Day 1

Pick up and transfer to the foothills of Rwenzori.
**Overnight:** Sandton Hotel, Kasese
**Meal Plan:** Bed & Breakfast

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Day 2

Meet your guide, who will transfer you for a briefing at 1,615 meters, followed by a hike to Nyabitaba Hut at 2,651 meters. Here, you will receive instructions from the park rangers and be introduced to your route, guides, and porters. Afterward, embark on your journey along a path that passes through a dense forest along the Mubuku River. You will cross its tributary, the Mahoma River, and then begin a long climb to the massive ridge, ultimately reaching Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m). During this part of the hike, you may hear chimpanzees and see black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and brightly colored turacos.

Duration of the hike: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: 1,036 m
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut

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Day 3

From Nyabitaba (2,651 m) to Mubuku River (2,600 m) and John Matte Hut (3,380 m).
After breakfast, follow a trail that descends through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, located just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Next, pass through a bamboo forest and a long, tiring stretch of slippery moss-covered cliffs. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, enjoy views of the Stanley Mountains, including Margherita Peak (5,109 m) and Speke Peak (4,890 m). You will then find yourself in the zone of giant heather, lobelias, and agricultural land. Finally, reach John Matte Hut (3,505 m) for dinner and an overnight stay.

Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours
Elevation gain: 854 m
Overnight: John Matte Hut

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Day 4

From John Matte (3,380 m) to Bujuku (3,962 m).
The trail descends from John Matte Hut, crossing the Bujuku River and entering the Lower Bigo Bog, home to giant lobelias. Enjoy the beautiful but hypnotizing boardwalk through the open valley. Transition through a steep forested section to the upper Bigo Bog, which leads to Lake Bujuku, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. This 4-5 hour hike ends at Bujuku Hut, which serves as a launchpad for climbing Mount Speke.

Overnight: Bujuku Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

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Day 5

From Bujuku (3,977 m) to Kitandara Hut (4,541 m).
After breakfast at Bujuku Hut, navigate through a muddy area before starting a steep climb through a forest of giant groundsels, reaching the Groundsel Gully. A branch in the trail leads to Elena Hut (4,430 m), and then the trail proceeds directly to Kitandara Hut. You will walk through Scott Elliot Pass (4,372 m), the highest point during the central circuit, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views down the Bujuku Valley of Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia, and Stanley Peak above. This is a steep, rocky trail that can be very slippery when wet or icy.

Overnight: Elena Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

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Day 6

From Elena Hut (4,541 m) to Margherita Peak – Kitandara Hut (4,027 m).
For those aiming to reach Margherita Peak (5,109 m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. The climb to the summit takes about 5-7 hours, depending on weather conditions and your climbing pace. This challenging hike involves navigating over three glaciers, slippery rocks, ice, and very exposed areas. Note that this climb is suitable for only physically fit and technically skilled climbers. After acclimatizing to fog, altitude sickness, and cool weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita, the highest peak of the Rwenzori. Given the high altitude and tough conditions, even if you do not reach the peak, don’t be discouraged. Prepare for your return through Scott-Elliot Pass, where spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke await, as well as views of Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail passes through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and an overnight stay at Kitandara.

Overnight: Kitandara Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

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Day 7

From Kitandara (4,027 m) to Fresh Field Pass (4,282 m) – Guy Yeoman (3,450 m).
Take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh Field Pass (4,282 m). From the pass, embark on a long high alpine mossy trail. Afterward, begin your descent through steep rocky trails to the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906, until you arrive for an overnight stay at Guy Yeoman Hut after 6-7 hours.

Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut or John Matte Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

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Day 8

From Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija.
Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu, the boggy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing up to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit. Continue past Nyabitaba Camp to finish your trek through Mihunga Gate to Nyakalengija, at the base (end of the trek). Afterward, you will be transferred to Kampala, arriving late in the evening.