A well planned expedition to the Rwenzoris is a lifting and gratifying experience. The key to a memorable trip is to “be well prepared!”  The inner circuit trek takes 7 nights / 8 days and ascends to an altitude of 14,000 ft (4,267 m) above sea level. The mountain conditions are quite challenging to even an experienced hiker.

The Ruwenzori mountainous range is well known for its un-engineered, steep and slippery trails with frequent rain. The frequent rainfall, frosty temperatures, bogs sludge, steep terrain and high altitude make it a tough and exiting excursion. A worthy trek to try! The best time to visit is during the relatively dry months of July to August, and December to January. The ice covered peaks are only visible a few days in the year.

Among the animals found in the Rwenzori are the chimpanzee, Columbus monkeys and other primates, leopards, forest hog, elephant and the Rock Hyrax. If you have a keen eye, you may spot the three-horned chameleon. The birdlife is magnificent, and includes the Rwenzori Turaco, francolin, olive pigeon and the white-necked raven.

 The natives, the Bakorio, are a robust mountain people, many of whom work for Rwenzori Mountaineering Services. 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 for climbing the mountains.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kampala.

And proceed to kasase overnight Rwenzori Lodge depending on the time you arrive in kampala .This journey takes about 7 hours to get to Kasase.

Day 2 : Morning, transfer to Nyakalengija. Trek to Nyabitaba Hut (2650metres) for dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba Hut - 2652m campsite.

Arrange to arrive at Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) office at Nyakalengija early in the morning to have enough time to hire gear/equipments plus guides and porters.

Climbing starts from the Park head office at 54,000 ft, trekking past "mud and wattle" Bakonzo homes and slowly making your way through elephant grass. The trek takes about 40 minutes to arrive at the park boundary. The track then follows the Mubuku River, passing through landslide prone areas - to be negotiated cautiously), and requires climbing over rocks, before arriving at the Mahoma River in about 2 and ½  hrs.
On crossing the river there is a steep climb through open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest up to Nyabitaba hut 8,700 ft (2652 m). For an average hiker it takes about 5-7 hrs from Nykalengija to Nyabitaba having hiked 4,000 ft. Amature hikers could take a bit longer. It is therefore advisable to start the hike before noon to avoid being on the trials after dark.
During the trek, you may hear chimpanzees, may see black and white Columbus monkeys in the rear of the hut, and sight the brilliantly colored Rwenzori Turaco bird – normally resident of the tree tops. Crosswise the passageway to the north of Nyabitaba hut lies the rock-strewn and mostly unclimbed Portal Peaks, which rise above 14,000 ft.

Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut (2650metres) - John Matte Hut (3350m) 6 hour hike

From Nyabitaba Hut the track turns westwards for ½ km and then descends sharply to Kurt Shaffer Bridge, crossing the convergence of the Bujuku and the Mubuku rivers. Turning right from the Bridge you climb the inner circuit anti-clockwise. The clockwise direction is much more difficult dangerous. On passing through Kurt Shaffer Bridge the mucky and slippery trail climbs gradually up through a bamboo forest. After 1 an 1/2 hrs you come upon a locale of slimy rock skipping which is considered the most difficult and dangerous traction of the course.
After 5 hours of hike you reach the hut at Nyamuleju and its associated rock shelter. If you started the hike late or if there is a large group ahead at the next hut, then you may consider spending the night in this hut. Here, on a clear day Mt. Stanley and Speke can be viewed atop the rock near the hut. Furthermore Nyamuleju marks the begning of the giant lobelia and groundsel zone, a remarkable vegetation type found nowhere else in the world except on high elevation tropical African Mountains.
The 1 hr hike to John Matte hut - 11, 200 ft. is through a tough swamp at a slow pace. The extra ordinary vegetation gives a delightful chance to scrutinize and photograph these unique surroundings. It may take close to 7 hrs to reach John Matter from Nyabitaba. Some hikers consider this as the most exhausting and longest day of the course; therefore it is important to start early. Depending on a hiker’s condition, some hikers may consider John Matte as a reasonable stopping point if the feel they have reached their limit.

Day 4: John Matte Hut - Bujuku(3977m)3-5 hours

Depart John Matte to the crossing of the Bujuku River and go into the lesser Bigo swamp. Here, you get the experience of jumping from tussock to tussock on a lush bog. This trail is muddy and tags along the southern edge of lower Bigo swamp until eventually reachng the round metal "uniport". A steep climb past the hut leads to the greater Bigo bog. Towards the end of the bog, a board-walk has been constructed which makes walking easier and prevents the hikers from damaging the bog.
A striking tapered stream at the upper end of the bog is a good spot for a lunch break. One hour and a half further, after climbing through drier ground and criss-crossing the river, you arrive at Lake Bujuku. The southern most end of the lake is splendid, with Mt. Baker to the South, Mt. Stanley to the west and Mt. Speke to the north.
The trail course along the lake’s northeastern shoreline passes through the worst sludge on the trip. Ahead of the northern end of the lake is a rock shelter called ‘Cooking Pot’. A short distance further is the Bujuku Hut at 13,000ft abve sea level. This hut is favored by parties climbing Mt. Speke - which requires technical skills and special equipment. The sheltered position and frequent mist can make Bujuku Hut quite chilly.
If you take a nature walk, chances of seeing Red duikers are high and at night, calls of the Rock hyraxes can be heard.

Day 5: Ascend to Elena Hut (4541m)

From Bujuku hut take the newer trail, which ascends and descends two times before finally climbing sharply trough the delightful moss draped Groundsel vegetation at 14,345 ft to Scott Elliot Pass. At the steepest section, there is a short ladder which on turning right leads to Elena Hut 14,700 ft. This steep rocky trail can be very slippery when wet. Continuing in a straight line and a few yards below the pass, there is a sheltered area where you can take a break. From here, there is another trail to the right leading to Elena Hut. Elena is the base camp for hiking 16, 763 ft to Margherita Peak in the Mt. Stanley and can only be attempted with an ice axe, mountain boots, crampons, ropes and prior arrangements with RMS guides.
The circuit trail continues to the left over Scot Elliot Pass and enters an alpine zone of spars low vegetation and stark rough boulders more familiar to high altitude climbers from northern latitudes. If the weather is bad here (rain, snow, and wind can occur in any season) the conditions for "hypothermia" are ideal. Here you may enjoy stunning views to the north of Margherita Peak, Elena and Savoia Glaciers, and Mt. Baker 15, 889 ft. towering above you to the east (left) of the trail.

Day 6: Climb to Margherita peak (5109m).

Descend to the Kitandara Lakes. Meals and overnight at the Kitandara Hut 4,023m.

Day 7: The descent to Guy Yeoman Hut, 3.261 m.

Meals and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut (3260m)

Day 8: The descent of about 6 hours starts to Nyabitaba. Meals and overnight at Nyabitaba hut (2650m)

The journey back begins early, so as to get to Nyabitaba Hut in good time. The path from the Guy Yeoman is somewhat complex at some points. Giving a hand to one another and descending bit by bit facing the slope is recommended. This follows the ridge down Nyabitaba, which completes the circuit. Experienced hikers make the Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba in about 5 hours.

Day 9: Descend to Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m) and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park overnight Buhoma Community.

Day 10: Go for Gorilla tracking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Overnight Buhoma Community.

Day 11: Drive back to Kampala overnight in a hotel

Day 12: Go for white water rafting at the River Nile in Jinja. Overnight in a hotel

Day 13: Depart from Kampala.

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The total cost as per the itinerary is as follows: Minimum 2 pax.
2 pax US$ 2790 per person in mid range accommodation
2 pax US$ 2990 per person in Top range accommodation

For 3 pax or more, the cost reduces at the rate of less US$ 10 per person.
i.e. 3 pax US$ 2780pp, 4 pax US$ 2770pp, 5 pax US$ 2760pp, 6 pax US$ 2750pp, 7 pax US$ 2740pp etc. The same applies for top range accommodation.
Notes.
2. Gorilla trekking permit should be booked at least 1 month before the trek
The cost includes: all transport, accommodation, meals, porters and guides fees, Gorilla trekking and white water rafting.

Cost Does not include: Personal gear, drinks and what s not mentioned.