Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
Overview
Calling all trekkers! Take on an incredible challenge on this 11-day night hike through the Rwenzori Mountains—the biggest mountain range in Africa.
Hike up six unique peaks that are over 4,500 m of altitude, making for a once in a lifetime experience. Nestled between Uganda and Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains are a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prepare to trek to the top of the highest peak in the mountain range—Margherita Peak, located on Mount Stanley. Follow the well-established Kilembe Trail, as you take in incredible views overlooking the surrounding mountain peaks, just in time for a magical sunrise. Stop and enjoy the ever-changing vegetation zones and unique flora and fauna that can be found on the Kilembe Trail, then snuggle up in small mountain huts for the night to sleep under the stars and soothed by the sounds of nature.
Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour Overview
Calling all trekkers! Take on an incredible challenge on this 11-day night hike through the Rwenzori Mountains—the biggest mountain range in Africa.
Hike up six unique peaks that are over 4,500 m of altitude, making for a once in a lifetime experience. Nestled between Uganda and Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains are a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prepare to trek to the top of the highest peak in the mountain range—Margherita Peak, located on Mount Stanley. Follow the well-established Kilembe Trail, as you take in incredible views overlooking the surrounding mountain peaks, just in time for a magical sunrise. Stop and enjoy the ever-changing vegetation zones and unique flora and fauna that can be found on the Kilembe Trail, then snuggle up in small mountain huts for the night to sleep under the stars and soothed by the sounds of nature.
Trek through Africa’s biggest mountain range, Rwenzori Mountains, with an experienced, local guide.
Marvel at the stunning views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, Mt. Baker, Mt. Gessi, Mt. Emin Pasha and Mt. Luigi di Savoia.
Spend a night in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and experience crystal clear views of the stars under the dark sky and surrounding mountains.
Connect with the Rwenzori locals and explore the village of Kasese.
Trip map for Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
Barbara C.
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
Arrive in Kampala
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your local guide will meet you and transfer to Kampala for the night.
Rwenzori Mountains
After a delicious breakfast, depart for the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Stop for an indulgent lunch at a local restaurant, then spend the evening preparing for the beginning of the hike the next day. Relax for the evening, taking in views of the mountains.
Trek from Base Camp to Sine Camp
Kick off the trek from base camp, sitting at 1,450 meters, where your guides will brief you. Prepare for an uphill climb for about 6 km, then it flattens out as you arrive at Sine Camp, capping off the first day. You also have the option to visit Enock Falls close to camp.
Trek Through the Bamboo Zone to Mutinda Camp
Set out hiking through the beautiful Bamboo zone and Heather zone, enjoying the colourful heather vegetation. Pass over trickling streams and waterfalls to arrive at Mutinda Camp. In the afternoon, you have the option to climb Mutinda to take in panorama views.
Trek Steep Ridges to Bugata Camp
Today can be a difficult climb, tackling steep ridges and bogs from Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp, though you will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes. Relax at camp for the evening.
Trek through Bamwanjara Pass to Hunwick’s Camp
Follow the Manwanjara Pass from Bugata Camp, a stunning spot to look out over the surrounding peaks. Hike through a valley, enjoying the local vegetation, before a final steep climb over a ridge to arrive at Huwick’s Camp. From here, you’ll have mesmerizing views over Mt Stanley, Weismanns Peak, Mt Baker and McConnell’s Prong.
Trek past Lake Kitandara to Margherita Camp
Hike along the valley floor, past Lake Kitandara and towards Scott Eliot Pass. Arrive at Margherita Camp, which is where the Duke of Abruzzi once camped in 1906 before the final ascent up Mount Stanley.
Optional Summit & back down to Hunwick’s Camp
Experienced Mountaineers can summit Margherita Peak (at an additional fee), while the rest of the group sleeps in. Then enjoy the hike back down to Hunwick's Camp.
Trek past Nyamwamba River to Kiharo Camp
Set out along the ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, continuing until you reach Oliver Pass. Push onwards below Weismann’s Peak to where it meets the Nyamwamba River, before descending to Kiharo Camp for the night.
Trek past waterfalls to Base Camp
Prepare for a long, but an easier day of downhill hiking along the Nyamwamba Valley, passing pretty waterfalls and lush forests to reach the base camp in Kilembe. Enjoy a debrief with your guide before transferring to a lodge for a night of rest.
Depart from Entebbe
After a restful night, prepare to be transferred back to Kampala in order to depart from Entebbe International Airport.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
2 Travellers
3 Travellers
4/5 Travellers
6+ Travellers
| 2 Travellers | 3 Travellers | 4/5 Travellers | 6+ Travellers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025 | $3,515USD | $3,275USD | $3,150USD | $3,040USD |
| Optional Extras: | ||||
| Single Room Supplement:$100USD | ||||
What’s included for Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
Meals
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, warm tea, and coffee along the route each day.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights along the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you, your luggage and your equipment to and from the airport in a 4X4 vehicle. The tour also includes daily porters who will carry your luggage along the hike.
Also Included
- English speaking local guide
- Daily porters and cooks
- Park entrance fees
- Flying doctors (if needed)
- Hiking equipment
- Ropes
- Harnesses
- Figure 8
- Carabiners
Not Included
- Flights to get in and out of Uganda
- Entrance visa to Uganda
- Insurance
- Climb and gear to summit Mount Margherita
- Tour Guide Gratuity
- Any additional climbing equipment needed
- Any changes in the itinerary while in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Sleeping bag
Optional Extras
- Optional extensions to the trek:
- Extension to Weismann’s Peak (5 days/ 4 nights)
- Extension to Kalamala Camp and Samalia Camp (3 days/ 2 nights)
- Optional extensions to visit national parks in Uganda:
- Extension to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3 days/2 nights)
- Extension to Bwindi National Park (3 days/2 nights)
Accommodation for Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
This tour is mainly based in huts but includes some hotels and lodges.
Please note that the huts are relatively basic, offering dormitory blocks and external drop toilets. Shower boxes are also available with warm water. Both the Kiharo Hut and Hunwick Camp have a solar system available for charging phones and cameras.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You may have a single room while staying in hotels for a supplemental fee. Please note that single accommodations are not available in dormitory huts.
Frequently asked questions for Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking Tour
How hard is the Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking tour?
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. While the lower mountain range is not overly challenging, the difficulty increases, as does the elevation. The trail requires endurance, as well as physical fitness— we also recommend some previous training. Furthermore, if you choose to ascend Margherita, the final ascent requires a glacier crossing and technical mountaineering knowledge would be an asset.
Are there any extensions available for the Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking tour?
Yes! There are a few nice options available, whether you want to prolong your hike in Rwenzori or if you want to explore the national parks of Uganda for some unforgettable game watching. There are a couple of options to extend your trek in Rwenzori:
- Extension to Weismann’s Peak (5 days/ 4 nights): If you’d like an extra challenge, add a few extra days to conquer Weismann’s Peak for rewarding views.
- Extension to Kalamala Camp and Samalia Camp (3 days/ 2 nights): Climb through the Afro montane forest zone to get up close to the local wildlife like Columbus monkeys, as well as pass the beautiful Enock Falls on this extension.
There are a couple of options for unforgettable safaris in Uganda:
- Extension to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3 days/2 nights): Once your trek has ended, head to stunning Queen Elizabeth National Park for an early morning game drive, where you may spot and elephant, leopard, and lions.
- Extension to Bwindi National Park (3 days/2 nights): After the trek has ended, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, then depart for Bwindi to participate in a gorilla tracking excursion in a tropical rain forest.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Uganda?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
What should I bring with me for this trek?
Please check the list of the items recommended to have with you below: Clothing (essential):
- Summer shirts and shorts - for walking in the heat at the start of the trek
- Warm long-sleeved shirts – for when it gets cold
- Warm long walking trousers (not jeans!)
- Fleece jacket (one or more, and/or a down jacket) - for additional warmth; or a warm anorak/jacket which should not be too heavy
- Thermal underwear’s
- Good quality waterproof and windproof outer shell (Jacket & trousers)
- Cheap plastic poncho or (Rain jacket and rain pants)
- Hat – a warm hat and a sun hat (that has both a peak and shades the back of your neck)
- Wool Hat/Balaclava
- Gloves / snow gloves - 2 pairs; one pair of thin liners and another of warmer and waterproof outer gloves are more practical than mittens.
Footwear:
- Mountain boots – essential (good quality, well-worn in)
- Walking Shoes (another pair of lighter weight walking shoes / trainers for the start of the climb)
- Several pairs of warm, cushioned socks (so you always have a dry pair to change into)
- Crampons for the summit day. Please do carry a pair of your own crampons. Kindly note that they are a must have for the summit of Margherita peak
Equipment (essential):
- Good Quality Sleeping bag (minimum rating of 4 seasons)
- Soft Bag / Hold all or Rucksack (framed or unframed) – large enough to hold your personal gear (limit 23Kg) on the mountain; this will be carried by a porter
- Daypack, Big enough for you to carry your daily water (3litres), lunch box, camera, wet weather clothing and fleece jacket
- External protective cover for rucksack & daypack (or pack all contents in plastic bags for waterproofing)
- Sunglasses (models with side-shields are preferable).
- Lip salve
- Head Torch and a set of spare batteries (special batteries are not always available locally)
- 2nd / Back up torch and spare batteries
- Water bottle(s) (strong) to hold 3 liters - which you will carry with you, daily
- Water treatment tablets / iodine or quality filter (although water gets boiled for you by our staff and served as tea or coffee which can also be filled up in your water bottles)
- Spare plastic bags (to keep things as dry as possible)
- Wash kit plus a small towel
Are meals included on the Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking tour?
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, warm tea and coffee along the route each day is included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Entebbe to start this tour?
You can fly into Entebbe International Airport through most major airlines.
Is the Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Where does the Rwenzori Kilembe Hiking tour end?
The tour ends in Entebbe, you’ll depart via. The Entebbe International Airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Uganda?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Uganda?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Uganda for this tour?
The best time to travel to Uganda for this Rwenzori Kilembe hike is during the dry seasons, but particularly between June and July.
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