9-DAY RWENZORI CENTRAL CIRCUIT TREK
This 9-day Rwenzori expedition follows the classic Central Circuit — a high-altitude mountain journey through rainforest trails, bamboo zones, heather forests, alpine bogs and dramatic valleys, supported by an experienced local guide team and porter logistics. Expect steady acclimatisation pacing and safety-first planning as you move deeper into the Rwenzori, crossing iconic landmarks like the Bigo Bog and the Scott Elliot Pass, before returning via the spectacular Kitandara valley and Freshfield Pass.
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 → Kitandara Hut (via Scott Elliot Pass)
Overnight: Kitandara Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 7 —
Kitandara Hut → Guy Yeoman Hut (via Freshfield Pass)
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 8 —
Guy Yeoman Hut →
Nyakalengija (park gate)→
asese
Overnight: Hotel in Kasese
Trekking time: 4–5 hours to Nyabitaba
+ 2–3 hours to Nyakalengija (approx.).
Day 9 —
Kasese → Entebbe (departure)
End of trip
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Depending on your arrival time, you can settle in, have a meal, and go over the next day’s plan with your driver/guide.
Morning drive to Kasese via the Mityana–Fort Portal–Kasese route. Stops along the way for breaks and to stretch. Arrive in Kasese, have lunch and rest ahead of the trek.
After breakfast, transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park HQ at Nyakalengija for registration and briefing. Begin the trek through Bakonzo farmlands 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 (Nyakalengija) to 2,652 m (Nyabitaba 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 and enter the Lower Bigo Bog, moving between tussocks (boardwalk sections help in places). You’ll transition into the alpine zone and continue toward Lake Bujuku, reaching camp at 3,962 m.
Climb through moss-draped vegetation to Scott Elliot Pass at 4,372 m — the high point of the loop. Enjoy views of surrounding glaciers and peaks, then descend through mud toward the Kitandara Lakes and camp at 4,023 m.
Ascend steeply from Kitandara to Freshfield Pass at 4,282 m , with views toward the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. Descend via boggy and slippery rock sections, passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter before reaching camp at 3,261 m .
Descend along the Mubuku and Kichuchu river valleys, rich in heather-zone flora before reaching bamboo forest. You’ll return to Nyabitaba and then continue down to Nyakalengija (adding extra time) before transfer to Kasese. This day drops from 3,261 m back down to 1,646 m at the park HQ.
After breakfast, drive back to Kampala/Entebbe for your onward flight (route via Fort Portal or via Mbarara–Masaka depending on conditions and preference).
