13 Days Rwenzori 6 Peaks Expedition—Ultimate Trekking Adventure Across the Rwenzori Majestic Mountains
Conquer Six Majestic Peaks in the Heart of Africa’s Legendary Rwenzori Mountains!
Embark on the ultimate 13-day trekking adventure through Uganda’s mystical Rwenzori Mountains, summiting six iconic peaks — Mount Gessi, Mount Emin, Mount Speke, Cheptegei Peak (Stanley), Mount Baker, and Weismann Peak. Traverse lush montane forests, vast alpine meadows, and glacial valleys while experiencing wild camping under the stars. Witness breathtaking sunrises from Africa’s third-highest summit, Margherita Peak (5,109m), and explore rugged landscapes where few have ventured. Designed for experienced mountain trekkers, this expedition promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey through some of Africa’s most remote and awe-inspiring terrains. Get ready for 13 days of pure adventure, dramatic vistas, and unforgettable memories in the legendary Mountains of the Moon.
Highlights—13 Days, 6 Peaks Rwenzori Expedition
- Conquer six major Rwenzori peaks: Mount Gessi, Mount Emin, Mount Speke, Cheptegei Peak (Mount Stanley), Mount Baker, and Weismann Peak.
- Summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m)—Africa’s third-highest point.
- Trek through diverse landscapes: montane forests, bamboo zones, mossy bogs, rocky outcrops, and glaciers.
- Camp at remote locations like Skull Cave, Lac de la Luna, Freshfield Pass, and Bigo Camp for true wilderness experiences.
- Explore iconic Rwenzori valleys: Bujuku Valley and Kitandara Lakes region.
- Experience wild camping under the stars in untouched mountain environments.
- Cross historic landmarks like Kurt Schafer Bridge and Scott-Elliot Pass.
- Witness dramatic sunrises and panoramic views over the Congo Basin and Uganda’s valleys.
- Spot unique Rwenzori wildlife, including Rwenzori Turacos and alpine plant species.
- Follow the Central Circuit Trail, the best route for accessing Rwenzori peaks.
- Adventure for experienced trekkers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime mountain challenge.
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and support teams ensure safety and success.
- A full immersion into Africa’s legendary “Mountains of the” Moon”—raw, rugged, and unforgettable!
Detailed Itinerary—13 Days, 6 Peaks Rwenzori Expedition
Day 1: Nyakalengeji (1,650m) – Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m)
Start your expedition by trekking through dense montane forests, crossing rivers, and tackling steep ascents. Reach Nyabitaba Camp and enjoy stunning views of the Portal Peaks.
Your friendly mountain guides will meet and brief you at Nyakalegeji, the starting point of the 13-day 6 Peaks Rwenzori expedition. Thereafter, you will begin your 6.5-kilometer (or 4- to 6-hour) walk into the dense forest, where you will use ladders to climb steep ascents. After crossing a bridge, you will walk on level ground for a while, but eventually you will encounter another steep ascent. You will spend the night at Nyabitaba Camp, which is located in the dense forest, and you can enjoy
Day 2: Nyabitaba – John Matte Camp (3,505m)
Descend to Kurt Schafer Bridge, witnessing the confluence of Rivers Mubuku and Bujuku. Hike through bamboo forests and mossy woodlands to reach the scenic John Matte Camp.
As you open your eyes to a new day, you’ll hear the birdsong of the forest and the rumble of the Mubbuku River, which is located not far from Nyabitaba Camp. It will take you eight to ten hours of hiking today over varied terrain to reach Johnmatte Camp. After a hearty breakfast, leave Nyabitaba and make your way to the Kurt Schaffer Bridge. Here, you’ll see the Bujjuko and Mubuku rivers converge in the Rwenzori highlands. Stop for photos and then start the ascent. At an elevation of 3000 meters above sea level, you will reach the bamboo zone after a somewhat difficult climb. Hike your way through dense bamboo forests to the Nyamuleju shelter, where you can take a break. After making your way through a mix of shrubs and man’s beard trees, you’ll eventually reach the slick, muddy banks of the Bujjuku River. From there, a stroll through a breathtaking mossy forest will lead you into John Matte’s camp.
Day 3: John Matte—Skull Cave Camp (Camping)
Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views. Trek through heather zones filled with Rwenzori turacos and ascend steep paths to camp at the mystical Skull Cave.
The camp is in a prime location to watch the sunrise over the gateway peaks. After breakfast, follow your guide to Skull Cave, where you can camp before heading to Mount Gessi. There are heather trees in the Rupenia and heather zones that you’ll be traversing. You may spot several bird species here, including the Rwenzori Turaco. You will set up ground tents and immerse yourself in the splendor of the Rwenzori Mountains’ atmosphere after following your guide on a challenging elevation climb to Skull Cave camp.
Day 4: Skull Cave—Lac de la Luna Camp
Climb higher for panoramic views overlooking the Democratic Republic of Congo. Set camp at Lac de la Luna, surrounded by surreal, rugged beauty.
Progressing to a higher vantage point allows for a clear view of the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will gradually navigate through the steep areas, exploring the homesteads and forest with careful steps. The terrain is challenging and quite demanding; it can be tiresome. However, the panoramic views of the serene landscape from the campsite where you will be settling tonight are certainly rewarding. Upon arrival, set up tents at the Lac de Laluna camp and immerse yourself in the camp’s surroundings.
Day 5: Summit Mount Gessi (4,800m)
Tackle your first peak! Navigate boulder-strewn slopes to the summit of Mount Gessi. Enjoy dramatic vistas of Congo’s lush forests before returning to camp.
Prepare yourself for the thrilling journey of reaching your first peak in the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains! Climb Mount Gessi, one of Orlando’s peaks, by navigating through bouldering rocks and steep inclines. When you get there, feel free to snap some photos for later! You’ll get a fantastic view of Congo! Thereafter, you’ll head down to the Lac de Laluna camp, where a lovely dinner awaits you, and you’ll spend the night there.
Day 6: Summit Mount Emin (4,900m)
Ascend Mount Emin through vibrant alpine landscapes. The second peak of your 13-day Rwenzori adventure awaits you today as you emerge from your tent. Mount Emin is home to various plant species from the Rwenzori Mountains, and the path leading up to it winds through breathtaking scenery. You will arrive at Mount Emin after the long and difficult trek. Before heading back to Lac de Laluna for supper and an overnight stay, make an effort to capture the grandeur of this peak.
Day 7: Descend to Bigo Camp (3,505m)
Descend challenging trails while marveling at the towering peaks of Stanley, Baker, and Speke. Camp overnight at the serene Bigo Camp.
Set off on the trail that descends from the Lac de Luna camp to the Bugo camp, where you will spend the night in a tent. As you descend, you can enjoy views of Baker, Speke, and Mount Stanley. The sloping is challenging and requires solid feet to avoid minor injuries. The scenery along the road to Bigo Camp is stunning. You can spend the night in Bigo camp if you pitch a tent there.
Day 8: Bigo Camp – Bujuku Camp (3,900m)
Hike through boggy meadows and past Lake Bujuku to reach Bujuku Camp, nestled beneath the surrounding giants of the Rwenzori.
Leave the Bigo camp and go to the Bujjuku camp, which is in the Bujjuku Valley. You will descend from the camp and walk through the lakes’ swampy tussocks, visible as you proceed downward. Keep going on your adventure walk through the bog until you reach the camp in the middle of the Rwenzori mountains, where you will sleep tonight.
Day 9: Summit Mount Speke (Victoria Emanuele Peak)
Ascend steep rocky trails to summit Mount Speke, one of Rwenzori’s historic and scenic peaks. Return to Bujuku Camp after soaking in breathtaking views.
Set off on a perilous journey to Mount Speke, navigating rugged inclines and valleys. Learn about Dr. Stuhlman’s impact on the Rwenzori Mountains as you ascend via his pass. Amidst the enormous boulders stands the summit of Mount Speke. Admire the breathtaking scenery of the highlands as you make your way back to Bujuku camp for the night.
Day 10: Bujuku – Ellena Camp (4,541m)
Navigate through bogs, boulders, and scenic high passes. Arrive at Elena Camp, strategically placed for the summit attempt on Margherita Peak.
Leaving the camp, you will walk through the swampy area of Bujjuku before beginning a difficult rise. Following the difficult ascent, you will travel past bouldering rocks and a forest of groundsels before embarking on the steep hike to Scott Elliot Pass. From here, you will continue through the rocks until you reach Ellena Camp. Take time to explore the camp’s surroundings, which include a view of Rwenzori’s splendor from above. Dinner and stay at Ellena.
Day 11: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m)—Kitandara Camp
Embark on a night ascent to Africa’s third-highest point, Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley. Traverse glaciers and rocky outcrops, reaching the summit at sunrise. Descend to Kitandara Camp for overnight.
To prepare for the task, you must rise early and commence your ascent to the peak at three o’clock in the morning, traversing the boulder field behind Elena Hut. Last but not least, on your way to the glacier, you will hike across the expansive Stanley Plateau. With your crampons in hand, ascend the glacier until the rising sun greets you. Before you go on to Kitandara Camp, which is situated on the banks of Lower Kitandara Lake, stop and take some pictures of the clouds.
Day 12: Summit Mount Baker—Freshfield Pass
After breakfast, summit Mount Baker via Freshfield Pass, experiencing the stunning contrasts between rocky escarpments and alpine meadows. Camp at Freshfield Pass.
You will conquer Mount Baker if you rise early and continue your adventure here after breakfast. Stunning vistas of strewn vegetation on rocks await you as you go to Freshfield Pass. Lastly, set up camp at Fresh Field Pass when you’ve arrived at Baker.
Day 13: Summit Weismann Peak—Descend to Nyakalengija.
Complete your final peak ascent to Weismann Peak. Enjoy your last breathtaking views before descending through varied ecosystems to Guy Yeoman Camp.
Start early in the morning on your 13-day, 6-peak Rwenzori trek to reach the top of the last peak. Today, you will hike up the steep hills and over the rocks of Freshfield Pass. At Weisman Peak, you can take photos and enjoy the area’s tranquil beauty. Then you will go back down to Guyeoman Camp.
You can recall the Rwenzori Mountains’ good times as you walk through the bogs and bamboo woods. When you get to Nyabitaba Camp, have a hot, tasty dinner before starting your descent through the dense forest. When you finally leave the forest, you’ll remember the Rwenzori Mountains for a long time.