This 12-day Rwenzori Mountains expedition is one of the most challenging and rewarding alpine adventures in Africa. The journey follows the famous Central Circuit through Rwenzori Mountains National Park, leading climbers to conquer three of the highest peaks in the range: Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker.
The highlight of the expedition is the ascent to Margherita Peak (5,109 m), the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest mountain in Africa. Along the journey, trekkers experience a remarkable transition of ecosystems—from tropical rainforest and bamboo zones to giant lobelia valleys, alpine bogs, glaciers, and rugged rocky summits.
In addition to summiting Margherita Peak, climbers will also ascend Vittorio Emanuele Peak on Mount Speke and Edward Peak on Mount Baker. This multi-peak expedition offers breathtaking views across the Rwenzori range and into the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Designed for experienced trekkers and mountaineers, this adventure combines high-altitude climbing, dramatic landscapes, and the rare biodiversity that makes the Mountains of the Moon one of Africa’s most extraordinary trekking destinations.
Trek Highlights
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Summit three major Rwenzori peaks: Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker.
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Reach Margherita Peak (5,109 m) – the highest point in Uganda.
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Trek through multiple ecological zones from rainforest to glaciers.
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Cross the famous Bigo Bogs and explore the scenic Kitandara Lakes.
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Spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Congo Basin.
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Encounter unique wildlife including colobus monkeys and the Rwenzori Turaco.
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Explore historic sites such as Bujongolo rock shelter, used during the 1906 Duke of Abruzzi expedition.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Relax and prepare for the upcoming mountain adventure.
Day 2: Transfer to Kasese
After breakfast, depart for Kasese via the scenic route through Fort Portal. The drive passes the beautiful Kyenjojo plains with panoramic tea plantations and rolling hills. After lunch in Fort Portal, continue toward Kasese with the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains forming the backdrop. Overnight in Kasese or Ibanda near Nyakalengija.
Day 3: Nyakalengija – Nyabitaba Camp (2,651 m)
Begin the trek at the offices of Rwenzori Mountaineering Services in Nyakalengija. After meeting your guides and porters and checking equipment, the trail leads through farmland before entering dense forest along the Mubuku River. After crossing the Mahoma River, the route climbs steeply to Nyabitaba Ridge. Wildlife sightings may include colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours.
Day 4: Nyabitaba – John Matte Camp (3,505 m)
The trail descends to Kurt Shafer Bridge where the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers meet. Continue through bamboo forest and slippery moss-covered rocks before reaching the giant heather zone with spectacular views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. Dinner and overnight at John Matte Camp.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours.
Day 5: John Matte – Bujuku Camp (3,962 m)
Cross the Bujuku River and navigate the famous Bigo Bogs, an alpine wetland filled with giant lobelias. The trail eventually reaches Lake Bujuku, where stunning views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley dominate the skyline. Bujuku Camp serves as an important acclimatization point for climbers attempting the surrounding peaks.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours.
Day 6: Summit Mount Speke – Return to Bujuku Camp
Begin an early ascent toward Vittorio Emanuele Peak (4,890 m) on Mount Speke. The route passes through Stuhlmann Pass with breathtaking views across the Rwenzori Mountains and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After reaching the summit, descend back to Bujuku Camp for overnight.
Climb time: 4–5 hours ascent, 3–4 hours descent.
Day 7: Bujuku – Elena Camp (4,541 m)
The trail climbs steeply through Groundsel Gully with dramatic alpine vegetation and giant groundsels. Continue over rocky terrain to reach Elena Hut, located near the glaciers of Mount Stanley. This camp serves as the base for the summit climb to Margherita Peak.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours.
Day 8: Summit Margherita Peak – Kitandara Camp
Wake before dawn for the ascent of Margherita Peak (5,109 m). The climb involves crossing glaciers, navigating exposed rock sections, and traversing the Stanley Plateau before reaching the summit. After celebrating the achievement and enjoying panoramic views, descend to Elena Hut for lunch and continue through Scott-Elliot Pass to the scenic Kitandara Lakes for overnight.
Climb time: 4–5 hours ascent, 5–6 hours descent total.
Day 9: Summit Mount Baker – Return to Kitandara / Guy Yeoman
From Kitandara Camp, climb via Freshfield Pass toward Edward Peak (4,843 m) on Mount Baker. The ascent provides dramatic views of Mount Stanley and the Congo Basin. After summiting, descend back to Kitandara Camp or continue down to Guy Yeoman Camp for overnight.
Climb time: 5–6 hours ascent, 3–4 hours descent.
Day 10: Kitandara – Guy Yeoman Camp (3,261 m)
From Kitandara, ascend briefly to Freshfield Pass before descending through rocky alpine terrain toward the historic Bujongolo rock shelter, used by the Duke of Abruzzi during his 1906 Rwenzori expedition. Continue descending to Guy Yeoman Camp for overnight.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours.
Day 11: Guy Yeoman – Nyabitaba – Nyakalengija
Begin the long descent through bamboo forest and across the Mubuku River before reconnecting with Nyabitaba. Continue descending to Nyakalengija base camp, completing the Central Circuit trek.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours.
Day 12: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, depart Kasese and travel back to Entebbe for your international flight or onward travel arrangements.
Included
- Accommodation
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner — specify)
- Transport (Safari vehicle / Tour bus / Airport transfers)
- Professional tour guide
- Park entry fees
- Activities listed in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- All government taxes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Emergency medical evacuation
Excluded
- International flights or visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (tips, shopping, laundry)
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra meals or snacks not included
- Accommodation before and after the tour (unless added)
- Medical or vaccination costs
