Can you hike Rwenzori Mountain in one day

Can you hike Rwenzori Mountain in 1 day?

Can you hike Rwenzori Mountain in 1 day? This is a commonly asked question by most travelers and the answer is always ‘yes’. For those with limited time but a strong desire to explore the distinctive Rwenzori Mountains, the idea of completing a one-day hike is both captivating and enticing. The Rwenzori Mountains, renowned for their remarkable biodiversity and awe-inspiring scenery, provide a multitude of trails and itineraries. Attempting to reach the high peaks such as Margherita in a single day is not possible due to the difficult terrain and the need for acclimatization. However, there are lesser trails available that offer a satisfying day walk experience, allowing you to observe the diverse plant and animal life on the lower slopes.

Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, the largest mountain range in Africa (120 km long and 65 km wide), is the goal of this one-day adventure. Situated in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains are referred to as “The Mystical Challenge” and are the highest mountain in Uganda and third in Africa. Early geographers mentioned the snow-covered source of the Nile, which is Africa’s tallest mountain range, the 5,109-meter Rwenzori, also known as the “mountains of the moon.”

Situated in western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park spans 120 km in length and 65 km in width, safeguarding the highest regions of the Rwenzori mountain range along the Uganda-Congo border. Two hundred and seventeen bird species, including the nineteen endemic species of the Albertine Rift, may be found in the national park. In addition to trekking the Rwenzori Mountains, there are a plethora of other places to view and things to do, such as treks through the Bakonzo hamlet, bird watching, sightseeing, and nature walks where you can get a taste of the local way of life.

With its pristine natural tropical rain forests and meandering path along the Munyamubuli river, the 1-day Rwenzori Mountain Climbing is a forest nature walk that offers you a variety of flora and flower species, butterflies, and birds whispering in the mist. After lunch in the forest, you will make your way back down.

The comprehensive schedule for the one-day Rwenzori Mountain Climbing is provided below.

The trek is very straightforward, with a steady rise through montane forest that features large trees, dense undergrowth, and a wide variety of birds and primates. The next section of the trip is a rather steep ascent up a ridge below Omusita Rest Spot, which is 2,373 meters high and where you connect the trail that descends from Samalira. There is a great diversity of trees and flora in the pristine woodlands. In this diverse habitat, one can hear and view a wide variety of bird species. After crossing a few minor streams and rivers and climbing for a few kilometers, we diverge onto our birding trail. A few distances from the turnoff, you will notice signs of bush pigs foraging for roots and grubs in the undergrowth and along the path. You might be able to spot these bashful creatures if you stroll quietly. After that, the walk continues along the upper course of the Nyamwamba River, offering views of both the river and the stunning ravine forests that border it. You can stroll down a short route to the river’s edge, where you could spot kingfishers and other water-loving species. The trees grow higher, larger, and more angular as you ascend. Chimpanzee calls reverberate across the valley, and other species of primates are frequently seen and heard. High up in the tallest trees, you may observe chimp nests built of twigs and branches. During the fruiting season, the chimps utilize these nests for many weeks before moving on to find other food sources. If you’re lucky, you might spot a group of ten to fifteen black and white Colobus monkeys swinging through the branches—especially if there are any fruit-bearing trees nearby. You might occasionally spot a blue monkey. It is well worth the effort to enjoy this special setting because of the forest, the abundance of different plant species, and the surrounding area along the river.

Recommended Mount Rwenzori hiking packages

Major Things to know  before Climbing Rwenzori Mountains

10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking

This 10 days climbing Rwenzori and gorilla trekking starts with an early breakfast before heading to Bwindi National Park. The scenic drive offers views of Uganda’s lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, check in at Gorilla Mist Lodge, where you can relax and get ready for the exciting trek ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.

5 Days Bujjuku group tour in Rwenzori mountains

Start your 5 Days Bujjuku group tour in Rwenzori mountains at Nyakalengija, trekking through lush forests to Nyabitaba Camp (2,651m). On day two, cross the Bujuku River and ascend to John Matte Camp (3,414m), experiencing diverse landscapes. Day three takes you through the Bigo Bog to Bujuku Camp (3,977m), with stunning views of Bujuku Lake 

5 days Rwenzori mountain trekking itenary weisman peak

Set off on an incredible 5 days Rwenzori mountain trekking itenary weisman peak expedition in the majestic Rwenzori Mountains explores Weisman Peak. The group safari promises an unforgettable shared experience, discounted prices and support among fellow adventurers. Day 1 kicks off with a scenic 7km 

The opening of the Margarita peak

3 days john matte Rwenzori hiking

3 days john matte Rwenzori hiking , after breakfast at the camp, you will go to RMS headquarters where you will be briefed about the whole hike. Start the hike from Nyakalengija through the Bakonzo settlements to mount Rwenzori national park gate where you will be registered before entering the park. You will start the central circuit trail trek through thick tropes with high elephant grass and dense bushes. The forest is home to various animal species like forest elephant, chimpanzee

2 days omukakiiza camp to Mahoom camp

7 Days Mountain Gessi group hike

7 Days Mountain Gessi group hike, Embark on your group’s adventure of 7 days  Mountain Gessi group hike in Nyakalengija, hiking 6.5 km through lush forests to Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m). On day two, trek 7.5 km through bamboo forests to Johnmaate Camp (3,505m), enjoying views of Margherita and Alexandria peaks. Day three leads you through the bog to Skull Cave Camp with a chance to spot Rwenzori Turaco birds.  

Cost of Trekking mountain Rwenzori

5 Days Margherita summit group tour itinerary

5 Days Margherita summit  group tour itinerary to summit Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains promising very scenic views. The group’s trek is tailored for swift and robust travelers who seek to conquer Mount Stanley via the Central Circuit. Day 1 begins with a briefing at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Service offices in Nyakalengija, where you’ll gather your hiking gear and meet your guides and porters. The journey takes

The cost of the one-day Rwenzori Mountain Climbing is $35 for national park entrance fees plus $100 for trekking fees making it 135 dollars. Included in the hiking fees are lunch packs and guides. Excluded in hiking fees: insurance, personal costs, lodging before and after the hike, and transportation to and from the starting location, visa, yellow fever card, alcoholic drinks.

Join us for a 1-day Rwenzori mountain climbing trek.

Since the majority of our guides are from the Rwenzori Regions, we have a number of trained, supportive guides who are happy to lead you to the summit. They have a wealth of knowledge about both high and low altitude summits, flora and fauna, first aid, abseiling, cooking, and customer care. They never cease training, and since the mountains are constantly changing, it is typically done in April, May, and November during the off-peak months. This is especially true for peak guides.

We recommend that you bring a large backpack that the porters will carry and a day pack for your personal belongings that you carry yourself. Our treks include porters who will carry your gear during the trip; the maximum weight per bag is 23 kg. Since Rwenzoris are usually wet, even during the dry seasons, backpack coverings are an essential. If you can’t afford one, put polythene bags inside your backpack to keep your goods dry during the journey.

During our treks, we offer all meals, and we take great pride in serving delicious meals that are cooked by our qualified guides. We do accommodate any dietary allergies and our meals are planned to keep you safe and well throughout your hike. When you book your treks, please let us know about all of your dietary restrictions for a better experience. We do suggest packing favorite foods because they will keep you motivated on your hike.

While we try to provide as much comfortable accommodation as we can, we are unable to provide twins or singles during the hike due to the difficult conditions under which huts must be built and our policy of preserving the mountain environment, which results in less destruction of nature. All accommodations during the trek are in huts with bunk beds, dormitory style, and mattresses. You’ll be covered for the night with just a warm four seasons. The upper huts are powered by solar energy and feature wood burners inside for a cozy atmosphere.  Even the campers at Hunwick’s and Kiharo have solar power with an inverter, giving you 240 volts to charge your cameras and phone.

Kiharo Camp and Samalira Camp are the lower huts that feature solar electricity and an inverter to allow you to recharge your batteries.

All of our treks require insurance, and all participants must purchase insurance that covers Medivac and evacuation at elevations of 4,000 meters and higher prior to their arrival. We also suggest carrying a bug repellant. Note that no trek will leave without a valid insurance policy.