Explore Rwenzori

Conquering the Mountains of the Moon

A comprehensive guide to the different trekking and mountaineering routes in Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains National Park, from nature walks to technical peak climbs.

We are now about to pass through the gates of the strange and the wonderful – the unique and the unbelievable.

By: Henry Morton Stanley

The Allure of the Rwenzori

Straddling the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains are a World Heritage Site famed as the fabled "Mountains of the Moon." Unlike the volcanic peaks of Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, the Rwenzoris are a fantastical alpine world of jagged, snow-capped peaks nestled within deep valleys, home to bizarre and beautiful flora like giant lobelias and groundsels. The trekking here is not just a hike; it's an expedition through ever-changing ecosystems, from humid rainforests to sprawling bogs and glacial valleys. Choosing the right route is key to an unforgettable experience, whether you seek a challenging nature walk or a full-scale mountaineering adventure.

Choosing Your Adventure

The Rwenzori offers a range of packages tailored to different fitness levels, time constraints, and mountaineering ambitions. The 3-Day Nature Walk to John Matte Camp provides a stunning, albeit demanding, introduction to the lower and middle zones of the park. For those with more time, the 5 and 6-day Central Circuit treks offer the most complete experience, traversing the entire high-altitude circuit through Kitandara Lakes and over high passes without the technical challenge of a summit climb. The true crown jewels, however, are the peak climbs. The 5-Day Mount Speke, 5-Day Mount Baker, and 7-Day Margherita Peak climbs are serious technical endeavors requiring glacier travel and proper equipment. For the ultimate challenge, the 9-Day Three Peaks expedition is a world-class mountaineering feat that combines all three major summits into one epic journey.