9-Day Climbing Rwenzori Mountains Thrilling Budget Adventure

9 Days

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day adventure through the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon". This budget-friendly expedition takes you to the highest peak in Africa, Margherita Peak, and offers stunning views, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences.

Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest range, is a thrilling multi-day adventure through diverse landscapes, from tropical forests and bamboo zones to alpine meadows and glacial peaks. The trek typically takes 7 to 10 days, led by experienced guides through designated routes like the Central Circuit or Kilembe Trail. Climbers must be physically fit and prepared for varying weather. Summit attempts lead to Margherita Peak (5,109m), offering breathtaking views.

Cost per person:

Starting from: USD $2250 (Budget Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

 1 Person2 People3 People4 People5 People6 People
Jan-April$2520$2250$2050$1950$1850$1750
May- August$2720$2450$2250$2150$2050$1950
Sept- Dec$2620$2350$2150$2050$1950$1850

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age0-2 years old3-6 years old7-10 years old11-13 years old14+ years old
Discount Rate100%65%50%15%0%

 

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Budget Lodges
  • English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
  • Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
  • 1-100 people
  • 1-90 years old
  • January - December
  • Entebbe International Airport
  • Entebbe International Airport

Why This Tour?

9-Day Climbing Rwenzori Mountains Thrilling Budget Adventure

Join our 9-Day Climbing Rwenzori Mountains Thrilling Budget Adventure and experience the breathtaking beauty of Africa's third-highest peak. Enjoy stunning views, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences on this unforgettable budget-friendly expedition. The park is a home to unique plant species, monkeys, and over 200 bird species. Its dramatic landscapes range from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows and rugged peaks. Prepare to be blown away as Rwenzori offers a truly unique and less-crowded mountain experience in Africa.

East Africa Tours

You will go hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

During this safari, you will engage in the adrenaline-rush activity of hiking the third highest range in Africa. Rwenzori Mountains National Park, located in western Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a spectacular and rugged natural wonder. Known as the "Mountains of the Moon," the park is home to the legendary Rwenzori range, including Margherita Peak, the third-highest point in Africa at 5,109 meters.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning landscapes, from dense montane forests and bamboo zones to alpine meadows and glacial peaks. It supports a rich array of wildlife and endemic plant species, offering one of the most unique trekking experiences on the continent. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a nature enthusiast, the park’s remote beauty and ecological diversity make it a truly unforgettable destination.

Join us on this thrilling 9-day adventure through the Rwenzori Mountains and experience the adventure of a lifetime. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences, this budget-friendly expedition is an opportunity not to be missed. Book now and create lifelong memories!

Highlights

  • Mountain Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Nature walk

Tour Plan

  • Day
    1

    Welcome To Uganda | Transfer To Kasese

    On arrival in Uganda, you will be welcomed and picked by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide, who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Entebbe International Airport, and you will be transferred to Kasese, you will check on your hiking gears and we shall make sure you have got hiking gears of your choice that fits you.

    Meals and overnight at  Rubon Community Campsite.

  • Day
    2

    Mihunga Gate (1615m asl.) – Nyabitaba Hut (2651m asl.)

    After breakfast at 8:00am, your guide and porters will pick you from the hotel and start the journey to Rwenzori Mountains National Park at Nyakalengija gate at about 1.615m Asl.

    Your Kubwa five safaris mountain guide will brief you then begins the hike by passing through farmland to the park boundary beyond which it follows a thick forest along the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma River tributary before starting a long, steep climb up onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba hut.

    During this part of the trip you may hear chimpanzee and see black and white Columbus, blue monkey and the brilliantly colored Rwenzori turraco without forgetting  the most attractive chameleons illusive 3 horned and you will be seeing the first peak on your right hand side called Portal peak .

    Meals and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut.
    Hike duration: 6 -7 hours. Elevation height: 1,036m.

  • Day
    3

    Nyabitaba Hut (2651m asl.) – John Matte Hut (3505m asl.)

    From Nyabitaba Hut, you will follow the trail that drops down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers.

    Passing through the bamboo forest, traverse through a long and exhausting stretch of slippery moss-covered rock. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen before passing into the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. Finally reach John Matte Hut after passing through the tiring bog.

    Meals and overnight at John Matte Hut.
    Hike duration: 7 – 8 hours. Elevation height: 854m

  • Day
    4

    John Matte Hut (3505m asl.) – Bujuku Hut (3962m asl.)

    From John Matte Hut, the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Jumping from tussock to tussock, the bog is finally crossed but rarely without the feet sampling some of the freezing ooze below.

    The upper Bigo bog gives way to Bujuku Lake, with views of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Bujuku Hut, well located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is set in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass. This camp is good for acclimatization for clients attempting the summits of peaks Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.

    Meals and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
    Hike duration: 4 – 5 hours. Elevation height: 457m

  • Day
    05

    Bujuku Hut (3962m asl.) – Elena Hut (4541m asl.)

    Leaving Bujuku Hut, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical and forest of Groundsel Gully.

    Turn to your right up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes the trail on he left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. Those climbing the peak will have their dinner.

    Meals and overnight at Elena Hut.
    Hike duration: 5 – 6 hours. Elevation height: 579m

  • Day
    06

    Elena Hut (4541m asl.) – Margherita Peak (5109m asl.) – Kitandara Hut (4430m asl.)

    Very early in the morning, you attempt climbing the highest peak, Margherita of Mount Stanley. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 4 -5 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain.

    This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzori mountains. The Descend from Margherita peak back to Kitandara Hut will take you about 2 – 3hours.

    Meals and overnight at Kitandara Hut.
    Descend duration: 3 – 4 hours.

  • Day
    07

    Kitandara Hut (4430m asl.) – Guy Yeoman (3261m asl.)

    From Kitandara Hut, take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass 4282m asl.

    At this point you can view into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, take on the long high alpine mossy. Thereafter start the descend through steep rocky trails and the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906

    Meals and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut.
    Hike duration: 6 – 7 hours.

  • Day
    08

    Guy Yeoman (3261m asl.) – Nyabitaba Hut (2651m asl.) – Mihunga Gate (1615m asl.)

    Below Guy Yeoman Hut, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing downwards to Nyabitaba Hut to complete the circuit.

    Continue descending Nyabitaba Hut and complete your trek by the evening to Mihunga gate to end your 7 days Rwenzori Margherita peak summit trip.

    Descent duration: 6 – 7 hours.

    Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by the community with the traditional dance celebrating for your success on conquering Rwenzori Mountain which is the top most part of Uganda.

    Meals and overnight at Rubon Community Campsite.

  • Day
    09

    The Last Day With Us | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

    After having a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

Inclusions

  • Services of an expert guide
  • Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Ground transportation (4×4 safari Landcruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
  • Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Park fees and relevant government taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
  • Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Accommodation

Throughout this exciting journey, you will be accommodated in a variety of accommodations.

The accommodation is appropriate and will be determined by your budget. Kubwa Five Safaris offers the best service at every level. Kubwa Five Safaris reserves the right to substitute comparable or superior accommodations. If an equivalent standard hotel is not available, Kubwa Five Safaris may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest a superior for an additional fee. Hotels and lodges provide free Wi-Fi.

During the hike, you will be camping in the various campsites available.

How to Get There

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer from the airport is included. Kubwa Five Safaris will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport. 

Transfer to and from Entebbe International airport is included. No additional charges.

After your thrilling vacation in Uganda, Kubwa Five Safaris will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport for your scheduled flight back home. Airport transfer is included.

Visa Applications

Please write to us for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees and ground transportation throughout the safari.

3. What should I pack for this 9-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

5. What type of accommodations are provided?

You will be camping throughout the safari.

6. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

7. How physically demanding is the safari?

The safari requires extreme physical fitness due to hiking in the mountainous and forested terrain.

8. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

9. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

10. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Why You Should Visit Uganda?

  • Uganda

Uganda is known as "The Pearl of Africa" with good cause. It is one of the few places in the world where you may enjoy safaris, mountains, forests, rivers, and rich culture all in one trip.

It is one of just three nations where you can journey to observe wild mountain gorillas, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meeting these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience.

The Nile River's source is in Uganda! Jinja, Africa's adventure capital, offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and relaxing sunset cruises.

Frequently Asked Question about Uganda

  1. When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Uganda is accessible at any time of year. Mountain gorilla trekking is on most tourists’ bucket lists, and permits are available all year.

Uganda is a tropical country that receives a lot of rain. The wettest months are March to May, which can make travel difficult. During the Wet Season some roads become extremely muddy and difficult to navigate.

The dry season months of June to August and December to February provide the best travel conditions, and are also ideal for Ugandan gorilla trekking. The dry season months are also ideal for general wildlife viewing in savannah reserves because animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, and the grass is shorter, making spotting easier.

2. How are the wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda?

Uganda is home to some of the best wilderness areas on the African continent. Uganda unquestionably has some of the best and most beautiful wildlife in the world.

Uganda has a diverse wildlife population and is home to the big five game animals. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are the best places in Uganda to see wildlife.

A wildlife viewing experience in Uganda is well worth your time and money, and it will leave you with lasting memories. Uganda, unspoiled and raw, offers a genuine sense of off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Uganda is endowed with numerous natural and cultural wonders that are largely unknown to the general public. Uganda is still relatively unknown, with the majority of tourists interviewed stating that this was their first visit and promising to return with their friends. With an astounding number of hippos, rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, gorillas, chimps, giraffes, buffalos, and other animals thriving in Uganda’s national parks, Uganda is undeniably endowed.

Uganda is home to over 350 different species of mammals of various sizes. They include large mammals such as gorillas, rhinos, hippos, chimps, buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs, as well as small mammals such as bats, moles, and shrews. These mammals are classified into three groups: primates (gorillas, chimps, monkeys, and others), carnivores (leopards, African wildcats, cheetahs, and others), and herbivores (Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes and more).

3. Is Uganda safe for tourists?

When traveling to urban areas, travelers should take the usual precautions for their safety and try to avoid traveling at night. Petty crime is a problem in urban areas, just as it is in all poor countries. Each national park is equipped with security personnel in order to guarantee the tourists’ well-being.