Mount Rwenzori, Uganda (Margherita Peak- 5,109m asl.)
Mountains of the Moon
Trail: Central Circuit
Duration: 10 Days
Distance: 60km+
Highest Point: Margherita Peak — 5,109m
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Western Uganda
Cost per person for East African Citizen: USD 1,850
Requirements:
- Passport/Temporary Pass.
- Yellow Fever Cert.
- Visa for non-residents.
About the Mountain:
The Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the Mountains of the Moon, rise along the Uganda–DRC border and are home to some of Africa’s highest peaks. Despite being close to the equator, the range has snow and glaciers at its highest elevations. The trek takes you through remarkable ecological zones, from tropical rainforest and bamboo forests to the unique afro-alpine landscape of giant lobelias and groundsels.
The Rwenzori Experience
The Central Circuit is a demanding mountain expedition that takes you deep into the Rwenzori range and through constant changes in terrain and altitude. Daily hiking distances and timings vary depending on weather, trail conditions, team pace and mountain conditions. A detailed route briefing, including daily movements and mountain logistics, is only provided to confirmed participants before the expedition.
Expect long hiking days, steep and uneven terrain, persistent mud, wet conditions, river crossings and rapidly changing weather. The Rwenzori is one of Africa’s wettest mountain environments, and the terrain can make even relatively short distances physically demanding.
As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms from dense forest into the distinctive afro-alpine environment of the higher mountains. Mist-covered valleys, giant vegetation, rocky terrain, glaciers and snow create an experience unlike most other African mountains.
The expedition then builds towards a summit attempt on Margherita Peak at 5,109m, the highest point of Mount Stanley. Summit day is physically demanding and may involve snow, ice and steep terrain depending on conditions.
More than a summit, the Rwenzori is an experience in endurance, patience and resilience; a journey through one of Africa’s most remote and extraordinary mountain environments.
What to Expect
- 60km+ of trekking
- Scenic views. Very very scenic.
- 7-8 days in the mountains
- High-altitude trekking up to 5,109m
- Long and physically demanding hiking days
- Wet, muddy and uneven terrain
- Cold and rapidly changing weather
- Rainforest, bamboo and afro-alpine ecosystems
- Mountain camps and huts
- A high-altitude summit attempt
- A remote and immersive mountain experience
Fitness & Preparation
This is a hard-level expedition, and requires good physical preparation.
The Rwenzori is not a beginner-friendly expedition. Prior high-altitude hiking experience is required, and you should be comfortable with long hiking days, sustained elevation gain, uneven terrain and consecutive days of physical activity.
The challenge goes beyond altitude; it requires endurance, patience and resilience, particularly when navigating wet, muddy and demanding terrain.
Training should include endurance work, regular hiking, strength training and, where possible, back-to-back hiking days.
The Rwenzori rewards preparation. Come ready to walk, climb, get wet, get muddy and embrace the mountain as it is.
HIKING GEAR CHECKLIST
If you need help sourcing gear for your adventure, we’re happy to guide you to reliable places where you can purchase quality items. Alternatively, we also offer gear for hire, including essentials you may need for the trek. Our team is here to assist you with your preparation every step of the way to ensure you’re fully equipped for the journey.
What’s Included
- Park entry, accommodation (Banda) fees, and all Government taxes.
- Ground transport from Nairobi to Kasese and back.
- Hotel accommodation in Kampala and Kasese inclusive of breakfast.
- Professional Guides, Porter’s support and Chef services.
- 3 Meals a day while on the mountain and boiled water.
- Detailed Expedition logistics
- Pre-expedition briefing and preparation.
- Leave No Trace Adventure.
What’s Not Included
- Flights.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Evacuation and mountain rescue.
- Hiring of personal mountain hiking gears like; Sleeping bags, Hiking boots etc.- We can help with acquiring this
- Visas for non EA Citizens.
- Meals outside the mountain expedition.
- Tips.
- Personal expenses.
- Anything else not listed in the included list.
PAYMENT DETAILS:
MPESA Pay bill No: 880100
Account Number: 046641
Payment Terms:
- Reservation Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 40% of the total cost is required at the time of booking to secure your spot, and plan for logistics.
- For full Payment: The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 2 weeks before the scheduled tour date.
For any questions or assistance before booking, feel free to reach out.
See you on the trails!