Rwenzori Mountain National Park- Hiking & Trekking Services

A trip to the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one which must be well planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is to “be prepared!” The central circuit hike takes six nights/ seven days and reaches an altitude of 14,000 ft (4,267m) above sea level. The conditions on the mountain are a challenge to even an experienced hiker.

This mountain is renowned for its un-engineered steep and slippery trails and frequent rain. Rainfall and cold temperatures, bogs, mud, steep terrain and high altitude make it a challenging trip. Never the less it is exciting!

You need to try it! Since during much of the year mud, rain, mist and wind occur daily, adequate clothing (and a mental attitude!) for these conditions are a must.

The periods of July – August and December – February are relatively dry and for inexperienced hikers the best seasons for a trek. During any season, raingear, good sleeping bag, warm hat, gloves, heavy socks, gum boots, gaiters and a walking stick for balance (and to probe the mud) are recommended. A basic first aid kit is a necessity.

Porters will be carrying your heavy equipment and food, leaving a small pack with raingear, warm clothes (on higher sections), camera, water bottle, snacks and lunch. Purchase your own food (in Kasese or Kampala). Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) can provide cooking utensils and cooks

Safari Lodges & Accommodations in Rwenzori Mountains

The mountain's Central Circuit is provided with basic mountain huts (you should take your own sleeping bags and sleeping mats). Camping and rooms are available at the Circuit's Nyakalengija trailhead at Ruboni Campsite and RMS Guesthouse. The trailhead for the proposed Kilembe Trail is served by Rwenzori Backpackers Hostel. Other options exist in Kasese, Fort Portal and in nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accessibility to Rwenzori Mountains National Park

By road, from Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese or from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75 km south on the Fort Portal/ Kasese road. The park is 25 km from Kasese town. By air, chartered planes are available from Entebbe/ Kampala to Kasese and then by road. There are a variety of accommodation facilities in Kasese town (both upper and lower market). RMS operates accommodation facilities along the central circuits, huts with bunk beds.