As is well known, Rwenzori mountaineering can be undertaken via two routes. Book the 7-day Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit Trail to hike through diverse vegetation zones to the top of Margherita Peak, the highest point in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, located in southwestern Uganda near Kasese. Over 30,000 people hike the Rwenzori using the Central Circuit Route, a 7- or 8-day trek through the Bujuku Valley, over Scott Elliot Pass to the stunning Kitandara Lakes, and across Freshfield Pass into the Mubuku Valley. The trails are rugged with deep mud in places but are relatively well-maintained. Boardwalks have been installed over some bogs, though many are in disrepair. The trek to climb Mount Stanley typically takes about a week.
The 7-day Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit is ideal for those starting at the base. Travelers from Kampala should add an extra day for the transfer to Kasese, making it an 8-day Rwenzori Hiking Tour for the ultimate trekking experience in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
After breakfast at the camp, proceed to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) headquarters for a briefing. Begin the hike from Nyakalengija through Bakonzo settlements to the Mount Rwenzori National Park gate for registration. Trek through thick tropical forest with high elephant grass and dense bushes, home to species like Forest Elephant, Chimpanzee, Hyrax, Black-and-white Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Duiker, and Three-horned Chameleon. Bird species include Handsome Francolin, Ruwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archer’s Robin-chat, and Ruwenzori Batis. The hike from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut covers 8km. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: 8km (4-5 hours)
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
After breakfast at Nyabitaba Hut, trek through thick shrubs and forest for 30 minutes to the Kurt Shafer Bridge at the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Continue through bamboo and montane forests, navigating slippery moss-covered rocks for several hours. Spot various bird species along the way. Stop for lunch at Nyamuleju Rock Shelter, a former campsite, with views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke if the weather is clear. Proceed through the alpine forest to John Matte Hut near the Bujuku River, where the cold water offers a refreshing bath. Enjoy views of the Margherita Glacier between Alexandra and Margherita peaks. The distance from Nyabitaba to John Matte is 11km. Have dinner and overnight at John Matte Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: 11km (5-6 hours)
Accommodation: John Matte Hut
After breakfast, cross the Bujuku River and trek through the Lower Bigo Bog, home to Giant Lobelias. A boardwalk eases the traverse through this swampy valley. Expect to see Giant Lobelias, Everlasting Flowers, and Groundsels. Climb a steep ridge to the Upper Bigo Bog, followed by another boardwalk to Lake Bujuku. Continue through a small boggy area to Bujuku Hut, with views of Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley. From here, ascents to Mount Speke or Mount Stanley are possible. The distance from John Matte to Bujuku Hut is 5km. Have dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: 5km (4-5 hours)
Accommodation: Bujuku Hut
After breakfast at Bujuku Hut, trek through the Upper Bigo Bog’s steep slopes toward Lake Bujuku. Ascend to the Scott Elliot Pass (4,372m), passing swamps and the Ground Gully. Use a metal ladder to navigate a steep section at the gully’s top. The trail splits: the left trail descends to Kitandara Lakes, while the right trail leads to Elena Hut via a steep path over large boulders toward Mount Stanley. Elena Hut, at the rocky, cold part of Mount Stanley, offers views of Mount Baker and Mount Speke (weather permitting). The hike takes 5-7 hours. Have dinner and overnight at Elena Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: 5km (5-7 hours)
Accommodation: Elena Hut
Wake at 2 AM, have breakfast, and prepare with warm gear, harness, gloves, headlamp, helmet, and sunglasses. Trek to Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mount Stanley via the Stanley Plateau, using ropes on steep rocky areas and crampons and ice axes on glacial sections. The climb through Margherita Glacier is challenging. Reach the peak for views of Irene Lake, Mount Speke, and the surrounding area. Descend to Elena Hut for lunch, then continue to Kitandara Hut via Scott Elliot Pass, a scenic highlight of the Rwenzori. Alternatively, for those not summiting, trek directly from Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut via Scott Elliot Pass (4-5 hours). Have dinner and overnight at Kitandara Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: 6km (6-8 hours for summit route)
Accommodation: Kitandara Hut
After breakfast at Kitandara Hut, ascend steeply from the base of Mount Baker, navigating slippery terrain. Continue along the south side of the Rwenzori Mountains to Freshfield Pass. Descend through muddy trails, passing the Bujangolo Rock Shelter, the 1906 Duke of Abruzzi expedition base. The trek to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,505m), located by the Mubuku River, takes 5-7 hours. Have dinner and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: 6km (5-7 hours)
Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut
Descend from Guy Yeoman Hut through bamboo forests, navigating slippery, muddy paths and steep rocks. Reach Nyabitaba Hut after about 5 hours for lunch. Continue descending for 3 hours to Nyakalengija. Arrive in the late evening and either drive back to Kampala, stay overnight in Kasese, or opt for a safari add-on like gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance Covered: 12km (6-8 hours)
Accommodation: None (return or overnight in Kasese)
During the climb, you will stay in huts along the route to the peak.