7 Days Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit Trek

Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: +1,200m
Begin your adventure at Nyakalengija trailhead after briefing and organizing guides, porters, and equipment. The trail starts through local homesteads and farmland before entering dense forest.
You’ll cross the Mahoma River and ascend steadily through thick vegetation. Along the way, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, the three-horned chameleon, and the colorful Rwenzori turaco.
Overnight at Nyabitaba Camp.

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Descend briefly to Kurt Shafer Bridge at the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku Rivers. The trail then passes through bamboo forest before entering the fascinating giant heather zone.

Expect muddy, moss-covered trails and boggy sections. As you approach John Matte Camp, enjoy stunning views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.the trail has resting points but all breaks will be tailored to the hikers preference.

Dinner and overnight at John Matte Camp.

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

The trail crosses the Bujuku River and leads into the Lower Bigo Bog — home to giant lobelias and groundsels. You’ll hop between tussocks across the swampy terrain.

Continue through the Upper Bigo Bog following the Bujuku River toward Lake Bujuku. Surrounded by Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, and Mount Speke, Bujuku Camp sits in a spectacular alpine valley beneath Scott Elliot Pass.

Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Camp.

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Climb steep slopes west of Lake Bujuku through Groundsel Gully toward Scott Elliot Pass (4,372m). A short ladder section assists over a steep rock face.

At the junction:

• Left leads to Kitandara Lakes (for non-summit climbers)
• Right ascends steep boulders to Elena Hut for summit climbers

Those attempting Margherita Peak overnight at Elena Hut in preparation for the early summit push.

Dinner and overnight at Elena Hut.

Summit Time: 5–7 hours ascent
Total Trekking Time: 8–10 hours

An early alpine start. Climb onto the Stanley Glacier, cross icy slopes, and navigate exposed rock and snow sections. Crampons and technical gear are required.

Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m) the highest point of the Rwenzoris and third highest in Africa. Weather conditions can be challenging, and summit attempts require strong fitness and acclimatization.

Descend back via Scott Elliot Pass with magnificent views over Lake Bujuku and the alpine valleys before continuing down to Kitandara Lakes Camp.

Dinner and overnight at Kitandara.

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Ascend Freshfield Pass (4,280m) along the southern slopes of Mount Baker. From the pass, enjoy views toward the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north.

Descend past the historic Bujongolo Rock Shelter — base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi expedition in 1906.

Continue downhill to Guy Yeoman Camp for dinner and overnight.

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Descend the cliffs of Kichuchu through bamboo and montane forest zones. Continue down to Nyabitaba Camp and onward to Nyakalengija.

Celebrate your incredible achievement at the trailhead — you have conquered one of Africa’s most challenging and scenic mountain ranges.

End of Trek.