12 Days Summit Mountain Rwenzori – the Central Circuit

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest fresh water lake, you will be welcomed and greeted by your driver/guide.  You will then be transferred to the hotel/ guest house and check-in for dinner and overnight stay. Your driver/ guide will brief you about your safari at some stage (either before dinner or first thing after breakfast the next day).

For those that arrive early in the day – there are optional activities round Entebbe especially if you intend to stay active and not rest after long overseas flights. You can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or head out to trawl Mabamba bay for a chance to see the prehistoric and mythical shoebill. Or, your guide will be on hand to take you to the local markets or one of the malls to shop for some essentials and some tropical fruits.

As the sun rises over the horizon, casting its golden hues upon the landscape, a new day dawns, brimming with the promise of adventure. After breakfast, it’s time to embark on the next leg of your journey. Leaving the quiet town of Entebbe behind, you set forth on a picturesque drive towards the enchanting town of Kasese, nestled in the heart of western Uganda. Along the way, the ever-changing scenery unfolds before your eyes, revealing verdant valleys, rolling hills, and quaint villages dotting the countryside. On arrival in Kasese, your guide ensures that all is in readiness for the upcoming trekking adventure, stopping by the Mountaineering Services Offices to finalize arrangements.

The Rwenzori Central Circuit commences at Nyakalengija where you drive to this morning following breakfast. After all the formalities at the park HQ, commence today’s 7-hour trek to Nyabitaba Hut through verdant farmland before meandering alongside the glistening waters of the Mubuku River. As you ascend the steep slopes, your senses are awakened by the symphony of nature, from the melodic chirping of birds to the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. This first leg of the climb offers opportunities to encounter chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco. After a challenging yet exhilarating journey, you arrive at Nyabitaba Hut, nestled amidst the towering peaks, where you’ll rest and recharge for the adventures yet to come.

With the first light of dawn illuminating the horizon, you bid farewell to Nyabitaba Hut and continue your odyssey through the untamed wilderness of the Rwenzori Mountains. Following the trail as it winds its way through dense forests and across rushing streams, you make your way towards the Kurt Shafer Bridge, a gateway to new vistas and experiences. As you traverse through bamboo forests and moss-covered rocks, the landscape transforms before your eyes, revealing a surreal panorama of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. Finally, after a day of exploration and discovery, you arrive at John Matte Hut, your sanctuary amidst the rugged beauty of the mountains, where you’ll savor a well-deserved meal and rest under the star-studded sky.

As the mist begins to lift and the world awakens to a new day, you lace up your boots and prepare to continue your ascent towards the lofty heights of the Rwenzori Mountains. Setting out from John Matte Hut, you navigate through the sprawling expanse of Lower Bigo Bog, where giant lobelias stand sentinel amidst the tranquil waters. Crossing the Bujuku River, you press onward, your gaze fixed upon the distant peaks of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley, looming majestically on the horizon. As you reach Bujuku Hut, nestled in the shadow of the towering mountains, you’re greeted by a sense of awe and wonder, knowing that you’ve embarked upon a climb that you will never forget.

As the sun casts its golden glow upon the rugged landscape, you bid farewell to the tranquil shores of Bujuku Lake, setting your sights on the lofty heights that await. With each step, the trail leads you deeper into the heart of the Rwenzori Mountains, weaving through the enchanting beauty of the alpine terrain. Traversing through the mystical Groundsel Gully, you ascend towards the lofty heights of Scott-Elliot Pass, where the air grows thin and the vistas stretch out before you in a breathtaking panorama. At the head of the gully, a metal ladder beckons, guiding you over a steep section as you navigate towards your destination. Here, the trail diverges, offering two paths to choose from. The right trails ascends to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley while the left trail leads to Scott-Elliot pass and the Kitandara Lakes, offering respite for weary hikers not bound for Margherita Peak. At this point, hikers not climbing to Magherita peak continue to Kitandara Hut. For climbers headed to the peak, with determination you press onwards, forging ahead towards Elena Hut, a beacon of warmth and shelter amidst the icy embrace of the mountains. Here, amidst the cool embrace of the high altitude, you’ll find solace and sanctuary, as you prepare for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

As the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, you embark upon the ultimate challenge – the ascent to Margherita Peak (5109m), the crowning jewel of the Rwenzori Mountains. This climb begins at the base of the Stanley Glacier and takes approximately 5-7 hours. With each step, you ascend towards the heavens, leaving the world below behind as you climb ever higher into the realm of the clouds. The final climb to Margherita Peak is not for the faint of heart, requiring physical fitness, and technical climbing skills as well as an unwavering determination. With each glacier crossed and each rocky outcrop conquered, you draw closer to your goal, fueled by the sheer magnitude of the challenge that lies before you.

Finally, after hours of arduous ascent, you stand atop Margarita Peak, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains, where the world stretches out before you in a breathtaking vista of snow-capped peaks and endless skies. In this moment of triumph, you are one with the mountains, united in spirit and purpose, as you bask in the glory of your achievement. After, descend through Scott-Elliot Pass, enjoying views of Bujuku Lake, Mount Speke, Mount Stanley and the Kitandara Lakes. You end the day with dinner and overnight at Kitandara Hut.

Today, from Kitandara Hut, ascend towards the lofty heights of Fresh Field Pass, where the air grows thin and the vistas stretch out before you in a breathtaking panorama. This section of the trek offers views of DR Congo to the west and Mountain Stanley to the north. From the pass, the world unfolds in a mesmerizing tableau of snow-capped peaks and endless skies, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the mountains. Here, amidst the pristine wilderness, you’ll find solace and sanctuary, as you traverse the rocky terrain towards Guy Yeoman, your haven amidst the rugged beauty of the mountains. As you settle in for the night, surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains, you reflect upon the trek that has brought you here, from the tranquil shores of Bujuku Lake to the towering heights of Margarita Peak. In this moment of quiet contemplation, you find peace amidst the chaos of the world, as you embrace the timeless beauty of the mountains and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

With the first light of dawn illuminating the horizon, you bid farewell to Guy Yeoman, setting forth on the final leg of your climb-down through the untamed wilderness of the Rwenzori Mountains. With each step, you descend towards the lush valleys below, leaving behind the towering peaks and icy glaciers that have been your home for the past week. With each step, you carry with you the lessons learned and the triumphs earned, as you journey towards Nyabitaba, where it all began so many days ago.

As you arrive at Nyabitaba, a sense of accomplishment washes over you, as you reflect upon the challenges overcome and the mountains conquered. In this moment of quiet reflection, you find solace amidst the chaos of the world, as you embrace the timeless beauty of the mountains and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

As the sun rises on the final day of your trek, you bid farewell to Nyabitaba, setting forth on the last leg of your adventure through the untamed wilderness of the Rwenzori Mountains. Descend from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija in 3-4 hours completing your Rwenzori trek by afternoon. As you arrive at Nyakalengija, a sense of nostalgia washes over you as you reflect upon the adventures shared and the bonds forged amidst the untamed beauty of the mountains. From here, make the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, check-in at the lodge you have chosen and rest from the fatigue of the last eight days. You have the rest of the day to yourself.

Begin your day with the anticipation of thrilling wildlife encounters as you embark on a morning game drive through the picturesque landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wake up early, enjoy your breakfast or opt to take it on the go as you venture into the Kasenyi track, renowned for its rich biodiversity. In this open savannah, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of buffaloes, majestic lions, graceful elephants, and a myriad of avian species that call this park home.

Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out for its lush greenery, even during the dry season, a testament to its unique landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Traverse through this remarkable terrain, marveling at the vast crater lakes, sprawling grasslands, and dense woodlands that dot the park.

After the guided morning game drive, return to your lodge for a hot lunch. After, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel – a major highlight of the safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is a natural waterway, linking lakes Edward and George. It boasts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos (there are 1,500 hippos found along the channel), providing a mesmerizing spectacle of these aquatic giants. Glide along the tranquil waters, accompanied by the symphony of birdcalls and the occasional splash of a crocodile, as you soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings. On the boat cruise, hippos frolic and yawn wide, elephants and buffalo drink their fill at the channel’s banks. The boat trip is a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle. The boat cruise promises to be a highlight of your journey, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. From the boat cruise, if time allows continue on an evening game drive culminating into a return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check-out and commence the 7-hour drive to Entebbe. You will make two stops including one for an early lunch. After lunch, continue with a stop at the Equator point. Here, you can purchase some crafts and souvenirs from your Uganda safari and take fun photos at the Equator monument. You should arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon/ early evening. If you have time and your flight is later, you can use the facilities at one of our partner Guest Houses to freshen up ahead of check-in for your international flight back home. Accommodation for this day/ night is not included. But we can book a room for you if you advise it. At the appropriate time, you will be dropped off at the airport in time for you to check-in for your onward flight home.

Potential Extension: Trek Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park