The Kilembe Trail takes you through one of the most biodiverse mountain ecosystems on Earth, starting with thick Afro-montane forests, climbing through bamboo zones, giant heather forests, boggy Afro-alpine moorlands, and finally into icy glacial terrain. Every day reveals a new landscape, a new challenge, and a new perspective on this mystical mountain range.
18 Days Rwenzori Trek: Summit All 8 Major Peaks via Kilembe Trail.
Conquer all 8 major Rwenzori peaks on this 18-day expedition. Explore glaciers, alpine forests, lakes, and rugged high-altitude terrain on Africa’s ultimate mountaineering trek.
This tailor-made Rwenzori trek allows you to spend 18 days hiking to the summits of the Rwenzori Mountains’ eight highest peaks. Those with prior trekking experience should consider this trek to see the Mountains of the Moon. Climb the Rwenzori Mountains today! Join Rwenzori Trekking Safaris to summit not only Mount Stanley (Margherita, Cheptegei, and Albert Peaks), but also Mount Baker, Speke, Gessi, and Emini.
This 18-day Rwenzori expedition is built for seasoned trekkers, adventure athletes, and mountaineers ready to test their endurance and skills in one of the toughest high-altitude circuits in Africa. It’s long, it’s rugged, and it’s relentlessly rewarding. Completing all eight summits is a rare accomplishment, a true badge of honor for any mountaineer.
Trek Highlights by Days: 18 Days Rwenzori Trek (All 8 Peaks)
Day 1: Arrival in Kasese & Trek Preparation
Day 2: Nyakalengija (1,450m) – Sine Camp (2,596m)
Day 3: Sine Camp – Mutinda Camp (3,688m)
Day 4: Mutinda Camp – Bugata Camp (4,062m)
Day 5: Summit Weismann Peak (4,620m), Return to Bugata Camp
Day 6: Bugata Camp – Bamwanjara Pass – Butawu Camp (3,974m)
Day 7: Summit Mount Baker (4,844m), Return to Butawu Camp
Day 8: Butawu Camp – Margherita Camp (4,485m)
Day 9: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m)
Day 10: Summit Alexandra Peak (5,083m), Return to Margherita Camp
Day 11: Traverse to Elena Camp, Ascent Toward Mount Speke Base
Day 12: Summit Mount Speke (4,890m), Return to Camp
Day 13: Traverse to Camp for Gessi & Emin
Day 14: Summit Mount Gessi (4,715m)
Day 15: Summit Mount Emin (4,798m)
Day 16: Traverse Back Toward Weismann Valley, Overnight at Bugata
Day 17: Bugata Camp – Sine Camp
Day 18: Sine Camp – Nyakalengija – End of Expedition.
Detailed (Day by Day) of the 18-Day Rwenzori Trek: Summit All 8 Peaks in Uganda
Day 1: Arrival in Kasese & Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kasese, meet your guides, inspect your gear, and receive your full safety briefing. The Rwenzori team checks equipment, guide ratios, meals, and weather conditions for the coming days.
Day 2: Nyakalengija (1,450 m)–Sine Camp (2,596 m)
Hike through thick montane forest bustling with black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and sunbirds. The trail is steep but steady.
Elevation gain: +1,146 m.
Day 3: Sine Camp–Mutinda Camp (3,688 m)
Enter the bamboo zone and heather forests. Expect muddy sections and wooden ladders. At Mutinda, climb to the viewpoint (3,925 m) for acclimatization.
Day 4: Mutinda Camp–Bugata Camp (4,062 m)
Cross open moorlands dominated by giant lobelias and everlasting flowers. Bugata offers spectacular views of Weismann Peak and Lake Kopello.
Day 5: Summit Weismann Peak (4,620 m)—Return to Bugata Camp.
Your first peak of the expedition. The summit gives a panoramic view of the Rwenzori spine.
Peak: Weismann (4,620 m).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 6: Bugata Camp – Bamwanjara Pass – Butawu Camp (3,974m)
Cross the dramatic Bamwanjara Pass, often swept by mountain winds. Descend into the valley leading to Mount Baker.
Day 7: Summit Mount Baker (4,844 m)—Return to Butawu Camp
A steep, rocky ascent with scrambling sections near the summit ridge.
Peak 2: Mount Baker (4,844 m).
The ridge reveals incredible views of the Mount Stanley ice fields.
Day 8: Butawu Camp – Margherita Camp (4,485m)
Move closer to the snowline. This is where crampon and rope training begins in preparation for glacial climbs.
Day 9: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m)
The highest point of the Rwenzori. Expect glacier travel, ropework, crevasses, and a tough summit push.
Peak 3: Margherita (5,109 m)—The Roof of the Rwenzori.
Optionally summit Alexandra Peak (5,083 m) on the same day if weather allows.
Day 10: Summit Alexandra Peak (5,083 m)—Return to Margherita Camp
If you haven’t done so already, make sure to summit Alexandra Peak today. It is the more technical of the Stanley peaks due to icy ridges.
Peak 4: Alexandra (5,083 m).
Day 11: Traverse to Elena Camp—Ascent Toward Mount Speke Base
Move through steep rocky sections and contour around the massif to position for Speke.
Day 12: Summit Mount Speke (4,890 m)—Return to Camp
A spectacular ascent on Mount Speke’s summit ridge. Often misty, giving a surreal “floating in the clouds” feeling.
Peak 5: Mount Speke (4,890 m).
Mount Speke
Day 13: Traverse to Camp for Gessi & Emin
Descend and re-ascend through valleys dominated by giant groundsel plants. Reach a base for the northern peaks.
Day 14: Summit Mount Gessi (4,715m)
Mount Gessi offers steep rocky ledges and the most dramatic drop-offs of all peaks.
Peak 6: Gessi (4,715 m).
Day 15: Summit Mount Emin (4,798m)
Emin is rugged and sharp-edged, with exposed scramble sections. One of the most rewarding summits.
Peak 7: Mount Emin (4,798 m).
Day 16: Traverse Back Toward Weismann Valley—Overnight at Bugata
Rejoin the southern circuit. Long descent but extremely scenic.
Day 17: Bugata Camp – Sine Camp
The drop in altitude revives your energy. Forest sounds return, and air becomes thicker and warmer.
Day 18: Sine Camp – Nyakalengija – End of Expedition
Descend back to the trailhead. Celebrate your achievement of all eight Rwenzori summits, something only a handful of mountaineers complete.
What’s Included in the Hiking Fees
- Professional mountain guides
- Porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Accommodation in wooden mountain huts
- Technical summit equipment (Ropes, ice axes, helmets, harnesses)
- Free use of rubber boots
Not Included in the Package Fees:
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Medivac and Evacuation insurance
- Accommodation before/after the trek.
- Transfers to/from the trailhead (can be arranged upon request)
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you need any clarification about a Rwenzori trek, contact one of our trekking experts to start planning your journey today.
A 10% percentage of your safari proceeds goes to supporting the local Bakonjo Communities (orphans, schools & homes)
The Rwenzori Travel Guide.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Getting to Rwenzori
- Best Time to Visit the Rwenzori’s
- Things to do/Activities in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Things to See/Attractions in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Rwenzori Trekking Routes
- Central Circuit Trail
- Kilembe Trail
- Bukulungu Trail
- Rwenzori Trekking Safaris
- The Cost of Climbing the Rwenzoris
- Accommodations inside & outside the Rwenzori Mountains.
Rwenzori Trekking Tours 2025/26
- Mount Speke & Mount Stanley Trek – Rwenzori Expedition
- 2-Day Rwenzori Mountains Hike to Lake Mahoma
- 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari.
- 2-Day Rwenzori Trek to Sine Camp
- Rwenzori & Karisimbi Trekking
- 4-Day Rwenzori Waterfalls Hike – Kilembe Trail
- 6 Days Rwenzori Mountaineering
- 10 Days Rwenzori Tetra, Bernard, Agart Trek
- 5 Days Climbing Magheritah Peak
- Climbing Mount Elgon
- Rwenzori Kilembe Trek (10 Days)
- 16 Days Uganda Gorillas & Rwenzori Climbing
- 6-Day Rwenzori Portal Peaks Hike.
- 18 Days Rwenzori Trek (8 Peaks)
- 5-Day Mount Speke Hike
- 6-Days Wiseman Trekking Trip
- 7 Days Rwenzori Mountaineering Safari (Central Circuit)
- 5-Day Rwenzori Hike to Bujjuku
- 8-Day Rwenzori Trekking Expedition.
- 7-Day Mount Emin Hiking Itinerary
- 12 Days Rwenzori & Gorilla Trekking
- Rwenzori Hike, Primates Trek, and Big Five Safari
- Rwenzori 5-Day Trek to Edward Peak | Mount Baker & Freshfield Pass Trek
- 7-Day Mount Gessi Trek (4,798m)
- 7 Days of Rwenzori Trekking to Mount Baker & Weismann Peak.
- 3-Day Mahoma Loop Hike
What to Pack:
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Warm sleeping bag (0–10°C rating)
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Rain gear (jacket & pants)
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Sturdy hiking boots
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Thermal layers
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Refillable water bottle
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Trekking poles
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Headlamp
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Snacks & energy bars
- Camera, power bank
Our Popular Rwenzori Treks
Magheritah Peak (8 Days Kilembe Trail)
$1705 Per Person
Mutinda LookOut (4 Days)
$645 Per Person
Short Magherita Hike (5 Days Central Circuit)
$1200 Per Person
Rwenzori Hike (7 Days Central Circuit)
$1400 Per Person