Mountains of the Moon

13 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
An incredible trek up Africa's third highest peak
27%
$5,459
From$3,960
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Marvel at views from the summit of Margherita Peak (5109m)
    • Trek in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Rwenzori Mountains, a source of the River Nile
    • Discover remote alpine valleys and glacial landscapes
    • Experience pristine tropical rainforests
    • Trek through Giant Lobelia forests along the remote Kilembe Trail
    • Delight in the diverse flora of the region

What's this trip about?

    An incredible trek up Africa's third highest peak

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 8 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityEntebbe
End CityKampala

Travel Themes

  • Climbing & Mountaineering
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • High Adventure
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Africa

Attractions

  • Entebbe
  • Kampala

Activities

  • Rock Climbing
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners
    • airport transfers (day 1 and 13 only)
    • 3 nights in good quality hotels on a twinshare basis
    • 9 nights fully supported camping in permanent camps on a multishare basis with camp bed and mattress
    • group camping equipment (sleeping bag not included)
    • group climbing gear (includes ropes, crampons, harness and ice axe)
    • English speaking local guide *Rwenzori Mountain Guide and park ranger
    • experienced local guides, cook and camp crew
    • porters to carry personal and group equipment
    • Rwenzori trekking permits and mountain rescue fees valued at US$350
    • private transport

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join Entebbe Airport, transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel in Kampala (approx 40 mins) for overnight accommodation. There will be a briefing with our guide before dinner. (Please note: there will be one guide for Kampala and Fort Portal, who d...

Day 2 Drive to Fort Portal (approx. 5-6 hrs drive), and preparation

This morning we will meet our local guide at the hotel for the transfer to Fort Portal (about 5-6 hrs drive, depending on road conditions). The remainder of today is for relaxing and making final preparations. Overnight: Fort Motel (or similar)

meals : B,L

Day 3 Transfer from Fort Portal to Kilembe by road (approx 2 hrs drive), trek to Sine Camp (2596m, 9.5 km, approx 6 - 7 hrs)

This morning at approx 7.00am, we will transfer (approx 2 hrs drive) from Fort Portal to the trek start point at Kyanjuki (1450m), near the town of Kilembe. Here we will meet our mountain guide and have a full trek briefing. After a short walk of 2.2km (about 1 hr) we...

Day 4 Trek to Mutinda Camp via Kamusoni Valley (3688m, 6.1 km, approx 6 - 7 hrs)

After breakfast today's trek begins with a steep climb and many high steps into the Bamboo Zone. In the wet season the bamboo area is muddy and slippery making the going slow. Your gaiters will come in handy here or you may even like to wear your rubber/gum boots. Occ...

Day 5 Trek to Bugata Camp (Camp 3) (4062m, 8.6 km, approx 6 - 7 hrs)

Today, as we climb steadily higher, we will enter the Alpine Zone. The trail this morning is again boggy, but with a little skill we can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We cross the Mutinda Valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flower...

Day 6 To Hunwick's Camp (Camp 4) via Bamwanjara Pass (3974m, 8.3 km, approx 5 - 6 hrs)

Going steadily up again to start the day, we climb towards Bamwanjara Pass. The area is covered by everlasting flowers and Giant groundsel with tussock marshland typical of the region. Giant Lobelia are again seen here, its nectar being the main food source of the Sca...

Day 7 via Scott Elliott Pass to Margherita Camp (Camp 5) (4460m, 5.1 km, approx 4 - 5 hrs)

Today is a relatively easy walk past Kitandara Lakes with an enjoyable climb through Scott Elliott Pass (4335m) to our base at Margherita Camp (formerly Camp 5) (4460m). The camp is below historic Elena Hut and is sheltered with a ring of high rocks from the original ...

Day 8 Summit Margherita Peak 5109m, descend to Hunwick's Camp (3974m, 12.7 km, approx 11 - 13 hrs)

We wake very early (between 1:00 - 2:00 am), have a hot drink and a light, high energy snack before setting off. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Elena Hut (4540m) which we bypass on the way to the peaks. After Elena the climb is steep and can be tricky if...

Day 9 Descend to Bugata Camp (Camp 3) (4062m, 8.3 km, approx 5 - 6 hrs)

After a big day yesterday, a late breakfast (8.30am) is in order before starting on the trail by 9:00am. We retrace our steps over Bamwanjara Pass - a steep pinch at this stage of the trek. While crossing the pass we may see hyrax warming themselves on the rocks in th...

Day 10 Descend to Kiharo Camp (3518m, 7 km, approx 4 - 6 hrs)

We will take a different route to that of our ascent, from Bugata to the base of the mountain which will make for some variety on our return walk. We will set off around Lake Bugata and the tributary of Kopello Lake then climb 200 metres to the confluence of the Namus...

Day 11 To Samalira Camp (3170m, 7.5 km, 4 - 6 hrs)

We wake this morning to the shrill calls of the Rwenzori Turaco and other birds. After a hearty breakfast we commence walking down the valley accompanied by many species of birds diving in and out of the thick vegetation. Chameleons are a common sight as they crawl al...

Day 12 Final day of trekking (10 km, approx 6 - 8 hrs), return to Fort Portal (approx 2 hrs drive)

Our final day of trekking takes us down a long ridge through the bamboo forests and the afro montane forests back to the UWA Ranger Post. Some fast walkers have descended to the rangers post by midday however the majority of people arrive at the rangers post around 1p...

Day 13 Drive to Kampala, trip concludes

Today we will return to Kampala by road where our trip concludes on arrival at Entebbe airport late in the afternoon. There is no accommodation booked for tonight. Please ask your consultant if you would like post-tour accommodation and we will be happy to arrange it ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,960
Price per day$305
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
01 Jun 2024
13 Jun 2024
$3,960
02 Jun 2024
14 Jun 2024
$3,960
03 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$3,960
04 Jun 2024
16 Jun 2024
$3,960
05 Jun 2024
17 Jun 2024
$3,960
06 Jun 2024
18 Jun 2024
$3,960
07 Jun 2024
19 Jun 2024
$3,960
08 Jun 2024
20 Jun 2024
$3,960
09 Jun 2024
21 Jun 2024
$3,960
10 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$3,960

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with World Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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World Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,826
Great
249
Average
12
Disappointing
3
Terrible
3
L

Lachlan Baird

Jun 2023

Excellent adventure tour in Uganda, great tour guides and great experience

Tough hike with spectacular scenery, well worth it!

J

John Forwood

May 2023

Mountains of the Moon was an unforgettable trek with spectacular scenery

We virtually had the whole Rwenzori Mountains to ourselves - an undiscovered gem, particularly while the glaciers are still there. Everyone found it very challenging...

J

J. Crane

Mar 2020

The Rwenzori Mountains are a deeply surreal place, home to the highest mountain range and only year round snow in Africa, despite lying close to the equator on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

They are a tough but rewarding place to hike, with the seemingly endless mud and high altitude (often over 4,000m above sea level) offset by incredibly diverse lands...

K

K. Morrison

Sep 2017

In a word it was fantastic and totally successful

David and I joined with three other clients at Entebbe where we were met by Remi as planned and everything continued to run smoothly from there on. The five of us go...

Write a Review

Other World Expeditions Reviews

M

Mary Anderson

Apr 2024

I had to leave the tour early because of illness

My tour guide, Tien, was wonderful. There was a tour participant from Australia who was a physician, and he acted like the tour medical director, demanding I leave...

M

Michael Scholer

Apr 2024

An amazing experience that was made truly possible by booking through World Expeditions

. The team in Nepal went above and beyond to ensure our every requirement was met within their control.. The sherpas, guides, cook, and porters were exemplary, very ...

T

Terence Gibson

Apr 2024

My wife and I had a wonderful trek in the Annapurna region

We are both 80 but fit and the route was designed to be less exacting than on our last visit to the same area. This allowed ample time to look at the flowering Rhodo...

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Tour Operator

World Expeditions

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Taking the Paths Less Travelled Since 1975

Since its inception in 1975, World Expeditions has earned an outstanding reputation as an innovator and world leader in quality, small group adventure holidays. Responsible travel at our core, we always believed that it is not only where but also how you travel that truly creates an experience of a lifetime. Over the past decades World Expeditions has been operating authentic and innovative adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where others end. As a leader in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • international flights
    • airport and departure taxes
    • visas
    • travel insurance (must include trekking above 3900 metres; and mountaineering/Global Rescue insurance for Summit Day only)
    • sleeping bags
    • aerated and alcoholic drinks
    • bottled water
    • tips
    • items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.

Accommodation

3 nights hotel 9 nights permanent camp,
Requirements
This adventure is classed as an expedition. It involves extreme trekking and/or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is essential before choosing this trek, and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Trekking up to the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains, which is Margherita Peak at 5109 metres, is tough and challenging and will require peak physical fitness. Climbing this peak is more technical due to the ever increasing number of crevasses and exposed slippery rocks, and the more difficult terrain covered in snow and ice, making summiting a challenge. However the final ascent to the actual peak is more of a hard scramble than a climb. Whilst prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary, you should have technical climbing experience to prepare for the Summit Day; i.e knowledge of ropes and use of crampons, ascenders and figure 8's to belay, and knowledge of how to use an ice axe is advisable as there are sections of 60% steepness of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic instruction is given by our mountaineering guides. The rewards and exhilaration of reaching the summit is next to none, and our trained competent guides will guide you safely to Margherita Peak. The Rwenzori’s are very wet mountains; the trails are small and often boggy underfoot. Specialist gear required for this trip includes gaiters, walking boots and a spare pair of shoes for around camp. A walking pole helps balance over rocky bits. The last section up to the summit of Margherita is a hard scramble (but well worth it). You will need to be roped up and use crampons (ropes, harnesses and crampons are provided and the guides will give instructions in their use). A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.,
Travel Insurance
We require that you take out a personal travel insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. A suggested policy is enclosed with these notes. If you take out an alternative policy, we need to be advised of the details. Please note: if you choose credit card cover, in our experience, this may not insure against high cost needs. For example; helicopter emergency evacuation. If you do decide to choose credit card coverage, please check all policy details thoroughly. Whilst mountain rescue fees are included in your trip cost this only applies up to 3900 metres, meaning that you will be carried down on a stretcher in case of failure to hike to the nearest evacuation point. Further emergency evacuation and medical costs are not covered (ie. Your personal travel insurance would apply). Please note that all persons climbing above 3900 metres must ensure that they have a comprehensive adventure/mountaineering insurance policy to cover all medical and rescue costs should rescue or medivac be needed as complex rescue, helicopter rescue, medical evacuation or hospitalisation is not covered in the trip cost. NB – Climbing gear (ie. ropes, crampons, harness & ice axe) are used for Summit Day only. You should always carry your travel insurance policy, emergency card and photocopies of your passport and cash cards with you during your trip.
Visa requirements
Yes*
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • 13 day trip
  • 10 day trek
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 9 nights permanent camp
*DON'T FLY BEFORE 17:00 ON DAY 13 Rwenzori Mts are western Uganda on border with DRC (Congo) *Harder trek than Kili but more spectacular ... wet, muddy, snow & ice on Margherita Peak (5109m) = 3rd highest peak in Africa *Best time is "dry" season - end Dec to Feb and mid-Jun to mid Aug .... but even then it is going to be wet for the most part! *Guide & porter compulsory; guides are trained in rope courses, mt rescue, international safety standards, food prep. All guides are highly trained by Director John Hunwick (Australian) plus they bring in Instructor guides from Europe and UK. Guide training is on a continual basis including sleeping upon the glaciers for intensive training on the ice, real life scenarios of rescue from deep crevasses where one guide will go down inside a deep crevasse, trauma wilderness first aid etc. The guides get really good compliments and reviews from even European international guides that accompany some of their clients on the treks to Margherita Peak. *The ratio of client to guide on summit day is:- 1 to 3 clients - 2 guides; 4 to 6 clients - 3 guides; 8 clients - 4 guides . *Permanent tented camps - all have camp beds with mattresses *Starts in montane rainforest (lots of monkeys), then bamboo forest, then moorland with giant lobelias *1500m altitude increase on Day 1 *incredible views - lakes, valleys, big peaks, wilderness *Might see rare Rwenzori leopard if very very lucky (lives at 4000m) *Rope up for summit - crampons & harness provided, mostly firm rock for summit but some snow & ice *Rubber boots handy for last couple of days of trek - very boggy *Clients should know that Ugandan trekking is NOT like Nepal trekking - punctuality and sticking to the plan vary, level of service not same as Nepal as group trekking not common in Uganda *We use same operator as Exodus but different itinerary: we climb Margherita Peak (Stanley range) and go higher than Exodus (they do Baker range), our trek is 10 days - Exodus is 9 days,
Trip ID
worldexpeditions-RWE

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