What is the cost if hiking Rwenzori mountain in 2025-2026

Margarita peak
The opening of the Margarita peak 
August 21, 2024

What is the cost if hiking Rwenzori mountain in 2025-2026

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What is the cost if hiking Rwenzori mountain in 2025 – 2026 ($1,350)

Hiking the mountains of the moon is one that offers a unique experience. In this blog, we explore all it takes to know the price of hiking Rwenzori in 2025.

Overview of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The Rwenzori Mountains, popularly known as the Mountains of the Moon, are situated near the border between the Pearl of Africa and Democratic republic of Congo.  The mountains are part of the larger Albertine Rift.

The mountains are renowned for their stunning alpine scenery, diverse eco systems and demanding trekking routes with its highest peak being Margherita.

Hiking Mt Rwenzori involves you following different routes and they include Kilembe, Bukurungu, central circuit that varies in price. The Rwenzori mountains are a composure of a rich bio diversity thus being inscribed on the list of the UNESCO world heritage sites

What does it cost to climb Mount Rwenzori?

To determine the cost of hiking MT Rwenzori involves considering a number of things such as length, route, guide, the number of people travelling and many more.

The average cost of hiking Mt Rwenzori is $ 1900 to $3000 considering from cheap to budget. The pricing of the trails that are used within Mt Rwenzori.

The central circuit trail.

The central circuit is the most popular trek used for hiking Mt Rwenzori.  Hiking the central circuit involves exploring the heart of the mountains as you trek through different vegetation zones, bamboo forests, alpine meadows and much more.

The current cost of a permit for this trail is accompanied with park entrance fees, porter services, guide fees, camping fees and many more. The price for a foreign non-resident is around $ 1350 for a 6-to-7 -days trek.

Kilembe trail permit.

The Kilembe trail commences from the Kilembe valley and follows a path towards the high peaks of Mt Stanley.  The trail is a bit shorter compared to the central circuit but it is still rewarding, it offers beautiful views of the Rwenzori mountains. Hiking Mt Rwenzori using the Kilembe trail is approximately a 6 to 7 hours hike. The Kilembe trail also requires a permit just like the central circuit trail. The cost for foreign non-residents is approximately $1500 for 7 to 8 day trek.

Some of the factors that influence the cost of Rwenzori Climbing prices include:

  • Travel time.
  • Group size.
  • Transportation.
  • Renting equipment.
  • Various routes are used to hike Rwenzori mountains.

GROUP SIZE.

This is among the main factors that influence the price of hiking the Rwenzori mountains, however for the big group of 10 people plus, the group leader is given a discount.

The number of people determines a lot while setting up the price for hiking MT Rwenzori. The more the number of people in the group, the lower the cost for the Rwenzori. Different tour operators organize group tours to Rwenzori, you can organize and then reduce your price.

DAYS SPENT ON THE MOUNTAIN.

The number of days that you spend on the mountains also determines the price of hiking MT Rwenzori.  The day you spend on the mountain involves additional costs for park fees, staff wages, food and equipment use this implies that longer routes are more expensive compared to shorter routes. The more days you spend on the mountain, the higher the cost.

RENTING EQUIPMENT.

This is among the most important aspects to consider in your budget when planning to visit Rwenzori. Whether it is hiking gear or personal gear, proper equipment is among the main things that influence your hiking adventure.  You should note that you need to carry money that you will use to rent equipment.

Personal Equipment’s

  • Personal items
  • A pair of trekking trousers,
  • cotton shirts.
  • Woolen Cape
    Waterproof gloves
  • Headlamp including batteries
  • Trekking bag
  • Sun hut
  • Hand chiefs
  • Snow glasses
  • Gaiters
  • Rain proof and
  • Worm gears
  • A pair of woolen head socks
  • Jogging suit/sports shoe
  • Sleeping bag and rubber boots

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER.

Transportation.

Travelling to MT Rwenzori from major cities such as Kampala and Entebbe requires transportation costs, each with its own benefits and challenges. Road transport allows you to view various green savannahs, grasslands, and many more.

Road transport.

Road transport is the most common means of transport that can be used to get to MT Rwenzori. You can decide to use public means of transport either a bus.

Domestic flights.

These are the fastest and most convenient means of transport that can be used to access Mount Rwenzori. You can board a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kasese.

Hire a private car with a reputable tour company.

Rwenzori can still be accessed by hiring a private car from a reputable tour operator.  Hiring a private car is among those activities that offer maximum comfort and flexibility. The approximate cost for hiring a car with a driver guide and fuel is $600 depending on the type of a vehicle and distance.

However, whether you select flying or driving all these means of transport have advantages.  Air transport is very fast and convenient while road transport is more economical and flexible. Transfers pickup from Kasese we charge $ 15

On the other hand, some of the things to also consider include the Rwenzori Mountains. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation, high altitude tracking and trip cancellation.  The cost of insurance is composed of the provider and level of coverage.  The price ranges from $50 to 200 dollars.

Souvenirs.

When drafting your hiking budget, consider setting aside some money for souvenirs and local crafts. After hiking, on your way, there are some local craft shops so incase you need to buy the souvenirs so make a budget of some money. The price can range from $10 to 15 per day for those crafts.

Tipping.

This is among the best ways you can maximumly appreciate the porters, guides and chef’s work. Note tipping is not mandatory however when you need to appreciate someone’s work, you need to tip. The tip can vary from $10 and above depending on your budget. Tipping creates motivation among these workers thus encouraging conservation strategies. They can still improve their standards of living.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

For every hiker climbing Mt Rwenzori you need to consider this at the back of your mind that different people provide services for the goodness of your hiking adventure., This  is  community run project , the  biggest  part of the money goes to the community and the remaining percentage goes to the government.

Guides and porter services.

There are about 4 players that make Mount Rwenzori hiking successful these include Guides, chefs, porters & Park rangers – To hike Mt Rwenzori, it is a must for you to hire a porter. These people play a very significant role in ensuring safety and valuable insights into the local flora and fauna.

Porters help to carry your luggage, while guides provide you with the relevant knowledge about the trails you encounter with. The money you pay is offered to them in order for them to support themselves.

Park fees and permits.

You should also notice that the portion of the money goes towards park entry fees and permits.  The Uganda Wildlife Authority charges certain fees to regulate the number of hikers per day.

Conservation efforts.

There is some portion of money that goes to the side of conservation of the Rwenzori Mountains and its eco system. This involves efforts to protect the endangered species that call the mountains of the moon home, like the chimpanzees and monkey species.  On the other hand, some money still goes to the bodies that fight poaching by staging patrols to control illegal activities within the park.

Government revenue.

The government benefits a lot from tourism around Mount Rwenzori. It collects taxes thus improving on the infrastructures such as roads and many more. This includes collecting taxes on park entrance fees and the VAT it collects from items being bought by visitors. It’s the responsibility of the government to maintain the huts in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Local crafts and goods.

There are local woman of porter and  guides: While on your trekking adventure, you can encounter with the local women selling crafts, clothing and souvenirs. When tourists buy their items, money goes to these people and it is a way of supporting their businesses and the community at large.

Tour operators and local agencies.

The money still goes to various local tour operators since they are in charge of organizing these trekking safaris. These people provide maximum support, accommodations, transportation and meals. A portion of the money paid for the trek goes directly to these tour companies. Money still goes to various lodges near the parks that tourists use.

 

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