoves and many more, but these are provided and usually incorporated at a cost, and at Rwenzori mountaineering service you don’t have to worry yourself about these. Additionally, Bukulungu trail is typical of camping and hikers rest in designated capping sites, therefore for those passionate about caping consider this trail .
Where to stay during the hike (Accommodation)
Another key aspect to consider as you plan to visit Rwenzori mountain is the accommodation. Accommodation can be divided into two namely during your stay in the mountain and the night before and after the hike . Please not that no extra money is charged for accommodation while your hiking the Rwenzori mountain . The mountain have basic huts on both the Kilembe and Central circuit trail that aid hikers with a final place to rest after a hectic days walk . These camps are constructed leading you till Magherita and you will be sure of concomfortable wooden cabins that are well maintained with decker like beds and actually some camps on the central circuit like Nyabitaba and Ellena have new camps constructed they are more luxurious with selfcontained toilets and private rooms. Equally camps on Kilembe trail are comfortable with even well installed solar sytems thatensue hikers don’t run out of battery of their camera such that every moment spent in the mountain is captured. Baically no need for payment for accommodation in the mountain.
Your only worry is about the night before and after the trek , Choosing accommodation in either Kasese town, the nearest business town that is near the mountain, will require you to transfer early morning to Nyakalengeji, a rugged village that is at the footstool of the mountain. Hikers can choose to sleep in town and then drive to base camp early morning. The best option, however, is to sleep in Nyakalegeji lodges strategically located a stone’s throw away from the park gate . Options are snow heights lodge , Ruboni community lodge , Rwenzori turaco , Ibanda guest house , Rwenzori inn and Rwenzori Backpackers for the Kilembe trail route . Prices for the above lodges range from 30$ per person upto 150$ per person per night depending on your choice.
Food and Supplies
Trekking companies usually provide meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These meals are typically included in the overall cost of the trek. However, it is advisable to carry personal snacks and energy bars for additional sustenance. Costs for meals and supplies in towns before the trek can vary, with budget options available for as low as $5 per meal
Additional Costs to Consider
Transportation Traveling to the Rwenzori Mountains from major cities like Kampala or Entebbe involves several transportation options, each with its own benefits and challenges, much as landing by flight may be fast and saves time , road transport allows you to discover the green savannah grasslands the country has to offer.
Domestic Flights: The fastest and most convenient way to reach the Rwenzori Mountains is by taking a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kasese, the closest town to the mountains. These flights typically cost $340 and return $490. This option significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to start your trek sooner and with less fatigue.
Road Transport: Alternatively, you can travel by road, either by public bus or private car.
Public Bus : Public buses are a budget-friendly option, costing around $15 to $30. They provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and landscape during the journey. However, bus travel can be time-consuming and less comfortable, especially as this is really a very long route of over 10hours.
Private Car
Hiring a private car offers more comfort and flexibility. The cost ranges from 600$ with a driver fuel and the car , depending on the type of vehicle and the distance. This option allows you to travel at your own pace, make stops along the way, and enjoy a more personalized experience. Private car hire can be arranged through car rental services like ugandacarrental.
Whether you choose to fly or drive, each mode of transportation to the Rwenzori Mountains has its advantages. Flights offer speed and convenience, while road transport, either by bus or private car, provides a more economical and flexible journey. Consider your budget, time, and comfort preferences when planning your trip.Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. Ensure your policy covers high-altitude tracking, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation. Insurance costs vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage, typically ranging from $50 to $200.
Tips
Tipping guides, porters, and cooks is customary when trekking the Rwenzori Mountains. It’s recommended to budget $10 to $15 per day for guides and chefs and $5 to $10 per day for porters depending on your budget. This not only shows appreciation for their hard work but also helps support their livelihoods.
Souvenirs
When budgeting for your trek, consider setting aside money for souvenirs and local crafts. These items can range from $10 to $50 each, depending on what you choose. Souvenirs provide a wonderful way to remember your adventure and support local artisans.
Sample Budget for a 7-Day Trek on the Central Circuit Trail and Kilembe trail
To provide a clearer picture, here is a sample budget breakdown for a 7-day trek on the Central Circuit Trail for a foreign non-resident
Duration | Route | Foreign resident | East African citizen | Uganda |
7 Days | Cental Circuit | 1350 | 1250 | 600 |
| Kilembe trail | 1500 | 1350 | 700 |
8 days 3 peaks | Central circuit | 1800 | 1500 | 1000 |
| Kilembe trail |
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1 Day nature walk | Central circuit trail | 150 | 120 | 80 |
| Kilembe trail | 200 | 180 | 150 |
Days Mutinda lookout | Kilembe trail | 850 | 740 | 650 |
3 Days John Matte | Central circuit | 700 | 550 | 400 |
5days Bujjuku | Central Circuit | 900 | 750 | 500 |
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Recommended Itinerary 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.