15 Days Rwenzori Central Circuit & Kilembe Trail (Combined)

15 Days Rwenzori Central Circuit & Kilembe Trail (Combined) is an Ultimate Rwenzori Mountains Trekking Safari for the experts because it includes hiking the Rwenzori Mountains via Central Circuit Trails and Kilembe Trail Route.

Rwenzori: Mountains of the Moon, Uganda

Safari by day Highlight & Detailed Itinerary: 15 Days Rwenzori Trekking Via Central Circuit & Kilembe Trail (Combined)

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport & Meet your guide and transfer to the Rwenzori Mountains

Arrival at a Time, after around half an hour customs clearance transfer from the airport to accommodation night (Ruboni Community Camp) The drive guide will pick you from the airport and drive you to Rwenzori National Park. Dinner and Overnight at Ruboni Community Camp

Trek from Nyakalengija to Nyabitabba (2651m)

The Central Circuit starts at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services offices at Nyakalengija. You should arrive in the morning to allow ample time to rent equipment and meet your guides and porters. The trail begins by passing through farmland to the park boundary beyond which it follows the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma tributary before starting a long, steep climb up onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba hut. The hike takes around 5–6 hours. During this part of the trip, you may hear chimpanzees and see black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and the brilliantly colored Rwenzori turaco.

Trekking From Nyabitaba Hut (2651 m) to Mubuku River (2600 m) John Matte Hut (3380 m)

From Nyabitaba 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 Nyamileju 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, for Dinner and Overnight at the Hut. The hike takes around 6–7 hours.

Hiking John Matte (3380 m) to Bujuku (3962 m)

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 oozes 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. Dinner and overnight at Bujukuhut.The hike takes around 5–6 hours.

Climbing from Bujuku (3977 m) to Elena Hut (4541 m)

Leaving Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical Groundsel Gully as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. At the head of the gully, a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads 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 the left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. Those climbing the peak will have their Dinner and Overnight at the coolly and Icy Elena Hut. The hike takes around 4–5 hours.

Trekking From Elena Hut (4541 m) to Margherita peak– Around Hunwick’s

For those aiming at reaching Margherita’s peak (5109 m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5–7 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. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing onto the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau, and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness, and cool weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed. Accommodation will be around Hunwick Camping.

Around Huniwick Camping to Bugata Rock Shelter Camping

(Polish peaks) – Bugata Rock Shelter to Tatra Peak (4560 m) and Bernardzikiewicz Peak (4550 m)

These are unique Picks and they were named by people from Poland. I gave two full days here, even if we manage to climb two peaks in one day (they are next to each other), one day of doing nothing will be useful here. For me a lot to see.

Bugata Camp to Kitandara Lakes Camp

Kitandara Lakes Camp to Guy Yeoman Camp. (Kichuchu rock shelter?)

Guy Yeoman Camp to Nyabitaba Hut. Last overnight at the Rwenzori

Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija. Dinner and Overnight at Ruboni Community Camp

Ruboni Community Camp or Kampala extra day just in case (rest, covid test?)

End of the 15 Days Combined Rwenzori Trekking Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Rwenzori Hike Permit
• Park entrance fees for all the days
• Accommodation and meals during the hike (I am a vegetarian, eggs and cheese are ok)
• Water, tea, coffee (I added coffee, tea)
• Accommodation at the base and meals (vegetarian)
• Ground transportation (transport: from and to the airport, to the Rwenzori Mountians’ gate, to test if still necessary I will agree on it with the driver guide, I hope it won’t be needed anymore)
• Guides and Porters
• Lunch Enroute
• Driver allowance
• Ice Hiking Equipment (ice axe, harness, rope).

Safari Exclusions

• Covid tests
• Visa
• Warm gear
• Beverages
• Hiking sticks, crampons,
• And other items of personal nature