Although the Southern Circuit was the route first followed by Professor Scott Elliott in 1895, it is the Central circuit, pioneered by Luigi di Savoia in 1906, that provided the only access to the Rwenzori Mountains for many years.
At Brilliant, we only organise treks for the Southern Circuit because it provides the best experience of the landscape of soaring peaks, stunning lakes, and glaciers.
This circuit also showcases the rich flora and fauna of the Rwenzori Mountains. The Southern Circuit is also a longer route that gives trekkers more time to acclimatise.
Our local partners have opened trails in previously inaccessible areas, and they work with local communities to understand the area and build strong relationships with the neighbouring Bakonjo villages.
Jungle, grassland, or snow-capped peak? Rwenzori is all three.
The Kilembe Trail is a 7-day trek which is managed by Rwenzori Trekking Services. The trail begins at Kilembe at 1,450m, and the first day involves travelling through the scenic mountain forest. You will spend the night at Kalalama Camp at 3,147m.
On day 2, you will set off at 9am and traverse the steep bamboo-mimulopsis zone on your way to Mutinda Camp at 4,688m.
Day 3 involves trekking through the Alpine vegetation zone which contains plants such as giant lobelias. You will spend a comfortable night at Bugata Camp.
On day 4, you will climb up the Bamwanjara Pass (4,450m) which offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks. You will reach Hunwick’s Camp which is perched on a ridge that overlooks Mount Baker.
Day 5 builds to the crescendo of the trek, and you will walk up the Scott Elliott Pass on your way to Margherita Camp (4,845m).
Day 6 is the longest but most rewarding section of the trek and you will climb to Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley.
The hike begins at 4am because you must make it through the glacier before sunrise. Meltwater makes the glacier impassable during the daytime. The view from Margherita Peak will remain with you forever.
Day 7 involves descending through the valley on your way back to base camp.
You cannot put a price on a good night’s sleep the night before or after a strenuous trek, and after your descent from the summits of the Rwenzoris, there's nothing like a hot …
The Rwenzori mountains might just be one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. These mountains receive around 1,000 visitors per year, compared to around 50,000 for Mount Kilimanjaro, …
If you were given the chance to trek through lush jungle, driven on by the thought of snow capped peaks; to pick your way through a lunar landscape coloured by plants seemingly …
The highest of six peaks in the Rwenzori mountain range, and the third-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Mount Stanley stands tall at 5,109 metres.
Towering over the Uganda-Congo border, Mount Baker is locally known as ‘Kiyanja’. Retrace the footsteps of Italian mountaineer, Prince Luigi Amedeo, as you scramble to the …
At 5,109 metres, Margherita Peak is the highest point on Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountains, and the third-highest peak in Africa. It is the crown jewel of the …
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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Get in touch and we can help you understand your options, design an itinerary that's right for you, and then get you set up and ready to go.
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