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.

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.

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

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

10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, warm tea and coffee along the route each day is included.

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

You can fly into Entebbe International Airport through most major airlines.

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

The tour ends in Entebbe, you’ll depart via. The Entebbe International Airport.

Check with your family doctor.

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.

The best time to travel to Uganda for this Rwenzori Kilembe hike is during the dry seasons, but particularly between June and July.