13 Days 6 peaks Mount Rwenzori expedition

13 Days 6 peaks Mount Rwenzori expedition starts at Rwenzori mountains National Park Mihunga gate at the famous central circuit trail and the easiest/shortest route to the mountains of the moon. Embarking on an expedition to mount Rwenzori, takes you through the five vegetation zones that includes, montane forest zone, bamboo forest zone, heather zone, afro alpine zone and glacier/Rocky zone.

This trip takes you to the historical peaks named and climbed by the early explorers who discovered first hand untamed raw beauty of the Rwenzoris. The 13 days will give you an opportunity to reach heights of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Emin, Mount Baker and Mount Luigi Di Savoia. Climbing mount Rwenzori requires fitness levels to conquer this magnificent and scenic mountain.

Trek highlight/summary for 13 days 6 peaks mount Rwenzori expedition.

Day 1: Nyakalengijo (1651m) to Nyabithaba Camp (2651m)

Day 2: Nyabithaba Camp (2651m) to John Matte Camp (3505m)

Day 3: John Matte Camp (3505m) to Skull Cave (Pitch a Tent)

Day 4: Skull Cave Camp to Lac de Laluna Camp (Tent Pitch)

Day 5: Lac de Laluna Camp to Mount Emin to Umberto Peak (4798m)

Day 6: Lac de Laluna Camp to Bigo Camp (3505m)

Day 7: Bigo Camp (3505m) to Bujuku Camp (3962m)

Day 8: Bujuku Camp (3962m) to Mount Speke (Victoria Emmanuel Peak 4890m)

Day 9: Bujuku Camp (3962m) to Elena Camp (4541m)

Day 10: Elena Camp (4541m) to Summit Margherita Peak (5109m)

Day 11: Kitandara Lakes Camp (4023m) to Summit Weissman’s Peak and Return to kitandara camp.

Day 12: Kitandara Lakes Camp (4023m) to Summit Mount Baker Edward Peak (4843m)

Day 13: Guyeoman Camp (3505m) to Nyabithaba Camp (2651m)

Detailed Itinerary For 13 Days 6 peaks mount Rwenzori expedition.

Day 1: Nyakalengijo (1651m) to Nyabithaba Camp (2651m)

After an early morning breakfast from your hotel in Kasese, the driver guide will drive you to mihunga gate for briefing and meeting your guide. The trail begins passing through farmland to the park boundary beyond which it follows a thick forest along the mubuku river. Cross the mahoma river tributary before starting a long steep climb up onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabithaba hut at 2561m.

During this part of the trail, you may hear chimpanzee and see black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and the brilliantly coloured Rwenzori turaco.

Hike duration: 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Nyabithaba Camp (1651m) to John Matte Camp (3505m)

Marvel at the stunning Portal Peaks as you cross the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers via Kurt Shafer Bridge. Navigate bamboo forests, hyginia abysinnica forest as you ascend to a higher altitude, experiencing a 7–8-hour, 7.5 km journey to John Matte Camp. Evening sun unveils glimpses of Margherita and Alexandria peaks, providing a captivating view of the snow with roars of River Bujuku. Dinner and overnight await at John Matte camp.

Day 3: John Matte Camp (3505m) to Skull Cave (Pitch a Tent)

Embark on a 6–7-hour trek from John Matte through challenging bog terrain in the Heather/Rupenia zones. High chances of spotting Rwenzori Turaco birds add to the adventure. Set up camp pitching tents with all you sleeping bags and mattresses you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Skull Cave.

Day 4: Skull Cave Camp to Lac de Laluna Camp (Tent Pitch)

Ascend steeply from Skull Cave to Lac de Laluna Camp, enjoying breathtaking views of Congolese homesteads during the 7–8-hour, 8 km hike. A wilderness dinner and overnight await at this elevated destination.

Day 5: Lac de Laluna Camp to Mount Emin – Umberto Peak (4798m)

Early morning exploration takes you to the challenging yet beautiful landscapes, reaching the bare rocks of Umberto Peak at 4798m. Capture stunning photos before returning to Lac de Laluna Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Lac de Laluna Camp to Bigo Camp (3505m)

A gentle yet challenging 8-hour walk from Lac de Laluna to Bigo Camp provides views of Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and Mount Speke. Enjoy a comfortable dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Bigo Camp (3450m) to Bujuku Camp (3962m)

Start your day with breathtaking valley views, navigating through difficult boggy conditions. A 4-hour hike takes you to Bujuku Camp at 3962m, offering dinner and an overnight stay with striking views of Lake Bujuku.

Day 8: Bujuku Camp (3900m) to Mount Speke (Victoria Emmanuel Peak 4890m)

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding climb from Bujuku to the snowline of Mount Speke, reaching the top at 4890m. Capture wondrous photos before returning to Bujuku Camp for dinner and rest.

Day 9: Bujuku Camp (3962m) to Elena Camp (4541m)

From Bujuku, climb over a head of the gully, a metal ladder takes you over a steep section, after which the trail cuts into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena camp 4541m and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over larger boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott Elliot pass 4300m and down to kitandara lakes camp. Follow the right leading to an ascend taking you to Elena hut.

Hike duration 4-5 hours.

Day 10: Elena Camp (4541m) to Summit Margherita Peak (5109m)

An early rise for breakfast gives energy for the challenging ascent to Margherita Peak, capturing breathtaking views. Return to Elena Camp for lunch and continue to Kitandara Lakes Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11: Kitandara Lakes Camp (4023m) – Summit Weissman’s Peak (4620m) and Return

Embark on a summit expedition to Weissman’s Peak, returning to Kitandara Lakes for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12: Kitandara Lakes Camp (4023m) – Summit Mount Baker Edward Peak (4844m)

Continue your ascent to Mount Baker Edward Peak before descending to Guyeoman Camp (3505m).

Day 13: Guyeoman Camp (3505m) to Nyabithaba Camp (2651m) – mihunga gate.

Descend to Nyabithaba Camp for lunch and continue to mihunga gate and sign out of the park proceed to your booked lodge for a hot shower and relaxing from the tiresome Rwenzori trip.