10 days Rwenzori Mountains climbing tour – so hiking to the Peak

when you arrive, you are warmly received, then transferred to the hotel for the overnight rest.

Overnight stay: Cycad Guest House (BB) or The Boma (BB)

During the morning, we leisurely transfer west at the bottom of the mountains. Hereafter, we make final arrangements for a guide and porters.

Overnight stay:  Margherita Hotel (FB) Equator Snow (FB)

We gently move to Nyakalengija starting point (1600m). Thereafter, the hike begins through the banana shambas, besides the steep foothills and homesteads. We follow the trail along the Mubuku River as we walk up and down the rocks. We continue across the Mahoma River. Finally, we climb through the forest to the resting point.

Overnight stay: Nyabitaba Hut (FB)

After early and heavy breakfast, we hike on a narrow trail through the forest. Eventually, we reach the Kurt Shafer Bridge that is just below the point of Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers. Soon, we enter the bamboo zone. We then follow the long stretch of slippery moss-covered trail. The trail goes straight ahead through the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel zones up to Nyamileju rock shelter. Finally, we cross the bog to the hut for the night.

Overnight stay: John Matte Hut (FB)

We enjoy breakfast to begin with and start the hike. The trail goes downhill across the Bujuku River and beneath the giant lobelia zone. We continue around the bog to the Upper bog. We continue within sight of the Bujuku Lake. Here, the views of mountain Stanley, the highest among the Rwenzoris are stunning.

Overnight stay: Bujuku Hut (FB)

First, we get the energy from breakfast. The marshy trail climbs further on the slopes west of the Bujuku lake. At last, we hike up to Scott-Elliot Pass (4372m). Nevertheless, a metal ladder takes you over an extremely steep section after which the trail branches. The right trail leads up to Elena Hut and Mt Stanley. On the other hand, the left trail leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and further down to Lake Kitandara.

Overnight stay: Elena Hut (FB)

If you do not wish to climb the peak, certainly a restful day walking from Elena Hut (4541m) down to Kitandara (4023m) would be good.

This morning, we climb roughly three hours up to Margherita peak (5109m) and later back to Kitandara Hut. Of course we move well covered with warm clothing. We climb on to the glacier and then to the Stanley Plateau.  We finally climb the Margherita summit, the highest peak. By all means, crampons and ropes are needed for this ascend since it is a tough challenge. At last, we return to the Scott-Elliot Pass with views of the picturesque Bujuku Lake and Mt Speke in the background. Thereafter, we descend down to the Kitandara Lakes.

Overnight stay: Kitandara Hut (FB)

After breakfast, we take a steep climb to the south of the mountain towards Freshfield Pass (4280m). Here in the distance, you have views into the Congo to the west and Mt Stanley to the north side. From the pass, the boggy trail continues beyond the rock shelter at Bujangolo. This is previously the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.

Overnight stay: Guy Yeoman Hut (FB)

This morning, we descend along the muddy and slippery trail down to Nyabitaba. This is surely an opportune time to have a well deserved rest. Thus we take in the exhaustion and experiences of the Mountain.

Overnight stay: Nyabitaba Hut (FB)

After breakfast, we descend gently on the steep trail and back to the Nyakalengija starting point. Eventually, we arrive late in the morning and transfer to Kasese for early lunch. We arrive at Entebbe airport in the late evening for the departure flight.

End of the 10 Days Rwenzori Mountains climbing tour.