The Ultimate 12 Days Rwenzori Trekking Guide
A mountainous expedition in equatorial Africa. A ten-day hike to attain the four principal summits of the Rwenzori Mountains. Margherita Peak (5109 m), Mount Speke (4890 m), Mount Baker (4844 m), and Weismann’s Peak (4620 m). An arduous expedition, significantly more challenging than Kilimanjaro or those in Kenya, it ranks among the most exhilarating hikes on the continent.
A 12-day Rwenzori trek is a multi-day hiking expedition in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its extreme beauty and high peaks, including Margherita Peak. These treks combine challenging hiking through diverse altitudes and unique alpine vegetation with other activities like gorilla trekking or wildlife safaris. The exact itinerary varies by operator, but typically involves hiking to a summit like Margherita Peak, traversing various ecological zones with endemic flora, and includes travel to and from the trekking region in Western Uganda.
12 Days Rwenzori Trekking Highlights
This 12-day Rwenzori hiking route can function as an independent trip or in conjunction with other places in Uganda. The itinerary outlined below commences and concludes in Entebbe; however, we can facilitate transfers to and from the highlands regardless of your point of origin.
The route can be tailored to accommodate your fitness levels, time limitations, budget, and broader travel arrangements.
For additional information and other routes, consult our comprehensive guide to the Rwenzori Mountains.
A Complete 12 Days Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival, complete Immigration procedures, retrieve your luggage, and exit the airport to meet the driver for the ride to Karibu Guest House. Unwind and dedicate the evening to readying yourself for the impending adventure.
Day 2: Kasese
Following breakfast, travel at 8:00 AM for the cross-country transfer to Kasese. The journey will take around 7 to 8 hours, allowing for arrival in time for dinner and an overnight stay. Obtain restorative sleep to adequately prepare for the impending challenge.
Day 3: Rwenzori Mountains
Following breakfast, proceed to the base camp for a briefing by your guides at Trekkers Hostel Kilembe (1450m). The expedition commences with an ascent to Sine Camp at 2,596 meters, an elevation gain of 1,146 meters.
Day 4: Rwenzori Mountains
Ascend to Mutinda Camp at 3688 meters, resulting in an elevation gain of 1092 meters. In the afternoon in Mutinda, one can ascend to the Mutinda lookout at an elevation of 3,975 meters. In addition to the stunning vistas, this walk facilitates acclimatisation prior to ascending to elevated peaks.
Day 5: Rwenzori Mountains
Ascend to Bugata camp at 4,062m, achieving an elevation gain of 412m through a valley characterised by distinctive flora, streams, and waterfalls. This segment of the walk is challenging due to numerous steep slopes, muddy and swampy areas, and elevated steps; nonetheless, the benefits are substantial.
Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains
Ascend to Hunwick’s camp at 3,974 meters via Bamwanjara Pass at 4,450 meters. Exceptional vistas of the major summits are present here.
Day 7: Rwenzori Mountains
Ascend Mt. Baker, which stands at 4,842 meters, and rest at Hunwicks Camp, located at an elevation of 3,974 meters.
Day 8: Rwenzori Mountains
Ascend Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters before descending to Bujuku Caves for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Rwenzori Mountains
Ascend Mt. Speke at an elevation of 4,890 meters. Return to Hunwick’s camp for the night.
Day 10: Rwenzori Mountains
Descend to Kiharo Camp at an elevation of 3430 meters. While descending from Hunwicks, you may choose to ascend Weismann’s Peak via Olivers Pass before descending to Kiharo camp.
Day 11: Rwenzori Mountains
Descend the slope past the moss-covered rocks across rivers and picturesque woodlands back to the base camp in Kilembe. Following your debriefing, you will be transported for two hours to a hotel in Fort Portal, where you may enjoy a warm shower and a nice bed. Alternatively, you may remain in Kasese and go for Entebbe the next day.
Day 12: Rwenzori Mountains
Return to Entebbe. Pause for lunch throughout the journey prior to continuing to Entebbe Airport (total drive time: 5-6 hours). Coordinate with your international flight departing from Entebbe.
End of the 12 Days Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary
