RUWENZORI TREKKING
Africa's Moon Mountains
12 days / 19.6.-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
"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
Day 2 – Drive from Entebbe to Rwenzori National Park
We’ll drive west for about 10 hours to Kasese, which lies east of the Ruwenzori Mountains. The drive is long, but it offers beautiful views of Uganda’s natural scenery and surroundings.
Overnight stay in Kasese
Day 3 - NYAKALENGIJA (1,615 m a.s.l.) – NYABITABA CAMP (2,651 m a.s.l.)
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 4 - NYABITABA – JOHN MATTE CAMP (3,505 m a.s.l.)
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 5 - JOHN MATTE - BUJUKU CAMP (3,962 m a.s.l.)
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 6 - BUJUKU - ELENA CAMP (4,541 m a.s.l.)
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 7 - ELENA HUT - MARGHERITA PEAK (5,109 m a.s.l.) – KITANDARA CAMP (4,430 m a.s.l.)
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 8 - KITANDARA – GUY YEOMAN (3,261 m a.s.l.)
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 9 - GUY YEOMAN – NYABITABA - NYAKALENGIJA (1,615 m a.s.l.)
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.
Übernachtung in Kasese / Gehzeit ca. 7-8 Std.
Day 10 - Safari Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you’d like, we’ll head out early in the morning to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located about 30 minutes away, which is home to nearly 100 different species of mammals, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing. But the best action takes place in the early morning. On this half-day jeep safari, we’ll have the chance to see as many animals as possible. We’ll receive practical guidance and information from an experienced safari guide. During the early morning tours, we can observe the animals when they’re most active.
Overnight stay in Kasese
Day 11 – Drive from Rwenzori National Park to Kampala
Today we’re heading back to Kampala and Entebbe to catch our flight home. We’ll enjoy a relaxed dinner in Entebbe and reflect on the past few days together one last time.
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)
– 2x Übernachtung im DZ in Kasese, am Fusse des Ruwenzori Nationalsparks (EZ auf An- frage)
– 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 Tou
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
ab 3850 € pro 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.
Noch mehr Infos zur Reise, zum Ablauf und vieles mehr erhälst du gerne unter +436506436089 oder schreibe mir eine e-mail unter info@thomasvau.com.
Equipment List
We recommend:
– Waterproof backpack or bag, 80–100 L
– Small, lightweight daypack, approx. 25–40 L
– Rain cover for daypack
– lightweight umbrella
– Rain pants
– Rain jacket
– Optional: poncho
– Rubber boots without a lining
– Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots
– a lightweight pair of shoes for traveling
– Gaiters
– comfortable hiking pants
– shorts
– Softshell or fleece jacket
– lightweight down jacket
– breathable outerwear and undergarments
– Change of clothes
– lightweight gloves
– warm gloves to keep out the cold
– several pairs of hiking socks
– Sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to about -5 degrees
– lightweight insulation mat
– a few waterproof stuff sacks!
– Hat
– Buff
– Telescopic poles
– Sunscreen with a high SPF
– Sun-protective lipstick
– Sun hat or baseball cap
– Sunglasses
– Water bottle
– Water purification drops or tablets
– possibly a hydration pack (approx. 3 L)
– a few energy bars or similar items, as needed
– Hard candies to combat the dry mountain air
– Toiletry bag
– small towel
– Passport, possibly 2 passport photos
– Copies of all important documents, such as your passport, visa, insurance policy, and airline tickets...
– Fanny pack, travel pouch
– Flashlight for a cabin stay
– Batteries
– 2–3 rolls of toilet paper
– Ohropax
– Padlock
– extra cash, Visa card
– Blister plasters & tape
– possibly a Leatherman or similar tool
– First-aid kit, personal medications if needed, and vitamin and mineral supplements
Oral electrolyte replacement helps replenish salt and water lost due to diarrhea
if available; otherwise, you can rent it on site:
– Lightweight ice axe, crampons, harness, 2 carabiners, sling for summit day
The porters currently carry our gear, which weighs about 12 kg, including our food. It’s important to pack carefully and not bring too much.
Terms and Conditions
Reservation
Reservations can be made in writing via email or by phone. We will confirm your reservation with a confirmation notice, at which point it becomes binding.
Upon booking, the “Terms and Conditions” become part of the contract. To ensure availability, we recommend booking early.
If multiple participants register at the same time, the person who submits the registration is responsible for paying the invoice amount.
Furthermore, upon entering into a mountain guide contract for the leadership of an event involving multiple participants, all guests are jointly and severally liable for the guide’s fee.
Payment
Payment can be made in cash or by bank transfer.
Payments by debit or credit card are not accepted.
Any additional costs not listed in the services are the responsibility of the participant.
Cancellation by the customer
Information about the cancellation policy will be available soon!
Cancellation by TOM VAU ADVENTURES
If the required minimum number of participants for an event is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the contract without incurring any liability for damages. The same applies in the event that the assigned “guide” is unable to participate.
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will, with your consent, try to hold the event with a small-group surcharge. We will, of course, inform you of any resulting price change.
Our events take place outdoors. TOM VAU ADVENTURES reserves the right to change the events and/or the venue, or to cancel them entirely, due to inclement weather, unfavorable conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.
Insurance
Insurance is not included when booking our events. We therefore recommend that you arrange your own adequate insurance coverage, such as health, accident, rescue, and trip cancellation insurance.
Requirements
The customer must meet the requirements specified for the event. If this is not the case, the mountain guide or hiking guide is entitled to exclude the customer from the program, either in whole or in part. In this case, there is no entitlement to a refund.
The customer is required to follow the instructions of the TOM VAU ADVENTURES staff. Customers who fail to follow instructions or whose behavior endangers safety may be excluded from further participation in the event by the mountain guide or hiking guide. In such cases, no refund will be provided. Any additional costs shall be borne by the customer.
Each guest is responsible for the condition and maintenance of any equipment they bring with them, as well as for their own health.
We reserve the right to refuse to guide individuals who are inadequately equipped.
Liability
The mountain guide or hiking guide cannot guarantee absolute safety from the inherent dangers of the mountains. The customer accepts the inherent residual risk of mountaineering (such as the risk of falling, altitude sickness, frostbite, avalanche danger, falling into crevasses, and rockfall), which remains despite careful and prudent guidance. By making a booking, the customer acknowledges these dangers and waives any claims for damages or similar claims against TOM VAU ADVENTURES.
The organizer shall not be liable for any losses or damages of any kind if they were caused through no fault of the organizer or any of its staff. The organizer assumes no liability for participants acting on their own initiative or failing to follow instructions!
Rental equipment
The organizer will charge for any loss or damage to rental equipment that exceeds normal wear and tear. Our rental equipment is regularly maintained and checked to ensure it is in proper working order. The organizer cannot be held liable for accidents resulting from hidden defects in the equipment.
Visuals
We are entitled to use any photographic material taken during the events for any promotional purposes related to TOM VAU ADVENTURES. The customer agrees to this and grants us the right to use this photographic material free of charge and without any claims arising in connection with this matter or for this purpose.
Linked websites
TOM VAU ADVENTURES assumes no liability for the content of external websites linked to from this site. The respective website operators are solely responsible for their content.
Jurisdiction and Governing Law
Austrian law applies, excluding conflict-of-laws provisions.
The courts in Vienna, Austria, shall have exclusive international and exclusive local jurisdiction over all disputes arising out of or in connection with the brokerage agreement. This provision does not apply to consumers who are domiciled, habitually resident, or employed in Austria.
Ruwenzori Trekking
JOIN US!
12 days / 19.6.-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!
