9-Day Rwenzori Central Circuit Trek (Margherita Peak option)

Tour Overview

Trek the legendary Central Circuit of the Rwenzori Mountains through bamboo, heather and giant lobelias, with the option to summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m). This 9-day private safari visits Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Highlights: Margherita Peak summit option (5,109 m); Giant lobelias of the alpine zone.

Best time to go: Driest Jun-Aug and Dec-Feb. Expect mud and bog year-round.

Accommodation Options (Budget, Midrange, Luxury):

Choose the comfort level that suits you; the vehicle, guide and activities stay the same. Price per person (2 people sharing, 2027): Budget $2,782 · Midrange $3,312 · Luxury $4,629.

• Kibale / Fort Portal (1 night): Budget – Isunga Lodge; Midrange – Turaco Treetops; Luxury – Primate Lodge Kibale
• Queen Elizabeth NP (1 night): Budget – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (explorer tent); Midrange – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda); Luxury – Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Lodges shown are examples, or similar, subject to availability. Gorilla and chimp permits are included at cost.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to Fort Portal

Drive west (about 5-6 hrs). Overnight: Turaco Treetops (midrange) or similar.

Day 2: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba (2,651 m)

Meet RMS guides and porters; 6-7 hr climb through forest.

Day 3: To John Matte (3,505 m)

Bamboo, heather and giant lobelia zones; 7-8 hrs.

Day 4: To Bujuku (3,962 m)

Bigo bogs and Lake Bujuku; 4-5 hrs.

Day 5: To Elena (4,541 m)

Groundsel Gully to Elena hut (non-summit trekkers go to Kitandara).

Day 6: Margherita Peak (5,109 m)

Pre-dawn glacier climb to the summit, descend to Kitandara.

Day 7: To Guy Yeoman (3,261 m)

Over Freshfield Pass; 6-7 hrs.

Day 8: Down to Nyakalengija

Descend to the base; transfer to Queen Elizabeth. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 9: To Entebbe

Drive back to Entebbe.

Inclusions:

• Private 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide for road transfers
• Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
• Accommodation as listed, sharing a double or twin room; full board on safari
• Rwenzori Mountaineering Services Central Circuit package: park entry, mountain guides, porters, hut accommodation and mountain meals
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All government taxes

Exclusions:

• International flights and Uganda visa (single-entry e-visa about $50, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at $100)
• Travel and medical insurance; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
• Tips for guides, porters and lodge staff
• Drinks unless the lodge includes them, laundry and personal items
• Optional activities and anything not listed
• Single room supplement (on request)

How to Get There:

Book an international flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala. Your Mwema Safaris driver-guide meets you at arrivals or at your hotel. About 5 to 6 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala via Fort Portal, or a domestic flight to Kasese and a 2-hour drive.