13 DAYS 3 PEAKS RWENZORI HIKING
This 13-day Rwenzori expedition is built for trekkers chasing three summit goals — a true high-altitude challenge that combines the classic Central Circuit with peak attempts on Margherita Peak (5,109 m), Weismann Peak (4,620 m), and Mount Baker (4,842 m). Expect big-mountain days through rainforest trails, bamboo zones, alpine bogs and glacial terrain, backed by an * experienced local guide team and full porter logistics. The route is paced for proper acclimatisation with a dedicated rest day before the final summit pushes, plus safety-first planning and flexibility for changing mountain conditions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 —
Arrival in Entebbe & hotel transfer
Overnight: Protea Hotel, Entebbe
Day 2 —
Entebbe → Kasese
Overnight: Margherita Hotel, Kasese
Day 3 —
Nyakalengija → Nyabitaba Hut
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 4 —
Nyabitaba Hut → John Matte Hut
Overnight: John Matte Hut
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Day 5 —
John Matte Hut → Bujuku Hut
Overnight: Bujuku Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 6 —
Bujuku Hut → Elena Hut
Overnight: Elena Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 7 — Summit day
Margherita Peak → Kitandara Hut
Overnight: Kitandara Hut.
Trekking time: ~10–14 hours
Day 8 —
Resting day at Kitandara Hut
Overnight: Kitandara Hut
Day 9 —Summit day
Weismann Peak → back to Kitandara Hut
Overnight: Kitandara Hut.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours (ascent)
Day 10 —Summit day
Mount Baker → return to Kitandara Hut
Overnight: Kitandara Hut.
Trekking time: ~5–7 hours
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet a Weismann Safaris & Expeditions representative. Short transfer to Protea Hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy meals at the hotel and review the next day’s plan with your guide/driver.
Morning drive to western Uganda via the Mityana–Fort Portal–Kasese route. Scenic road journey through towns and countryside with stops for breaks. Arrive in Kasese, check-in, lunch and rest.
After breakfast, transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park HQ at Nyakalengija for briefing and registration. Start trekking through Bakonzo homes and plantations into the forest zone, following the Mubuku River and crossing the Mahoma River before climbing to camp. During the day you hike from 1,646 m at Nyakalengija up to 2,652 m at the hut.
Cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge and continue through muddy sections before climbing into bamboo forest. Move from forest into the heather zone with giant lobelia, groundsels and everlasting flowers. Continue along the Bujuku River through boggy terrain to John Matte Hut (3,414 m). On clear days, enjoy views of Mount Stanley and the snow-capped Margherita and Elena peaks.
Cross the Bujuku River into the Lower Bigo Bog, moving between tussocks (wooden boardwalk sections exist). Enter the alpine zone and continue toward Lake Bujuku with stunning vegetation and birdlife. Views may include Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke (weather dependent).
Climb steep slopes west of Lake Bujuku through bog and the dramatic Groundsel Gully to Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372 m). A metal ladder assists over a steep section before the trail splits. Take the right-hand route up a boulder-strewn path to Elena Hut (4,541 m), a cold and iconic high mountain base for the summit attempt.
Early start for the summit attempt. From Elena Hut, continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier and climb toward Margherita Peak (5,109 m). The ascent typically takes 5–7 hours depending on conditions and pace, crossing glaciers, slippery rock, ice and exposed sections. This is a demanding day suited to strong, technically capable trekkers.
After the summit attempt, return to Elena Hut, then descend via Scott-Elliot Pass with spectacular views back to Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke and Mount Stanley. Continue down to the twin Kitandara Lakes for a well-earned rest by the shores.
Note: If you return late from the summit attempt, an extra night at Elena Hut may be required (creating an additional day).
Rest and acclimatisation day at the Kitandara Lakes area, staying around 4,062 m to recover for the remaining summit pushes.
Start early. Trek along Lake Kitandara on flatter terrain, then climb steeply past Bigata Lake to Weismann Peak at 4,620 m. In clear conditions, enjoy views of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke and Mount Baker. Return to camp for lunch and rest.
Early start to climb Mount Baker, reaching 4,842 m. Ascent from the Kitandara area takes 3–4 hours and descent 2–3 hours. The route is steep and rocky; safety ropes may be used on steep sections and it can be slippery in wet/snowy seasons. Return to Kitandara for lunch and overnight.
Day 11 —
Kitandara Hut → Guy Yeoman Hut
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 12 —
Guy Yeoman Hut → Nyabitaba Hut → Nyakalengija (Park HQ) → Kasese
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Trekking time: 6–8 hours
Day 13 —
Kasese → Entebbe
End of trip
Ascend steeply toward Freshfield Pass at 4,282 m with views toward Congo and Mount Stanley. Descend via boggy and slippery rock sections to Bujongolo rock shelter (historic base of the 1906 Abruzzi expedition), then continue down to Guy Yeoman Hut at 3,261 m.
Complete the Central Circuit by trekking back to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m), then either descend directly to Nyakalengija (1,646 m) adding extra time, or overnight at Nyabitaba depending on preference. Most clients continue to the park HQ and transfer to Kasese town.
After breakfast, drive to Kampala/Entebbe for your onward flight (route via Kasese–Fort Portal road or via Mbarara–Masaka road, depending on preference).
