This challenging adventure combines a five-day Rwenzori Mountains trek with transfers from and back to Entebbe. The route follows part of the Central Circuit and includes an attempt to reach Margherita Peak, Uganda’s highest point at 5,109 metres above sea level.
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Kasese
After breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from Entebbe or Kampala for the journey to Kasese in western Uganda. Travel through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing traditional villages, plantations and rolling hills.
There will be stops for refreshments and lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Kasese, check in at a comfortable hotel near the Rwenzori Mountains and spend the evening resting and preparing for the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel near Kasese
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Nyakalengija (1,650m) to Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m)
After an early breakfast, transfer to Nyakalengija and report to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park offices. Here, you will complete registration and meet your mountain guides, chef and porters.
Begin the trek from the park gate, passing through local homes and cultivated fields before entering areas of tall elephant grass and dense forest. The trail climbs over cliffs and crosses the Mahoma River before ascending steeply towards Nyabitaba Camp.
Along the trail, you may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, three-horned chameleons and colourful Rwenzori turacos.
Hiking distance: Approximately 7 kilometres
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,000 metres
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m) to John Matte Camp (3,505m)
After breakfast, descend through the forest for approximately 30 minutes to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, located near the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers.
Continue through bamboo forest before reaching a more demanding section characterised by slippery, moss-covered rocks. From Nyamileju Rock Shelter, weather permitting, you may enjoy impressive views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.
The trail then enters the zone of giant heather, lobelias and groundsels. Cross the challenging bog before arriving at John Matte Camp. On a clear evening, the camp offers excellent views of Mount Stanley and the Margherita Glacier.
Accommodation: John Matte Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: John Matte Camp (3,505m) to Elena Hut (4,541m)
The trail descends from John Matte Camp to cross the Bujuku River before entering the Lower Bigo Bog, an area known for its giant lobelias. Trekking through the bog can be wet and challenging, requiring you to step carefully from tussock to tussock.
Continue through the Upper Bigo Bog, following the Bujuku River towards Lake Bujuku. Along the way, enjoy views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west.
At Lake Bujuku, take the trail leading towards Elena Hut. This is a steep and demanding climb through increasingly rocky alpine terrain. Arrive at Elena Hut for dinner and an early night in preparation for the summit attempt.
Hiking distance: Approximately 7 kilometres
Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours
Accommodation: Elena Hut
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Margherita Peak Summit Attempt (5,109m) and Descent to John Matte Camp (3,505m)
Wake up shortly after midnight for an early breakfast and final equipment check. Begin the summit attempt under the guidance of experienced mountain guides.
The climb proceeds towards the base of the Stanley Glacier and involves crossing glaciers, slippery rocks, ice and exposed sections. The ascent to Margherita Peak generally takes between five and seven hours, depending on weather, trail conditions and the climbers’ pace.
Upon reaching Margherita Peak, celebrate standing at 5,109 metres—the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest peak in Africa. After photographs and a short rest, carefully descend to Elena Hut.
Continue descending through the alpine zone, passing the Irene Lakes and enjoying spectacular views of Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke and Mount Stanley. Proceed to John Matte Camp for dinner and a well-earned rest.
The summit attempt requires excellent physical fitness and the ability to cope with cold temperatures, high altitude, glaciers and technical terrain. Reaching the summit is dependent on weather, safety conditions and the mountain guide’s assessment.
Accommodation: John Matte Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: John Matte Camp to Nyakalengija and Transfer to Kasese
After an early breakfast, begin the long descent from John Matte Camp. Follow the trail down the Nyamileju cliffs and through the heather, bamboo and montane forest zones.
Stop at Nyabitaba Camp for lunch and a short rest before continuing down to Nyakalengija. Arrive at the park base in the late afternoon or early evening, where you will meet your driver and transfer to a hotel near Kasese.
Enjoy a hot shower, dinner and a comfortable night after completing the Rwenzori Mountains expedition.
Hiking time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Accommodation: Hotel near Kasese
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Transfer from Kasese to Entebbe
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the return journey to Entebbe. Enjoy views of western Uganda’s countryside, with lunch and refreshment stops arranged along the way.
Arrive in Entebbe in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, depending on your onward travel arrangements.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
End of the 7-Day Rwenzori Mountains Adventure
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