8 Day Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit
Our 8 Day Hiking Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit is a classic high-altitude trek in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda. We designed this itinerary to improve acclimatisation, typically including a summit attempt on Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s third-highest point.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe Airport and check into a Hotel
Day 2: Nyakalengagija (1,615m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2.651m)
The trailhead is at Nyakalengija, 22 km from Kasese, off the Fort Portal road. It begins by passing through farmland to the Park boundary, beyond which it follows the Mubuku River, crossing its Muhoma tributary before starting a long, steep climb up a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba hut. The hike takes about 5 hours.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut. (3,500m)
Start a demanding 7-hour-plus trek to John Matte hut. The trail leads to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, which crosses the Mubuku valley just below the river’s confluence with the Bujuku valley. After a five-hour trek, the start of the giant lobelia and groundsel zone, a vegetation type limited to East Africa’s highest mountain.
Day 4: John Matte hut to Bujuku Hut (3,962m)
Continue on the route ford the Bujuku River as you cross the lower Bigo bog. In clear weather, you have a clear view of Mount Stanley. After a long climb, the trail reaches the lovely Lake Bujuku. This hike takes up to 3-4 hours.
Overnight at Bujuku hut.
Day 5: Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut (4,023m)
Begin an Early morning main trail which continues up a steep scree slope over Scott Elliot pass, the highest point on the circuit. It provides fabulous views back down the Bujuku valley and of Mt. Stanley and Baker towering above. The hike ends at the hut beside Lower Lake Kitandara, a beautiful site surrounded by towering peaks.
Overnight at Kitandara Hut
Day 6: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeomen Hut (3,505m)
It’s a five–hour walk starting with a steep ascent to Freshfield Pass (4,282m), then a climb to Bujongolo cave (3,450m). The hut enjoys a lovely location close to the Mubuku River with terrific views of the looming Mt. Baker to the north.
Day 7: Guy Yeomen to Nyakalengija
It’s a four-hour descent from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut. The route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu, the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice before climbing upwards to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit.
Overnight at Nyabitaba hut.
Day 8: Kasese-Kampala
Journey back to Kampala / Entebbe
