Best Expedition packages
7 Days Rwenzori Mountains Expedition to Margherita peak (5109m) - Central Circuit Trail
Duration
01 May 2026
Difficulty Level :Moderate to Challenging
Suitable for : Active travelers with good fitness
This 7-day expedition takes you deep into the legendary Rwenzori Mountains—often called the “Mountains of the Moon”—on a challenging yet rewarding journey to Margherita Peak (5109m), Africa’s third-highest summit.
The scenery is breathtaking.
Encounting breathtaking views and wild animals on the road for one-of-a-kind adventure.
Uganda, Entebbe, The Boma Hotel
Acommodation in huts
This trek reaches a high altitude, 5109
Route passes forest, heather, swamp
Some muddy, steep and uneven section on the road
Proper trekking gear is essential, including warm clothing, gloves, rain gear
$2,750 / Person
Package Overview
The 7 days Rwenzori hiking starts at the Rwenzori mountains national park Mihunga gate 1651m asl and goes to margherita peak 5109m.
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Option 1 - Domestic Flight (Recommended) - Flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kasese Airstrip take approximately 1.5 hours, followed by a short transfer to Mihunga Gate. -
Option 2 - Road Transfer - Traveling by road from Entebbe or Kampala to the Rwenzori Mountains takes approximately 9–10 hours. An overnight stay near Mihunga Gate is required before starting the trek the following day. Requires an additional day and is not included in the 7-day itinerary.
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IMPORTANT NOTE - The 7-day itinerary is based on arrival by domestic flight. Travelers choosing the road option should plan for an extra day before the trek begins.
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Hiking permits
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All government taxes
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Professional mountain guides and porters
- English-speaking driver-guide
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All activities (unless explicitly labeled as optional)
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Accommodation in mountain huts
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Meals as specified in the itinerary (including meals en route)
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Drinking water throughout the trek
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Park entrance fees (for non-residents)
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Equator experience
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Climbing gear -
Guests International flights (both inbound and outbound) are not included in the price
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East African Community Entry/Tourist Visa isn't included
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Travel insurance
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MEDEVAC / rescue fees
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Personal clothing and equipment
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Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
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Tips and gratuities.
Children and Infants
They are not allowed because of the nature of this hiking
Cancelation Policy
Get a 50% refund when you up until 14 days before your flight to Uganda, after that there is no refund possible.
Check In, Check Out Time
Upon arrival at Entebbe international Airport, our professional driver guide will receive you and take you to your hotel. We are flexible to your flight. The first day is reserved to your arrival and check in at the Hotel in Entebbe.
Date Change
The group starts tour at one time, if you don't meet the time you can allways wait for another tour for some other time. This is because of the permits to enter National Parks.
Itenary
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START Rwenzori trekking adventure from Mihunga Gate (1651m asl)
Nyakalengijo (1651m) – Nyabithaba Hut (2651m), Your 7-day Rwenzori trekking adventure begins at Mihunga Gate (1651m asl), located in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
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Briefing from your driver-guide, porters, chef, and trekking guides.
Upon arrival, you will meet your driver-guide, porters, chef, and trekking guides for a short briefing before starting the hike. The trail begins through cultivated farmland, gradually leading to the park boundary, where it enters dense tropical forest following the Mubuku River. You will cross the Mahoma River tributary before tackling a steady climb along a ridge to reach Nyabithaba Hut.
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Hikking, 07:00am
Along the way, you may hear chimpanzees and spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the colorful Rwenzori turaco. Hiking time: 4–5 hours.
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Hikking, 07:00am from Nyabithaba Hut (2651m) – John Matte Hut (3505m)
After breakfast, you begin your ascent towards John Matte Hut. This is one of the longest and most demanding days of the trek, taking approximately 7–8 hours.
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Hikking, on the trail
The trail initially passes through forest before crossing the Kurt Shafer Bridge over the Bujuku River. From here, the path becomes clearer as you proceed toward Nyamuleju Hut.
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Gaining altitude,
As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes steeper, transitioning into a zone dominated by giant heather vegetation. The trail continues along the Bujuku River through expansive heather forest before reaching John Matte Hut.
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Dinner, 12.00pm
Dinner and overnight at John Matte Hut.
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Hikking, 07:00am from John Matte Hut (3505m) - Bujuku Hut (3962m)
After breakfast, you descend slightly to cross the Bujuku River, entering the lower Bigo Swamp, known for its giant lobelias.
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Hikking, 14:00pm
You will then continue across the upper Bigo Swamp before proceeding toward Lake Bujuku. From here, you can enjoy views of Mount Stanley, the highest peak in the Rwenzori range.
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Hikking, until dinner 21:00pm
Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut. Hiking time: 4–5 hours
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Hikking, 07:00am from Bujuku Hut (3962m) - Elena Hut (4541m)
Today’s trek takes you through striking groundsel vegetation along a 4 km trail, gradually ascending to 4541m over 5–6 hours.
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Hikking, thru Kitandara Lakes that leads to Elena Hut
The route continues through swampy sections and a prominent gully, followed by a steep climb assisted by a metal ladder. At the top, you will reach a junction where the trail splits: • The left trail leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and descends to the Kitandara Lakes • The right trail leads to Elena Hut, climbing steeply over large boulders toward Mount Stanley You will follow the right trail to Elena Hut.
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Hikking, until dinner 21:00pm
Located on the rocky slopes of Mount Stanley, Elena Hut lies in a cold alpine environment but offers spectacular views of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, weather permitting. Dinner and overnight at Elena Hut. Hiking time: 5–6 hours
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Hikking, 02:00am from Elena Hut (4541m) - Margherita Peak (5109m) upon to descend to Kitandara Hut
An early start at around 2:00 am prepares you for the summit attempt of Margherita Peak. The ascent takes approximately 4–5 hours, crossing the Stanley Plateau toward Mount Stanley. The climb involves steep rocky sections using ropes, as well as glacier travel using crampons and an ice axe under the guidance of your guides. You will reach the edge of the Margherita Glacier—considered the most challenging section—before continuing to the summit at 5109m.
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Hikking at descend, 11:00am from - Margherita Peak (5109m) to Kitandara Hut (4023m)
At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Ireen, Mount Speke, and the surrounding peaks. After the summit, descend back to Elena Hut for a short rest, then continue to Kitandara Hut via Scott-Elliot Pass, one of the most scenic points in the Rwenzori Mountains.
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Hikking, until dinner 21:00pm
Dinner and overnight at Kitandara Hut. Hiking time: 3–4 hours
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Hikking, 06:00am from Kitandara Hut (4023m) – Guy Yeoman Hut (3505m)
After breakfast, you begin your trek from the base of Mount Baker, crossing Fresh Field Pass in the southern Rwenzori region. This section offers stunning views toward the Congo in the west and Mount Stanley in the north. The trail then descends through a boggy pass toward Bujongolo, a historic site linked to the Duke of Abruzzi expedition of 1906.
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Hikking, until dinner 21:00pm
Dinner and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut. Hiking time: 6–7 hours.
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Hikking, 07:00pm
After breakfast, you begin your descent back toward Mihunga Gate. The trail passes Nyabithaba Hut and Lake Mahoma, continuing through the heather zone and moss forest. This marks the final day of your Rwenzori trekking experience.
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Hikking, until dinner 21:00pm
This marks the final day of your Rwenzori trekking experience. Upon completion, transfer to Kasese for an overnight stay.
Difficulty Level :Moderate to Challenging
Suitable for : Active travelers with good fitness
This 7-day expedition takes you deep into the legendary Rwenzori Mountains—often called the “Mountains of the Moon”—on a challenging yet rewarding journey to Margherita Peak (5109m), Africa’s third-highest summit.
The scenery is breathtaking.
Encounting breathtaking views and wild animals on the road for one-of-a-kind adventure.
Uganda, Entebbe, The Boma Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What are the chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale Forest?
Kibale Forest boasts high counts of habituated chimpanzees, offering over a 95% chance of encountering them.
How much does a Gorilla trekking permit cost?
A Uganda Gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person per trek.
Is the Chimpanzee permit included in the safari price?
Yes, the Classic Safari packages include one Chimpanzee tracking permit and one Rhino tracking permit valued at USD 310.
What should I expect during Gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
The trek takes you through steep, densely forested hills to find the gorillas as they search for food. Once found, you spend a remarkable hour observing these "Gentle Giants"
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