9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are one of Africa’s most captivating hiking destinations. Straddling the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, these rugged peaks rise dramatically above the western rift valley, capped by permanent glaciers and cloaked in mystical cloud forests. A 9-day trek through Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers an immersive journey into one of the most biodiverse mountain ranges on Earth, where rare plant life thrives alongside cascading waterfalls and pristine alpine landscapes. For those who seek a challenging and rewarding adventure, the Rwenzori trek is the ultimate test of endurance and exploration.

Overview

9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

A 9-day trek in the Rwenzori Mountains is one of the most challenging yet rewarding adventures in Africa. From dense rainforests to icy glaciers, every stage of the hike reveals new wonders and tests your endurance. Reaching Margherita Peak is a triumph, but even more rewarding is the journey itself, where landscapes shift dramatically, and nature remains wild and untamed. This is an expedition for true adventurers who dream of standing on Africa’s fabled Mountains of the Moon.

Detailed

9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kasese

Your adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport, where you are welcomed and transferred to Kasese, the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. The drive takes you through Uganda’s lush countryside, with views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and the backdrop of the looming mountains. You settle into your lodge in Kasese, where your guide briefs you on the trek ahead.

Day 2: Nyakalengija (1,615m) – Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m)

After breakfast, you head to Nyakalengija, the park headquarters, for registration and a final check of gear. The trek begins with a climb through farmlands before entering dense rainforest alive with bird calls and the chatter of primates. The trail ascends steadily until you reach Nyabitaba Hut, perched above the Mubuku River valley, offering the first glimpse into the grandeur of the Rwenzori.

Day 3: Nyabitaba – John Matte Hut (3,505m)

Today’s trek is more demanding as you descend through the Kurt Shafer Bridge, crossing rivers and moving deeper into bamboo forests. The trail continues upward through the giant heather zone, with moss-covered trees creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. By late afternoon, you arrive at John Matte Hut, where sweeping views of the Bujuku Valley open up before you.

Day 4: John Matte – Bujuku Hut (3,962m)

The fourth day introduces you to one of the most stunning landscapes in the Rwenzoris. The trail leads into the Bigo Bog, where boardwalks help navigate the wet terrain dotted with giant lobelias. You ascend toward Lake Bujuku, framed by Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and Mount Stanley. The night is spent at Bujuku Hut, tucked beneath the towering peaks.

Day 5: Bujuku – Elena Hut (4,541m)

The trek becomes more challenging as you ascend through alpine meadows and rocky passes. Vegetation thins, and the air grows cooler as you approach Elena Hut, located at the base of Mount Stanley. This hut serves as the staging point for the summit attempt. The views here are striking, with glaciers gleaming against rugged rock faces.

Day 6: Summit Attempt – Margherita Peak (5,109m) – Descend to Kitandara Hut (4,023m)

This is the most demanding and exhilarating day of the trek. Rising early, you rope up with your guide and begin the climb across glaciers toward Margherita Peak, the highest point of the Rwenzoris. Standing at 5,109 meters, you are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across Uganda and the Congo, with glacial lakes glittering far below. After celebrating the summit, you carefully descend to Kitandara Hut, located beside the beautiful Kitandara Lakes.

Day 7: Kitandara – Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261m)

The descent continues through dramatic landscapes, passing over the Freshfield Pass at 4,282 meters before dropping steeply into lush valleys filled with giant groundsels and everlasting flowers. The trek ends at Guy Yeoman Hut, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and alpine meadows.

Day 8: Guy Yeoman – Nyakalengija – Transfer to Kasese

Your final descent takes you through bamboo forests, river valleys, and montane vegetation back to Nyakalengija. At the trailhead, you meet your driver and return to Kasese, where a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a soft bed provide welcome relief after days in the mountains.

Day 9: Return to Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, you drive back to Entebbe, enjoying the scenic journey through Uganda’s countryside. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at craft markets before connecting with your onward flight. The trek may be over, but the memories of standing atop the legendary Mountains of the Moon will remain with you forever.

Top Wildlife Trip Ideas

Trip Includes

Safari Park fees
All Tour activities
All Tour accommodation
A professional driver/guide
All transportation ( To & From )
All Taxes/VAT
Everyday Meals ( As specified )
Drinking water ( On all days )

Trip Excludes

International flights ( From / to home )
Additional Accommodation
Tips
Personal items(Souvenirs, etc.)
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees

About Us

Travel Blog

9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

9 Days Rwenzori Hiking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kasese

Day 2: Nyakalengija (1,615m) – Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m)

Day 3: Nyabitaba – John Matte Hut (3,505m)

Day 4: John Matte – Bujuku Hut (3,962m)

Day 5: Bujuku – Elena Hut (4,541m)

Day 6: Summit Attempt – Margherita Peak (5,109m) – Descend to Kitandara Hut (4,023m)

Day 7: Kitandara – Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261m)

Day 8: Guy Yeoman – Nyakalengija – Transfer to Kasese

Day 9: Return to Entebbe – Departure

Top Wildlife Trip Ideas

Archives

Categories

Trip Includes

Trip Excludes

Review us

Best Trips

4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Destinations

Contact us