THE BEST 7 Days Rwenzori Central Circuit Trekking Itinerary

The Central Circuit in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains offers a classic 7-day/6-night expedition through the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” This high-altitude trek ascends through dramatically varied ecosystems—from lush montane rainforests to alpine moorlands—and culminates in a challenging summit of Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Organized by JimJam Safaris, the itinerary is purposefully structured to optimize acclimatization, technical readiness, safety, and scenic immersion.

The 120 km-long Rwenzori range includes Mount Stanley (with Margherita as its crown), as well as Mount Baker, Mount Speke, Mount Luigi di Savoia, Mount Gessi, and Mount Emin. Deep gorges separate these dramatic peaks, while rare afro-alpine flora—giant lobelia, groundsel—and endemic wildlife enrich the journey.

Why Choose This 7-Day Itinerary?

  • Efficient Yet Immersive: In just one week, explore a variety of ecological zones—from rainforest and bamboo to heather and glacier fields—while reaching Uganda’s highest point.

  • Built-In Acclimatization: The route ascends progressively, reducing altitude sickness risk and preparing you for the summit day.

  • Scenic and Ecological Richness: Enjoy rainforest waterfalls, primate encounters, bogs with alien-like lobelias, alpine lakes, and glacier panoramas.

  • Experienced Local Support: Licensed guides and porters handle logistics, safety, and navigation every step of the way.

  • All-Inclusive Trek Support: Trekking fees, park permits, meals, porters, drinking water, and accommodation are all covered in the operator’s package.

  • Value with Transparency: While pricing varies by season and group size, packages include park fees and core services. Always confirm current UWA rates when booking.

Trip Preparation & Permits

Best Time to Go
The ideal windows are June–September and December–February, when the weather is generally drier, though mountain weather remains unpredictable.

Pre-Trek Planning
Arrive 1–2 days early in Kasese or Kampala for briefings, gear checks, and buffer time for weather-related adjustments.

Permits & Costs

  • Park Entry Fees: Charged per night by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA); a 6-night trek requires appropriate budgeting.

  • Trekking Package: Paid to the operator, covering logistics, staff, food, and accommodation.

  • Quote Estimate: Request detailed pricing, including optional gear rental and rescue insurance.

Fitness & Skill Requirements

  • Physical Conditioning: Expect to hike 5–8 hours daily across steep, muddy, or boggy terrain with a 8–10 kg daypack.

  • Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of crampons, ice axe use, and roped movement is helpful. Guides offer instruction, but adaptability and focus are essential.

  • Training Suggestions: Cardiovascular workouts, leg-strengthening exercises, and previous multi-day hikes (especially at altitude) are ideal prep. Mt. Elgon can be a good warm-up trek.

Essential Gear List

Provided by Operator
Meals, hut accommodation, purified drinking water, and porters to carry bulk gear.

You Should Bring or Rent

  • Footwear: Stiff-soled mountaineering boots (crampon-compatible)

  • Summit Gear: Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet (can often be rented)

  • Clothing: Layered system with base, mid, and outer shell; warm hat, insulated gloves, balaclava/buff

  • Sleeping Bag: Rated to −10 °C or lower

  • Lighting: Headlamp + spare batteries

  • Sunglasses & Sunscreen: Protection from intense UV and glacier glare

  • Hydration System: Bottles/bladder with insulated sleeve

  • Personal Kit: Toiletries (biodegradable), snacks, small first-aid kit

Packing Note
Porters carry your duffel; you carry a daypack with essentials for each day’s hike and summit gear.

Health, Safety & Insurance

  • Pre-Trek Medical Advice: Consult your doctor about high-altitude fitness and preventive medication (e.g., acetazolamide).

  • Vaccines & Prophylaxis: Yellow fever certificate, malaria protection, and up-to-date vaccinations required.

  • Travel Insurance: Must include coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

  • Emergency Protocols: Guides carry first-aid kits and know evacuation procedures; strict summit turnaround times reduce weather-related risk.

  • Communication: Mobile coverage is limited; a group satellite device or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is recommended.

Getting There & Logistics

  • Arrival: Fly into Entebbe → transfer to Kampala.

  • Kasese Transfer: 8–10 hour drive or short domestic flight.

  • Start Point: Trek begins at Mihunga Gate (1,615 m) near Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

  • Briefing: Meet guides, sign permits, finalize gear.

  • Return: Post-trek return to Kasese or Kampala; consider safari add-ons or rest days.

7-Day Central Circuit Itinerary

Day 1: Mihunga Gate → Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m)
Enter montane forest from Mihunga. Cross Mahoma River. Spot primates and Rwenzori turacos.
⏱ 6–7 hrs | ⬆ +1,036 m

Day 2: Nyabitaba → John Matte Camp (3,505 m)
Cross Kurt Shafer Bridge, traverse bamboo and bogs into the giant heather zone.
⏱ 7–8 hrs | ⬆ +854 m

Day 3: John Matte → Bujuku Camp (3,962 m)
Trek through Bigo Bog to Lake Bujuku. See Mounts Baker and Stanley.
⏱ 4–5 hrs | ⬆ +457 m

Day 4: Bujuku → Elena Hut (4,541 m)
Climb Groundsel Gully to Elena for summit preparation.
⏱ 5–6 hrs | ⬆ +579 m

Day 5: Elena → Margherita Peak (5,109 m) → Kitandara Camp
Summit day: Pre-dawn glacier climb with technical sections. Return via Scott-Elliot Pass.
⏱ 10–12 hrs total

Day 6: Kitandara → Guy Yeoman Camp (3,261 m)
Ascend to Freshfield Pass; descend via Bujongolo shelter.
⏱ 6–7 hrs | ⬇ −1,169 m

Day 7: Guy Yeoman → Mihunga Gate (1,615 m)
Final descent through bamboo forests and rivers to exit.
⏱ 7–8 hrs

Cultural & Natural Highlights

  • Bakonzo Culture: Interact with local communities and learn Rwenzori folklore.

  • Biodiversity: Spot monkeys, endemic birds, and strange afro-alpine flora.

  • Historical Touchpoints: Pass the Bujongolo rock shelter—base of the 1906 Duke of Abruzzi expedition.

  • Stunning Vistas: From glaciers to lake-filled valleys and dramatic ridgelines.

Sample Trek Timeline (June 2025 Example)

  • June 10: Arrive in Kampala

  • June 12: Transfer to Kasese

  • June 13–19: Trek Days 1–7

  • June 20+: Recovery, travel, or safari extension

Booking Tips

  • Reserve Early: Dry season dates fill up quickly.

  • Practice & Prep: Consider a practice day for crampon/rope skills.

  • Build Buffer Days: Essential for weather or altitude delays.

  • Insurance: Confirm high-altitude and emergency evacuation coverage.

  • Eco Practices: Follow Leave No Trace; pack out waste.

  • Team Coordination: Discuss group pace, goals, and safety signals before starting.

This 7-day Rwenzori trek blends alpine adventure with biodiversity and cultural richness. With proper acclimatization, strong support, and smart preparation, summiting Margherita Peak becomes a safe and truly unforgettable achievement in the heart of Uganda’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon.”