10-day hiking expedition in the Rwenzori Mountains offers an unforgettable adventure through one of Africa’s most stunning and remote regions. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a comprehensive trek
Kasese Airstrip
Nyakalengijo-RMS Offices, Kasese
Throughout this immersive journey, expect to traverse a variety of terrains, from dense rainforests alive with the sounds of exotic birds to rugged alpine fields beautified with colorful wildflowers.
Upon arrival at the Entebbe International Airport or in Kampala, you will meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation have a relaxed evening.
Overnight stay at 2 friends hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Kasese, the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.
Arrive in Kasese in the afternoon and check into your accommodation.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the trek.
Overnight stay in Kasese.
Enjoy your coffee and transfer to Nyakalengija, the starting point of the trek.
Meet the guides and porters, obtain permits, and begin the hike.
Trek through dense forest and bamboo stands, ascending to Nyabitaba Hut.
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers.
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay at Nyabitaba Hut.
Depart Nyabitaba Hut and trek through the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, crossing the Mubuku River.
Ascend through the forest and heather zone, passing through Nyamileju Rock Shelter.
Reach John Matte Hut, situated in the middle of the heather zone.
Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers.
Duration: 6-7 hours.
Overnight stay at John Matte Hut.
Continue the ascent through the heather zone and enter the Alpine Zone.
Pass through the scenic Bigo Bog and Lake Bujuku, surrounded by giant lobelias.
Arrive at Bujuku Hut, nestled beneath Mount Baker and Mount Speke.
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers.
Duration: 4-5 hours.
Overnight stay at Bujuku Hut.
Enjoy your tea rest and acclimatize at Bujuku Hut.
Optional side trips to Lake Bujuku or Elena Hut for acclimatization purposes.
Overnight stay at Bujuku Hut.
Ascend steeply to Scott Elliot Pass, passing through high alpine vegetation.
Traverse the Bujuku Valley and climb up to Elena Hut.
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers.
Duration: 3-4 hours.
Overnight stay at Elena Hut.
Early morning summit attempt of Margherita Peak, the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Descend back to Elena Hut and continue to Kitandara Hut.
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers.
Duration: 10-12 hours (summit day).
Overnight stay at Kitandara Hut.
Descend through the Freshfield Pass, passing through the beautiful Nyamutere Valley.
Continue the descent to Guy Yeoman Hut.
Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers.
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay at Guy Yeoman Hut.
Final descent through the forest to Nyakalengija.
Meet your transport and transfer back to Kasese.
This itinerary provides a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience in the Rwenzori Mountains. It’s essential to be well-prepared, physically fit, and properly equipped for high-altitude hiking. Additionally, hiring experienced guides and porters is recommended for safety and support during the trek.