
12 Days Mountain Rwenzori Hiking Experience & Heritage Sites Preservation Journey
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking and Preservation Journey, a transformative adventure that combines the thrill of conquering Africa’s third-highest peak with the profound purpose of conservation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the "Mountains of the Moon," offers participants the chance to traverse its breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests and sparkling glacial lakes to the awe-inspiring summit. Beyond hiking, you’ll engage in impactful preservation activities that protect this ecological treasure and sustain its biodiversity. Along the way, experience the warm hospitality and vibrant traditions of the local communities who call these majestic mountains home, forging meaningful connections and unforgettable memories.
Beyond the hiking, you’ll engage with social innovation projects and local communities whose sustainable practices are critical to long-term conservation success. From tree planting campaigns to workshops on eco-friendly living, this program is designed to create a profound impact on both the environment and the people who call it home. Join us in shaping a future where conservation and community well-being go hand in hand, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.

IMPACT TRAVEL
Itinerary Details
Day-by-Day



Brief About The Rwenzori Mountains
Tukwaniriza ! Welcome to the "Pearl of Africa" – Uganda.
The Rwenzori – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
The Rwenzoris are a world-class mountaineering and hiking destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
Size: 996km2 The Park was gazetted in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and Ramsar site in 2008. Highest point: 5,109m above sea level on Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak. Mt. Stanley is bisected by the border with the DR Congo. The Rwenzori is not volcanic like East Africa’s other major mountains but is a block of rock upfaulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley. The Rwenzoris were christened the “Mountains of the Moon” by the Alexandrine geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map on 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”
The oldest recorded person to reach Margherita Peak was Ms Beryl Park aged 78 in 2010.



Day-by-Day During 12 Days Hiking Journey
Day One: You will be welcomed at the Airport and taken to your Hotel in Entebbe/Kampala by our local Safaris representative. The selection of city for accommodation will depend on your flight arrival time at Entebbe International Airport.
Day Two: You will be picked by our driver from your Hotel/Residence in Entebbe/Kampala and drive to Kasese Town in Western Uganda. You will have a brief stop at Fort Portal Town for Lunch. You will spend a night at a Hotel/lodge closer to the base camp.
Day Three: Margherita Peak – 8 day trek begins with arrival at the base camp and a Steady walk with a steep climb for the last kilometer. Start at Trekkers at 1,450 meters and sleep at Sine Hut at 2,596 meters being a height gain of 1,146 meters. Guides generally brief clients at the start of the trek or the night before.
Day Four: After a good breakfast trekking starts at 8.30am and you soon enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo area is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow however the atmosphere and the forest is beautiful as you climb 551 metres altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters which is in the Heather-Rapanea Zone where you can take a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp.
Day Five: 4.9km starting at 3,688 meters climbing to 4,062 meters. Alpine Zone. The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interpersed with many Giant Lobelias before we climb a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks. Bugata Camp has good facilities, solar lights, good toilets and bathrooms where the guides may prepare some warm water in a basin for you to wash.
Day Six: 6.2km starting at 4,062 meters climbing over 4,450 meters sleeping at 3,974 meters Commence trekking at 8.30am to climb up Bamwanjara Pass, the trail climbs steadily with several long flat bogs. The area is covered by everlasting flowers and Giant groundsel with the bogs being mainly tussock grass and Giant lobelia of which their nectar is the main food source of the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstonu dartmouthi) which is common in this area and epidemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. As you climb you look back to see the glacial lakes far down in the valley. Butawu Camp (3,974m) is set on a ridge high above Butawu River which flows down from Scott Elliott Pass through Kitandara Lakes and has excellent views of the snowcapped Mt Baker.
Day Seven: 4.2km starting at 3.974 meters climbing to 4.485 meters Walk back along the ridge before crossing several wet areas and small rivers coming from Mt Baker to join Butawu River. The walk up Scott Elliott Pass is enjoyable as you climb up over the rocks and up to Margherita Camp at 4,485 meters which is below Elena Hut and is sheltered with a ring of high rocks and the original camp used by the Italian Prince Luigi Amadeo di Savoia, Duke of the Abruzzi, who mounted a very powerful expedition in 1906, composed of biologists, surveyors, a geologist and a photographer. Some of the peaks still have the names, which the Duke chose to honor the Italian Kingdom and Queen Margherita hence our naming this camp Margherita Camp. From here you have great views of Mt Baker, Scott Elliot Pass and some of the high glaciers on Mt Stanley.
Day Eight: 3.5km Starting at 4,485 meters and climbing to Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters then descend to Butawu Camp at 3,974 meters. Wake up at 4am have a quick snack and start climbing so as to get on the Stanley Glacier before sunrise. The climb up from Elena can be difficult if covered in snow and ice but it is classed as a difficult scramble. Once on the Stanley glacier the going is easy however the climb down to Margherita glacier can be challenging and slippery in bad weather. On getting near to the top of the glacier you then need to climb around an exposed section, which is also bolted and roped, to get on the ridge running up to the top of Margherita Peak. On a clear day the views from Margherita Peak are awesome and your goal is achieved! After summiting you then descend directly to Butawu Camp or in the case of bad weather, you may need to stay in Margherita Camp but the following day it will be necessary to pass Butawu Camp directly to Bugata Camp.
Day Nine: Late breakfast at 8.30am and start trekking by 9am. The climb up Bamwanjara Pass is step and in wet weather can be rather slippery making it slow going. While crossing the pass you get the chance to see hyrax sitting at the entrance to their rock shelter warming in the sun. Their main predator is the Rwenzori Leopard Panthera pardus ruwenzori, which is rarely seen, but occasionally people do get a fleeting glimpse. Sleep at Bugata Camp and descend direct to base Camp in one day OR you can get an early start, take lunch at Bugata Camp then descend to Mutinda Camp. Sleep at Mutinda Camp then the following day descend to Base Camp but generally it is better to sleep at Bugata and descend all the way down the following day.
Day Ten: Descend to Base Camp, have late lunch at base camp and head to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon and Nigh Accommodation after dinner in Kasese Town.
Day Eleven: 05:00am checkout and set off to Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 30 minutes’ drive from your accommodation. Queen Elizabeth National Park is described by many as the most beautiful park in Africa. Set in the west of the Great African rift valley, and bordered by the mist capped Mountain Rwenzori . Queen Elizabeth incorporates dozens of mirror surfaced crater-lakes, salty and fresh water lakes. There are over 95 mammal including 10 primate species (chimpanzees, vervet, blue, red-tailed, L’Hoest monkey, colobus, baboons), upto 20 predators (lion, leopard, spotted hyena, etc), antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, elephants and More than 610 bird species. If lucky we shall meet face to face with most of the above during our morning guided game drive along the channel tracks. After the game drive we will have our packed breakfast and relax as we head later for a boat cruise which usually takes about two hours on Kazinga Channel that connects Lake George and Edward. The Kazinga Channel is an oasis for many of the fascinating species that inhabit the park, and taking a boat tour along it gives visitors the chance to cruise just meters from hundreds of enormous hippos and buffalos while elephants linger on the shoreline. An average of 60 bird species may sometimes be spotted during the trip. And after which we shall go for a late lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge before embarking on a 6 hours’ drive to Kampala/Entebbe where you will have dinner and spend a night.
Day Twelve: Transfer from your hotel to Entebbe International Airport. You will be picked from your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe by our representative and taken to Entebbe International Airport.
Join The Journey to Sustainable Exploration
It's Time to Act
As you book, expect to embark on a transformative journey with our local experts, where your travel becomes a force for good. By booking this thoughtfully curated program, you’re not just planning a trip—you’re joining a movement that supports environmental conservation, empowers communities, and nurtures cultural heritage. Prior bookings are deeply appreciated as they allow us to prepare seamless, impactful experiences tailored to your journey. Your participation isn’t just meaningful for the communities and ecosystems we support—it’s equally enriching for you, offering an opportunity to learn, connect, and leave a positive legacy. Together, let’s create a world where tourism is a catalyst for well-being. Book today and be part of the vision for regenerative tourism!
