RUWENZORI TREKKING
Africa's Moon Mountains
12 Tage / 16.6.-30.6.2026
Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Moon Mountains,” is one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in Africa. The mountain range, stretching along the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers a breathtaking backdrop characterized by snow-capped peaks, dense misty forests, and alpine moorlands. As the altitude increases, the landscape changes dramatically. The trek passes through areas where enormous lobelias and senecios—plants typical of the Afro-alpine zone—create a surreal-looking environment. This zone is renowned for its extreme beauty and rarity, as such plants are found in only a few mountainous regions worldwide.
Facts & Highlights
one of the most spectacular mountain regions in Africa
breathtaking flora and fauna / from jungle to glacier
Ascent of the 5,109-meter-high Margherita Peak
small travel group with a maximum of only 8 participants
Difficulty level 4 out of 5 (challenging adventure trekking)
Are you ready for an adventure in Africa? Then get in touch with me!
Ruwenzori Trekking
ChatGPT:"Trekking in the Ruwenzori is a journey through misty forests, across glaciers and alpine moors—a adventure in one of Africa's last wild corners."
Itinerary of the trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda / Entebbe
We warmly welcome you to Uganda/Africa. After arriving at Entebbe Airport, we head to our nearby hotel. If we don’t arrive too late, we’ll enjoy our first dinner in Uganda; otherwise, it’s time to get a good night’s rest, as the next day involves a long drive towards Rwenzori National Park.
Overnight stay in Entebbe / Jet Villas Entebbe
Day 2 – Drive from Entebbe to Rwenzori National Park
With our local driver, we drive about 8 hours westward to Kasese, which lies to the east of the Rwenzori Mountains. The drive is long, but it is filled with the beautiful nature and scenery of Uganda.
Overnight stay in Nyakalengija / Ruboni Community Camp
Day 3 – Safari Experience in Queen Elizabeth Park
Early in the morning, we drive about 30 minutes to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to nearly 100 different mammal species, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing. The best action, however, happens in the early morning. On this half-day jeep safari, we try to spot as many animals as possible. We receive practical guidance and information from a certified safari guide. During the early morning tours, we can observe the animals at their most active.
Overnight stay in Nyakalengija / Ruboni Community Camp
Day 4 – NYAKALENGIJA (1,615 m / 5,302 ft) – NYABITABA CAMP (2,651 m / 8,694 ft)
Today marks the start of our trekking adventure in the Rwenzori Mountains! We drive about 45 minutes to our starting point on the Central Circuit Trail, which begins in the village of Nyakalengija. The trail initially passes through farmland up to the park boundary, after which it continues through dense forest along the Mubuku River, crossing its tributary, the Mahoma River, before a long, steep climb up a massive mountain ridge brings us to Nyabitaba Camp for the day. Along this part of the journey, we may hear chimpanzees and spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the brightly colored Rwenzori turaco.
Overnight at Nyabitaba Camp / Hiking time approx. 6–7 hours
Day 5 – NYABITABA – JOHN MATTE CAMP (3,505 m / 11,499 ft)
From Nyabitaba, we follow the trail that descends through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku Rivers. After passing through bamboo forest, we cross a long and challenging stretch of slippery, moss-covered rocks. From Nyamuleju Cave, we can catch views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke before entering the zone of giant heather, lobelias, and senecios. Finally, we reach John Matte Camp after crossing the demanding moorland. Here, we have dinner and overnight at the camp.
Overnight at John Matte Camp / Hiking time approx. 7–8 hours
Day 6 – JOHN MATTE – BUJUKU CAMP (3,962 m / 12,998 ft)
From John Matte Camp, we first descend, crossing the Bujuku River, and the trail leads into the Lower Bigo Bog, home to giant lobelias. Trekking from clump to clump, we make our way through the bog. The upper Bigo marsh opens into Bujuku Lake, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. Bujuku Camp, nestled in a narrow valley beneath the Stuhlmann Pass and in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is an ideal spot for acclimatization for those planning to summit Mount Stanley.
Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Camp / Hiking time approx. 4–5 hours
Day 7 – BUJUKU – ELENA CAMP (4,541 m / 14,900 ft)
After leaving Bujuku, the trail first passes through another bog before ascending the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical forest of the Groundsel Gully. The path continues uphill toward Elena Camp and Mount Stanley along a steep trail. At a fork, one path descends to the Kitandara Lakes and Kitandara Camp. Those not attempting the Margherita Peak summit stay overnight at Kitandara Camp, while those aiming for the summit head right toward Elena Camp at 4,541 m / 14,900 ft.
Overnight at Elena Camp / Hiking time approx. 5–6 hours
Day 8 – ELENA CAMP – MARGHERITA PEAK (5,109 m / 16,762 ft) – KITANDARA CAMP (4,430 m / 14,534 ft)
Very early in the morning, we begin the march toward Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley. The ascent to Margherita Peak takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on weather conditions. Today’s route crosses three glaciers, traversing ice and snow, equipped with crampons, an ice axe, and rope. The descent from Margherita Peak back to Elena Camp takes about 2–3 hours. After lunch at Elena Camp, we continue down to the Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372 m / 14,337 ft), offering spectacular views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke. The trail then passes through an alpine zone with sparse vegetation and coarse scree, leading to the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at Kitandara Camp.
Overnight at Kitandara Camp / Hiking time approx. 10–12 hours
Day 9 – KITANDARA – GUY YEOMAN (3,261 m / 10,699 ft)
From Kitandara Camp, we ascend toward Freshfield Pass at 4,282 m / 14,055 ft. From here, we enjoy views of the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, we cross a long high-altitude bog. The descent then begins along steep, rocky paths, passing by the cave at Bujongolo, which served as the base camp for the historic 1906 expedition of the Duke of the Abruzzi.
Overnight at Guy Yeoman Camp / Hiking time approx. 6–7 hours
Day 10 – GUY YEOMAN – NYABITABA – NYAKALENGIJA (1,615 m / 5,302 ft)
From below Guy Yeoman Camp, the route leads us down to the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu, our trail crosses the Mubuku River twice, passing through bamboo forest, before descending toward Nyabitaba Camp. The final stretch of the Rwenzori Circuit Trail takes us back to Nyakalengija, our base camp and the site of our last night in Rwenzori National Park.
Overnight at Nyakalengija / Ruboni Community Camp / Hiking time approx. 7–8 hours
Day 11 – Drive from Rwenzori National Park to Kampala
Today, we travel with our driver back to Kampala and then to Entebbe to catch our flight home. We enjoy a relaxed dinner in Entebbe and take the time to reflect together on the past days.
Day 12 – ARRIVAL IN OUR HOME COUNTRY
After fantastic and adventurous days in Africa, we arrive back in our home country, exhausted but happy.
"The Ruwenzori Mountains are a botanical wonderland, where the boundaries between tropical and alpine vegetation blur, and a home for endemic species found nowhere else on Earth."
Services included in the travel price:
– Complete organization
– Transfer from Entebbe to Rwenzori National Park and back
– All transfers and excursions as per the program
– 7× overnight stays in mountain huts including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
– 1× overnight stay in a double room in Entebbe (single room on request)
– 3× overnight stays in a double room in Nyakalengija, at the foot of Rwenzori National Park (single room on request)
– Guided by Tom Vau / UIMLA Mountain Leader
– Guided by an English-speaking local mountain guide
– Local cook and porters
– All Rwenzori National Park fees
– Queen Elizabeth Park safari tour
Services not included in the travel price:
– Arrival and departure to/from Uganda (we are happy to assist with the arrangements)
– Visa for Uganda
– Beverages
– Personal expenses
– Tips / Gratuities
– Travel insurance
Participants: minimum 4 / maximum 10 people
from €3,750 per person
"This chain of clouds is truly something unique in the world, and they are undoubtedly the Mountains of the Moon. Nowhere else in the world does such a magnificent cloud-covered mountain exist."
Further information
On this tour, unexpected conditions such as bad weather or logistical challenges may lead to delays, route adjustments, or program changes. Therefore, a sense of adventure, flexibility, and patience are essential. Openness to other cultures and personalities is also important, as we will be sharing unique experiences together.
Hiking:
A multi-day mountain tour can be a challenging experience for many hikers. We mostly traverse remote mountain trails that are often steep, rocky, muddy, and slippery, including glacier and rock sections for the summit ascent. Therefore, hiking experience on ice and solid physical fitness are required. If you are confident on uneven, rocky terrain and not afraid of heights, you will be able to fully enjoy the Rwenzori trek.
Accommodation:
During the Rwenzori trekking, we stay in basic mountain huts and lodges. Our mountain guides, cooks, and porters take care of our needs and well-being. The mountain huts are usually very simple, so a sense of adventure is essential to fully enjoy this experience. In Entebbe, we stay in a comfortable hotel, and at the foot of Rwenzori National Park, we spend a total of three nights before and after the trek in simple bungalows surrounded by beautiful nature.
Meals:
During the trekking accommodations, we receive a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A skilled local cook takes care of our meals. In Entebbe, breakfast is included, after which we take a taxi to Rwenzori National Park, where dinner is provided.
Arrival:
Flights to Entebbe, Uganda, are available from European cities starting at around €500, typically with one stopover. From Entebbe Airport to the hotel, a taxi transfer is required.
For more information about the trip, the itinerary, equipment list and much more, please call +436506436089 or send me an e-mail at info@thomasvau.com.
Ruwenzori Trekking
JOIN US!
12 Tage / 16.6.-30.6.2026
About me
Welcome!
My name is Tom Vau and I am the founder of Tom Vau Adventures. I am a state-certified ski instructor and ski guide, as well as a UIMLA mountain leader in summer, tour operator, artist and photographer.
It is a pleasure for me to express my creativity, to be open to new things and to enjoy experimenting. This is especially true in the areas of nature, sport and art/culture. Ultimately, it is always about enjoying beautiful moments together.
I share my passion for the mountains, nature and sport with my guests from all over the world. I am delighted that you are interested in joining me to experience the wonderful Ruwezoni Mountains region in Uganda. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
