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Embark on the ultimate hiking adventure through Rwenzori’s rugged terrain on our Central Circuit Trail, a spectacular 9-day hiking beginning in Nyakalengija. Breathtaking views await—glacial valleys and glaciers nestled between iconic peaks like Stanley and Speke.

Over successive days, traverse villages where traditions endure, lush forests teeming with life, and diverse landscapes unbounded. Witness playful monkeys bounding through tree bowers and distant calls of chimpanzees filtering through the woods. In the evenings, take respite in the various huts—Nyabitaba, John Matte, Bujuku, Kitandara, and Guy Yeoman—each affording panoramas of the surrounding splendor under star-speckled skies.

Those longing for an additional challenge can attempt ascents of the iconic massifs. Concluding in Nyakalengija, descend to vehicles awaiting to transport travelers to Kasese, and lodging’s comforts at Hotel Margherita or Rwenzori Base Mountain Camp.

This tour offers an unforgettable venture amid spellbinding natural beauty and exhilarating hiking, traversing Rwenzori’s rugged terrain.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Kasese

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where our representative shall welcome you and drive you to Kasese Town. Use the rest of the day to check whether you have all the hiking gear and buy what is missing. In the afternoon, register with Rwenzori Mountain Services offices.

Accommodation: Hotel Magherita or Rwenzori Base Mountain Camp.

Included: Airport transfer

Day 2: Nyabitaba Hut

The Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit Trail is the ultimate hiking adventure in this spectacular range. Over six nights and seven days, you’ll embark on a circular route starting at Nyakalengija. The trail offers breathtaking views of glaciers and major peaks like Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. While moderately challenging, the hike is suitable for most fitness levels. Experienced climbers have the thrilling option to extend their trip and attempt to summit the iconic peaks.

Your journey begins with a briefing at Nyakalengija before venturing through the traditional villages of the Bakonjo people and diverse landscapes. Follow the Mobuku River, traverse the Mahoma River, and ascend through lush forests to reach Nyabitaba Hut. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys, the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, and listen for the distant calls of chimpanzees.

Included: Transfer to the starting point

Day 3: John Matte Hut

After leaving Nyabitaba Hut, you will cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge and navigate a muddy section before the trail begins its ascent through a dense bamboo forest. As you climb higher, the path emerges into a steep, rocky area leading to Nyamuleju Hut. This marks your entry into the fantastical landscape of giant lobelia and groundsel plants. Continue onward, trekking through a bog teeming with unique flora alongside the Bujuku River. Your day concludes at John Matte Hut (3,414m), where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the breathtaking panorama of Mount Stanley, including the snow-capped Margherita and Elena Peaks. This portion of the hike typically takes around 6 hours to complete.

Day 4: Bujuku Hut

From John Matte, you will cross River Bujuku and enter the Bigo bog. Cross the drier ground up to Lake Bujuku overlooking Mt. Baker and Speke to the north. Follow the trail up to Bujuku Hut (13000 ft 3962m) the Hike may take 3-5 hours.

Day 5: Lake Kitandara Hut

From Bujuku Hut, hike to Scott Elliot leading to Elena Hut (14,700 ft / 44,300m). This is the endpoint for the central circuit. At the same time, it is the starting point to climb Margherita Peak (16,763 ft /5,109m) or Mt Stanley. (You will need 2 extra days to climb to the peaks) Follow the central circuit through the alpine zone of sparse low vegetation to crater lakes and drop to Lake Kitandara hut for an overnight.

Day 6: Guy Yeoman Hut

Descend from Lake Kitandara hut leaving Margherita Peak northwards and the Democratic Republic of Congo westwards and on clear days you will see a wide area of Congo and the famous tropical forests of Congo. Descend up to Guy Yeoman Hut (107,00ft/3261m).

Day 7: Nyabitaba Hut

Descend to Nyabitaba Hut. The journey is long and may be difficult due to deep mud and river crossing. This may take you 5 hours. Should you decide to descend up to Nyakalegila it may take you another 2-3 hours.

Day 8: Nyakalegila Headquarters

From Nyabitaba Hut, descend to Nyakalengija the park headquarters. You will meet your driver to drive you back to Kasese town to your hotel for warm showers and relaxation. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Hotel Margherita or Rwenzori Base Mountain Camp.

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast drive to Kampala or Entebbe for your outbound flight.