14 Days Rwenzori Trekking To 6 Peaks Snow Trek

The 14 days Rwenzori Trekking to 6 Portal Peaks involves trekking to Mount Gessi, Emin, Speke, Stanley, Luigi Savoia, and Baker, via the central circuit trail route. This 14 days Rwenzori trekking offers magnificent glacier view of Africa’s 3rd highest Peak-Margherita, which is dubbed the “Mountains Of The Moon”

The ascent to certain peaks necessitates expertise in rock climbing, presenting challenges that are ultimately rewarded by breathtaking views and scenic beauty in the Rwenzoris. Hiking 6 Rwenzori Portal peaks provide striking vistas, as they represent the highest elevation in Uganda, allowing for views of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Reserve, Kibale Forest national Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Virunga National Park.

Itinerary Highlight

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Kasese.
Day 2: Depart from Nyakalengija (1,600m) and proceed to Nyabitaba hut (2,650m)
Day 3: Journey from Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp (3,420m)
Day 4: Ascend Mount Emin (4,798m)
Day 5: Ascend Mount Gessi
Day 6: John ascends to Bujuku (3,930m)
Day 7: Ascend Mount Speke and continue to Elena Camp (4,563m)
Day 8: Ascend to Margherita Peak and descend to Kitandara (3,979m)
Day 9: Ascend Mount Baker – overnight stay at Kitandara
Day 10: Hike Luigi Savoia – overnight stay at Kitandara
Day 11: Journey from Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m)
Day 12: Transition from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut
Day 13: Transition from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija
Day 14: Transition from the Rwenzori Mountains to Entebbe

14 Days Rwenzori Trekking to 6 Portal Peaks

Day 1: Transportation from Entebbe to Kasese.

At the Entebbe International Airport, you received by your safari guide, who will transfer you to Kasese, with a lunch en-route in Fort Portal town, before reaching Rwenzori Mountains National Park, at the Equator Snow Lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 2: Ascend from Nyakalengija (1,600m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2,650m)

Enjoy your breakfast, and proceed to Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, where you must complete your registration formalities, including guide and porter allocation before accessing the gate of Rwenzori Mountains National Park to start your trek up nyabitaba hut. Along the route, the guide and rangers will continuously provide comprehensive details about the park, offering insights into the heights and various peaks you are likely to encounter during the Rwenzori trekking along the Rwenzori Central Circuit trail, as well as the diverse vegetation zones and sights to behold.

Rwenzori forest a habitat for several animal species, like forest elephants, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, duiker, and three-horned chameleons, and many more, while the bird species which may be found include: Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, and Rwenzori Batis. After 8 Kilometers, you will be at Nyabitaba hut for dinner and overnit rest

Day 3: Journey from Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp (3,420m)

Breakfast will be served early, then after set off for 11km trek through dense shrubs and forest for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Kurt Shafer bridge, located at the junction of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Traverse through the bamboo dotted with montane forests and navigate slippery, moss-covered rocks for several hours. Proceed to Nyamulejju rock shelter, a location historically utilized by early hikers for camping and overnight stays. A stopover for lunch will be arranged at this site.

From here, you will enjoy the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke, provided the weather conditions are favorable. Your journey through the alpine forest will lead you to John Matte near Bujuku River, where most hikers enjoy taking a bath.

Day 4: Ascend Mount Emin (4,798m)

Following breakfast at the camp, the trek will commence through the alpine forests leading to the foothills of Mount Emin. You will subsequently ascend to the summit of Mount Emin. which offers stunning vistas of the Rwenzori massif. Return back to the camp where dinner will be served then an overnight

Day 5: Ascend Mount Gessi

Following breakfast at the camp, commence the trek and hike up the summit of Mount Gessi. This mountain is infrequently trekked, so the trail may not be distinctly marked, then after return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Ascend to Bujuku (3,930m) From John Matte (5km)

Enjoy breakfast early in the morning, before heading through Bujuku River and reaching lower Bigo bog. This region features a wetland environment within a valley, serving as a habitat for the giant lobelias. This historically has been proven the most challenging section of the Rwenzori due to its boggy terrain, making it difficult for many hikers, particularly women, to navigate by jumping from one tussock to another.

A walk board has been installed extending to the edge of the boggy area, significantly enhancing the ease of navigation for trekkers. As you proceed, you will likely encounter giant lobelias, everlasting flowers, and groundsels.

Thereafter proceed with the challenging hike along a ridge that will guide you to the beginning of the upper bigo bog. A boardwalk which leads to Lake Bujuku. At the end of the boardwalk, proceed through the remaining small boggy area without walk boards to reach Bujuku hut for dinner and an overnight, yet it has comprehensive view of Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley.

Day 7: Climb Mount Speke and continue to Elena Camp (4,563m)

Following breakfast at the camp, begin your hike to the summit of Mount Speke, although it presents some challenges due to its rocky terrain. The summit provides impressive vistas of the Rwenzori scenery, and return back for lunch at the camp
After here navigate along the edges of the upper Bigo bog, before joining a hike through the steep slopes of Lake Bujuku. As you ascend the steep slopes of Lake Bujuku to the west, the trail leads to Scott-Elliot Pass at an elevation of 4,372 meters, where you will pass through additional swamps and the exhilarating Ground Gully. A metal ladder will be used to navigate a steep section at the top of the gully. The trail is subsequently divided into two sections, say, the left trail leads to Scott-Elliot Pass, descending towards Kitandara Lakes, while the right trail proceeds to the Elena Hut and ascends steeply above large boulders towards Mt. Stanley. The Elena hut is situated in the rugged region of Mount Stanley, where temperatures are notably low. At this juncture, you find yourself at the pinnacle of the Rwenzori, where you will enjoy an unobstructed view of Mount Baker and Mount Speke. At times, visibility of these two mountains is obstructed due to fog coverage. Dine at Elena Hut and then enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 8: Ascend to Margherita Peak and descend to Kitandara (3,979m)

Wake Up by 2 AM on this day for an early breakfast at Elena Hut, dress warm equipped with your harness, warm gloves, and headgear, as well as headlamps and helmets, and do not forget to include sunglasses in your day pack. Proceed with your ascent to the summit of Mount Stanley, Magherita Peak, via the Stanley Plateau. In steep rocky areas, ropes will be utilized to assist in your movement. This guide provides instruction on the proper use of gear while on the ice. In the glacial areas, the use of crampons and an ice axe will be necessary.

Following a few hours of movement from the Stanley Plateau Glacier, you will arrive at the base of the Margherita Glacier. This represents the most demanding aspect of the entire Rwenzori hiking experience. You will embark on a hike through this glacier to reach the summit of Mount Stanley, Margherita Peak (5,109m). The view at the top covers Ireen Lake, Mount Speke, and the terrain below.

Next, proceed to Elena Hut for lunch before continuing the descent to Kitandara via the Scott Elliot Pass. This route offers numerous stunning views in the Rwenzori region. Dine at Kitandara and an overnight. In case the group is large, it may be necessary to spend an additional night at Elena hut and proceed the next day.

Day 9: Ascend Mount Baker – overnight stay at Kitandara

Following breakfast, you will trek up to Mount Baker . Mount Baker primarily consists of rocky terrain, with the summit occasionally covered in snow. It is essential to wear appropriate footwear, as the rocks can become wet and slippery. Additionally, maintaining awareness of your footing is crucial. From the summit, one can appreciate the impressive views of Mount Stanley and Speke, alongside the stunning landscapes of the Rwenzori valleys and their lush vegetation. Evening meal and accommodation at Kitandara Camp.

Day 10: Hike Luigi Savoia – stay at Kitandara

Brakfast will be served, then start your trek to the summit of Luigi Savoia. The hike features a challenging ascent on stable rock. It is essential to adhere to the guidance provided by your climbing instructors and to maintain a steady pace during the climb. Hiking without ropes is generally considered safe; however, in icy conditions, your guides will utilize fixed ropes to guarantee a secure ascent. The reward for reaching the peak will be breathtaking views of the Kachope Lakes below, as well as Mts Baker and Stanley in the distance.

Day 11: Trek from Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m)

Enjoy breakfast at Kitandara before proceeding to navigate the base of Mount Baker, where conditions may be slippery, necessitating caution. The trail from Kitandara ascends sharply up the headwall, diverging from the base of Mount Baker and proceeding along the southern flank of the Rwenzori Mountain towards Fresh Field Pass. The descent from the pass is lengthy and muddy, leading past the rock shelter at Bujangolo, which serves as the base camp for the notable expedition led by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.
You will take about 4-6 hours to reach Guy Yeoman hut, situated along the banks of the Mubuku River, where you will eat supper and an overnight.

Day 12: Trek from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut (4 to 5 hours)

Trek descently to Nyabitaba from Guy Yeoman, passing through the bamboo forests. The descent may present challenges, including slippery and muddy conditions with limited handholds, necessitating careful balance over the steep rocks or vertical mud. Evening meal and accommodation at Nyabitaba.

Day 13: Transition from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija

Enjoy Breakfast, and commence your trek with a descent lasting approximately 3 hours to Nyakalengija. You will traverse through tropical forests, where you may spot the three-horned chameleon, black and white colobus monkeys, along with various bird species. Enjoy a lunch at Ruboni Community Camp followed by a period of relaxation. Evening meal and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 14: Transition from the Rwenzori Mountains to Entebbe

Following breakfast in the morning at the lodge, your safari driver will transfer you back to to Entebbe, with lunch provided along the way. Expect to arrive in the late evening, where you either proceed to the airport or any hotel of your choice