7-Day Mount Gessi Trek | Hike Uganda’s Hidden Rwenzori Peak (4,798m)

Day 1: Nyakalengija (1,650m) to Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m)

The 7-day Mount Gessi hike commences from Nyakalengiji, where you will head to the park gate of Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Your guides will brief you. Setting your foot into the lush forest, you will walk through the towering trees of the Rwenzori Mountains, an incredible part of the mountain with countless tree species.

On your hike you will spot several colobus monkeys playing about in their habitat, and the birds will be entertaining you through your journey with beautiful melodies. Stay on the lookout for the endemic three-horned chameleon and the Rwenzori turaco, among so many other bird species. After hiking steep ascents that include ladders, crossing several bridges, and enjoying the varying terrain, you will reach Nyabitaba Camp, which is surrounded by very tall trees, and here you will be spending a night.

Day 2: Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp (3,505m)

After waking up in the cool breeze of Nyabitaba Camp, you enjoy breakfast there before embarking on your journey to John Matte Camp, which is a longer distance compared to yesterday’s trek.  Set foot slopping down to Kurt Shaffer Bridge, where you will cross the two rivers, Mubuku and Bujuku. At this location, the two rivers meet, making it the perfect spot for beautiful pictures.

After a steep hike, you will be welcomed into the bamboo zone by the tall bamboo trees that surround this section of the mountain. Continue your journey through breathtaking landscapes until you arrive at the heather zone, home to various species of heather trees. The trail generally consists of a mixture of ascents and descents, which helps with acclimatization to ensure that your body is well prepared for high altitudes. You will reach John Matte after walking along the shores of the River Bujuku, which is lined with an incredible mossy-covered forest.  The journey covers a distance of 7.5 km and may take you approximately 6 to 7 hours or more.

Day 3: John Matte to Skull Cave (Wild Camping)

The third day leads you to Skull Cave. After breakfast, you will set off from John Matte, and the trail will lead you to a boggy area in the heather zone of the Rwenzori Mountains. Prepare yourself with your rubber boots to navigate through this challenging boggy terrain, which may require some time. Continue with the walk-through of the various vegetation covers in the Rwenzori Mountains. After about 6 to 7 hours of walking, you will reach the skull cave, where you will pitch a tent for the night. Enjoy the surrounding landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains during the evening.

Day 4: Skull Cave to Lac de Luna Camp

Continue your 7-day Mount Gessi hiking itinerary with day 4 taking you from Skull Cave to Lac de Luna camp, where you will also experience wild camping ahead of the summit day to the majestic Mount Gessi.  Begin your day by enjoying breakfast while taking in the views of the valleys from the Congo side of the mountain. Embark on the hike that is quite challenging with steep ascents, and it is physically demanding; therefore, prepare well enough to ensure this is not a challenge.  On this day, you will walk for about 8 hours or more; however, for first-time hikers, the duration may be only 7 hours before reaching the camp. Pitch a tent in the ground and enjoy the night in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 5: Summit Mount Gessi (4,798m) and Return to Lac de Luna

Wake up early and prepare yourself for the incredible final ascent to Mount Gessi. Finally, day 5 will be leading you to the highlight of this 7-day Mount Gessi hiking itinerary. You will follow your guide up the steep slopes, bouldering rocks, and rough terrain. The hike is quite strenuous, but each step rewards you with the assurance of getting closer to the summit, where you will spot the Congolese homesteads and other incredible views of the Rwenzori Mountains. At last, you’ll be at Mount Gessi’s peak. Take a moment to enjoy the stunning views and capture them on camera. After the summit of Mount Gessi, you will embark on your descent, tracing the very footsteps that led you up until you reach Lac de Luna camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Lac de Luna to John Matte

The descent takes you to John Matte Camp on your sixth day, where you will have dinner and an overnight stay this day. The descent today is a little more gentle as compared to the previous days, with minor challenges. You will enjoy views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley on your journey to John Matte, with the glacier-towering peaks of Mount Stanley. Spending about 8 hours on your journey, you will finally reach the camp. Soak in the beauty of the camp with neighboring portal peaks that offer stunning views.

Day 7: John Matte back to Nyakalengija

Your final day of the incredible 7-day Mount Gessi hiking itinerary takes you from John Matte today and finally leads you out of the park via the Mihunga Gate of the Rwenzori Mountains. Walking past the bog along River Bujjuku, the trek will take you through the heather trees to the bamboo areas of the mountains and finally to the dense forest. With a stopoverat Nyabitaba Camp, you will embark on the descent journey that finally brings you to the end of this rewarding and unforgettable journey to Mount Gessi of the Rwenzori Mountains.