7 Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking

Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut

After breakfast at the camp, you will head to the RMS headquarters for a briefing. The hike begins from Nyakalengija, passing through the Bakonzo settlements to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park gate, where you will be registered. The central circuit trail trek starts through thick tropical forest with high elephant grass and dense bushes, home to various wildlife species. The hike covers about 8 km from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

• Meals: All meals included

Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut

After breakfast, the hike continues through thick shrubs and forest for about 30 minutes to the Kurt Shafer bright, at the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. The trail then leads through bamboo and montane forests, and slippery, moss-covered rocks. A stopover for lunch will be at Nyamulejju Rock Shelter. If the weather is clear, you’ll have views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. The journey continues through the alpine forest to John Matte Hut, where you will have dinner and spend the night. The distance covered is about 11 km.

• Accommodation: John Matte Hut
• Meals: All meals included

John Matte to Bujuku Hut

After breakfast, the trek crosses the Bujuku River and moves through forested areas to the lower Bigo Bog, home to giant lobelias. This area used to be the most challenging part of the trek, but now a boardwalk makes the journey easier. You will then take a steep hike along a ridge to the upper Bigo Bog, followed by a short trek to Lake Bujuku and Bujuku Hut. You will have views of Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley. The distance from John Matte to Bujuku is about 5 km, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

• Meals: All meals included

Bujuku to Elena Hut

After breakfast, the hike continues from Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut, a journey of 5-7 hours. The trail passes through the sides of the upper Bigo Bog, then ascends the steep slopes of Lake Bujuku. You will pass through the Scott-Elliot Pass, navigating swamps and the thrilling Ground Gully. The trail splits into two, with the right trail leading to Elena Hut, located on the rocky part of Mount Stanley. At this point, you will be at the highest mountain of the Rwenzori, offering views of Mount Baker and Mount Speke. Dinner and overnight stay at Elena Hut.

• Accommodation: Elena Hut
• Meals: All meals included

Elena Hut (4,563m) to Kitandara Hut (3,979m)

The day starts early, around 2 am, with breakfast at Elena Hut. You will gear up for the climb to Mount Stanley’s Margherita Peak (5,109m). The ascent involves using ropes, crampons, and ice axes on steep rocky and glacial areas. After reaching the peak, enjoy breathtaking views of Ireen Lake, Mount Speke, and the surrounding landscape. Descend to Elena Hut for lunch, then continue to Kitandara Hut through the Scott Elliot Pass. Dinner and overnight stay at Kitandara Hut. For those not wishing to climb Mount Stanley, an alternative route is available.

• Accommodation: Kitandara Hut
• Meals: All meals included

Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,505m)

After breakfast, the trail ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the Rwenzori Mountains to Freshfield Pass. From the pass, the descent continues through a long, muddy path, passing the historic Bujangolo rock shelter. After about 5-7 hours, you will reach Guy Yeoman Hut, located near the banks of the Mubuku River. Dinner and overnight stay at Guy Yeoman Hut.

• Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut
• Meals: All meals included

Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija

The final day begins with a descent through bamboo forests, which can be slippery and muddy. After about 5 hours, you will reach Nyabitaba Hut for a lunch stop. The descent continues for another 3 hours to Nyakalengija, where the hike concludes. Depending on your preference, you may drive back to Kampala, stay overnight in Kasese town, or explore additional safari options like gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.