A Guide to Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains

Here, we are looking at what it takes to climb the Rwenzori Mountains, the highest mountain range in Uganda.

Mount Rwenzori is located in the western part of the country, in Bundibugyo District, on the border of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of the biggest reasons people trek Mount Rwenzori is that it is home to the tallest point in Uganda, Margherita Peak.

Mount Rwenzori is often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon” due to its snow-capped peaks. It has six peaks separated by deep gorges: Mount Stanley (5,109 meters), Mount Speke (4,890 meters), Mount Baker (4,843 meters), Mount Emin (4,798 meters), Mount Gessi (4,715 meters), and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 meters).

Margherita Peak, at 5,109 meters, is the highest point and a dream destination for many hikers. Hikers can reach the peak via three constructed hiking trails on the mountain, and completing the hike typically takes 8 to 9 days.

There are a few circuits to climb the Rwenzori Mountains. The Central Circuit Trail is the oldest, the Kilembe Trail is the longest, and the Bukurungu Trail is the newest.

Here’s a quick summary of what we cover:

• Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains
• The Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Trails
• Plan Your Hiking Trip To Mount Rwenzori
• How long does it take to trek the Rwenzori mountains?
• What To Pack for Mount Rwenzori Hiking?
• What Is the Cost of Hiking Mount Rwenzori?
• When is the Best Time to Hike Mount Rwenzori?
• How To Get to the Rwenzori Mountains
• Trekking Rwenzori Mountains Itinerary
• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4 and 5
• Day 6
• Day 7 and 8

Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains

Hiking Mount Rwenzori is done every day, and it starts with a briefing at the starting point of the hiking trails to be used. There are three hiking trails on Mount Rwenzori: the Kilembe trail, the Central Circuit trail, and the Bukurungu trail. During the briefing, the hikers are taught about the rules and regulations of the hiking activity.

At the start of the hiking trails, rangers lead and protect the hikers. Porters help hikers carry their excess luggage. Before the hike starts, hikers are briefed and given hiking sticks, which help them balance throughout the hike.

The Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Trails

The oldest trail on the mountain is the central circuit trail, which can be used by both inexperienced and experienced hikers. It’s said that the trail is the shortest route to Margherita Peak, passing through five vegetation zones. The Kilembe trail was the second trail to be made. It’s the longest and is said to have great views of the lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife.

The Bukurungu trail is the newest trail on Mount Rwenzori, created after the Central Circuit trail and the Kilembe trail. It has spectacular views of most lakes on the mountain, such as Bukurungu, Bujuku, Irene, and Mughuli. Like the Kilembe trail, it takes 8 days to complete.

Hiking Mount Rwenzori can be done on any of the three trails mentioned above. The hike takes 7 to 9 days to complete, and the time taken depends on the trail used. Armed ranger guides lead the hikers throughout the hike, making sure everyone is safe.

When the hiking has just began, the hikers will go through different vegetation covers where they have chances of meeting different wildlife species and vegetation of the park. Different birds, mammals, and primates are seen in the vegetation cover on the mountain.

Hiking involves traversing different vegetation zones and terrains. Each day, hikers spend about 7 to 8 hours on the trail, and they rest at different accommodations constructed on the slopes of the mountain. For 7 to 8 days, hikers visit different attractions on the slopes and in nearby areas.

Reaching the summit, which is at Margherita Peak, is every hiker’s dream come true, and those who get to reach there are the champions. At the summit of Mount Rwenzori, hikers take pictures and record videos of themselves at the tallest point in Uganda and the surrounding attractions and areas.

Plan Your Hiking Trip To Mount Rwenzori

Climbing Mount Rwenzori requires some planning, here are our top tips to plan the best trekking trip.

How long does it take to trek the Rwenzori mountains?

Trekking the Rwenzori mountains can take 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 days, depending on the level that tourists want to reach and the time they have on a safari.

The hiking trails used also determine the time taken to trek Rwenzori because some trails are harder than others. Trekkers are able to complete the whole hike to Margherita Peak in 8 or 9 days.

The trails and service providers used will determine the time tourists will take to reach the summit. Those who have less time in the park can hike up to certain levels of the mountain because it’s not a must to reach the top.

What To Pack for Mount Rwenzori Hiking?

When coming for Mount Rwenzori hiking, it’s always good to pack most of the things necessary for the hiking to go on smoothly.

Here are some of the items to pack for your trip:

• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Sleeping bag
• Light backpack
• Long cotton socks
• A pair of gaiters
• Sunglasses
• Gardening gloves
• Torch
• Headlamp
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• A pair of binoculars
• Drinking water bottle
• Energy-giving snacks

What Is the Cost of Hiking Mount Rwenzori?

Trekking Rwenzori Mountains starts with accessing Rwenzori Mountains National Park where the mountain is located. To access the park, it’s $35 for foreign non-residents, $25 for foreign residents, 20$ for the rest of Africa, and UGX15,000 citizens of East African member states.

Hikers should know that the entrance fees are paid per day.

Rwenzori mountain hike costs $50 for foreign residents, $40 for foreign non-residents, and UGX50,000 citizens of East African member states. This fee lasts for 24 hours and tourists pay according to the number of days they are to hike the mountain.

The service providers are Rwenzori trekking services and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services who help tourists with accommodation, food, and porters at an affordable fee.

The average cost of hiking mountain Rwenzori is 300$ to 2000$ per person. The price includes park entrance fees for the time you will be hiking, rangers, porters, accommodation, and meals. The amount of money to pay depends on the number of days hikers are to use to complete the hike.

Related read: How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost?

When is the Best Time to Hike Mount Rwenzori?

Mount Rwenzori is best hiked during the driest months of the year, which are June to September and December to February. These months have little rainfall and plenty of sunshine, which doesn’t affect the activity negatively. In the dry season, the hiking trails are dry and easier to walk through, so hikers reach different mountain levels in time.

In the dry season, tourists also find the vegetation on the mountain’s slopes short and scattered, which leads to clear views of the different attractions on the slopes. Hikers can still try out Mount Rwenzori during the rainy season from March to May and October to November; however, there will be too much rainfall, which can affect the activity.

Tourists who visit Uganda during the rainy season benefit from discounted packages but should be aware of the weather. The rain makes the hiking trails muddy and slippery; vegetation is always tall and thick, which gives unclear views of some of the attractions on the mountain’s slopes, and the roads leading to the mountain are muddy.

Related read: Tips for Planning a Safari in Uganda

How To Get to the Rwenzori Mountains

Tourists can reach mountain Rwenzori via road or air transport in a single day. Road transport is the quickest, taking less than 2 hours. Flights land at Kasese, the closest major town to the mountain. Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation Uganda have flights to the Rwenzori mountains every day using the Kasese airstrip from Entebbe in the morning, mid-morning, and afternoon.

Rwenzori mountains are well accessed by road transport, which is affordable to all travelers. From Entebbe, it takes 7 to 8 hours to get to Rwenzori, and the time taken depends on the speed of the driver and the number of stopovers. Tourists who use this mode of transport get great views of different attractions along the way.

From Entebbe to Rwenzori Mountain, tourists drive through Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Fort Portal, and then to Bundibudyo, where the park is found. Tourists can drive from Entebbe via Kampala, Mpigi, Masaka, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, and then Bundibudyo however this route takes longer hours.

Trekking Rwenzori Mountains Itinerary

Hiking Mountain Rwenzori involves using different hiking trails, the circuit trail by Rwenzori mountaineering services and the Kilembe trail by Rwenzori trekking services.

The first day of trekking starts with a briefing from the rangers, who explain the rules and regulations of the activity and what to expect during the hike.

Once the briefing is done, there are porters to help carry excess luggage for tourists at an affordable fee. Hikers are given hiking sticks to help them balance throughout the hike, and the activity begins.

If we are to use the circuit trail, the hiking starts from Nyakalengija, where you will meet rangers, porters, and cooks.

Day 1

The first day of hiking passes through farmlands and thick forest along the River Mubuku to Nyabitaba hut. While on the lower levels of the mountain, you can see different wild animals and birds in the vegetation. Hiking lasts 6 to 7 hours, and resting occurs until the next day.

Day 2

Day two hikers wake up from Nyabitaba and hike for around 7 hours passing through different vegetation covers, crossing rivers and lakes until they reach John Mate.

Day 3

On day three, the next five hours of the hike start from John Mate and end at Bujuku camp, where trekkers stay for a night. This day’s hike gives tourists an opportunity to view Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and Mount Speke.

Day 4 and 5

From Bujuku, hikers on day four are able to hike up to Mount Speke, and along the way, they get an opportunity to see Virunga National Park of DR Congo. Hiking goes on for 7 to 8 hours a day.

Day 6

On the sixth day, tourists reached Margherita Peak, 5109 meters above sea level.

Hiking to Margherita Peak is very challenging because of the steep slopes. The hiking takes you through glaciers, slippery rocks, and ice, especially in the rainy season. It takes around 4 to 5 hours from Elena Hut to Margherita Peak where tourists are allowed to take photos, and record videos on the highest point in Uganda.

When hikers are done with Margherita Peak, they begin descending back to Kitandara, which takes 6 to 7 hours.

Day 7 and 8

Days 7 and 8 involve hiking from Kitandara to the starting point at Nyakalengija, taking hikers two days with an overnight stop along the way. Hikers also get an opportunity to see different rivers, lakes, vegetation, animals, birds, and areas surrounding the mountain.

Get in touch with Africa Adventure Vacations to book your Rwenzori mountain hiking experience: