Rwenzoris Mountains of the Moon
Climb three peaks amidst Dr. Seuss-like landscapes
Whether you are a climber looking for an interesting expedition with multiple objectives, or trekker looking for something off the beaten path, Rwenzori Mountain National Park offers a unique experience among an Afro Montane rainforest and tropical glaciers. At 16,762 feet / 5,109 meters above sea level, Mount Margherita is the highest peak in the Rwenzoris and the third highest peak in Africa, with views of the convoluted, narrow valleys and rugged peaks of the range and the Congo Basin to the east breathtaking. There are ample opportunities along the way to climb the highest peaks in the range, with easy to intermediate level climbs on snow and rock. Trekkers can attempt easier peaks, or enjoy the challenging trek and unique plant and animal life.
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Trip perks
With a roof over your head at the cabins you stay at every night, it’s more comfortable imagining what exploring the region in search of the Nile might have been like in the 1800’s, when legendary explorers like Speke, Stanley, Burton, and the Duke of Abruzzi walked in the wilderness here, among sometimes hostile tribes, wild animals, and some of the most unimaginably rugged terrain. But, with porter support life is much easier here and allows you to fully appreciate the terrain and if you’re there to climb, two peaks will be ascended making for a complete Rwenzori experience, including Margherita Peak, the third highest peak in Africa.
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Description
The Rwenzoris are located along the western border of Uganda. They are known as the legendary‘Mountains of the Moon’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful, mist-shrouded peaks are incomparable and provide a unique backdrop to one of the world’s most magnificent national parks. The center of the range boasts Africa’s third highest mountain and six peaks carry permanent snow — three with glaciers — while lower slopes are covered with dense forest.
With our optional 4‑day Gorilla Tracking Extension, you will enjoy four luxurious days in the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, taking in the exotic surroundings and tracking the Rushegura gorilla group. The land around the lodge acts as a buffer zone between the expanding village of Nkwnda and the forest, reducing human-wildlife conflict and crop-raiding by the gorillas on local farms. A series of trails through the property allow you to savor the primeval tranquility of the forest, its wildlife and the stream flowing through it. There is even a small waterhole in the river where you can take a refreshing dip! Gorillas, birds and other primates can be heard and often seen in the forest, and the gorillas often sleep at the lodge! A walk through the grounds and the tea gardens is magical.
Originally opened in 1999 as a basic tented camp, Bwindi Lodge is now the most stylish and comfortable eco-lodge in the Buhoma part of Bwindi. Each of the 8 bandas (rooms) has its own balcony and opens out onto the misty“impenetrable” forest. From here you can also explore the village, meet some school children, and visit a Pygmy village and learn about their customs.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Rwenzoris Mountains of the Moon
$5,975 – 13 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 3 participants
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Price Includes
- Guide(s) and porter staff
- Rwenzori park fees
- Scheduled hotel and hut accommodations (double occupancy)
- All scheduled meals
- All group gear
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation
Included in Gorilla Tracking Extension
- Domestic airfare Kasese to Bwindi
- An expert Volcanoes driver/guide and vehicle for the scheduled itinerary
- All accommodation and scheduled meals (double occupancy)
- All activities as per the scheduled itinerary. Scheduled boat trips, park fees, nature and community walk fees, one chimpanzee and one gorilla permit are included.
- Services at the Volcanoes Lodge such as unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry services, activities at the lodge and one complimentary massage.
- From the safari price paid by our guests Volcanoes contributes $100 to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a separate non-profit organisation which undertakes community and conservation activities.
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Price does not Include
- International airfare
- Uganda entry visa and airport fees
- Domestic airfare to/from Kasese to Entebbe
- Second day of gorilla tracking
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, tea house showers, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Lunch Day 12
- Diner Day 2 & 12
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Guide/Staff gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Rwenzoris Mountains of the Moon 2024
- Feb 1, 2024 — Feb 13, 2024
- Jul 3, 2024 — Jul 15, 2024
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with a departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Entebbe, Uganda on Day 2. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
Your return flight home will be in the evening of the day before the last date listed on the dates and prices page. The trip itinerary assumes that this will be a one-day return flight home.
Rwenzoris Mountains of the Moon Day by Day
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Day 1
Travel
Depart from home and travel to Entebbe, Uganda.
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Day 2
Entebbe
Elevation: 3,870 ft / 1180 m
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda on the evening of Day 2. Transfer to your hotel for the night.
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Day 3
Kasese
Elevation: 3,000 ft / 1000 m
Today we travel to Kasese through Fort Portal, where we will stop for lunch. Dinner and overnight at the Margherita Hotel.
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Day 4
Nyabitaba Hut
Elevation: 8,694 ft / 2650 m
After breakfast, we will be transferred to Nyakalengija-Ibanda to start our trek. The trail begins by passing through farmland to the park boundary. The trail follows the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma tributary before starting a long, steep climb up onto the massive ridge to reach the Nyabitaba Hut. During this part of the trip you may hear chimpanzee and see black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and the brilliantly colored Rwenzori turaco. Dinner and overnight at the Nyabitaba Hut set on the forested ridge with a view of portal peaks and the Bujuku Valley.
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Day 5
John Matte Hut
Elevation: 11,089 ft / 3380 m
Early breakfast, then we start the hike to the John Matte Hut. The trail descends through forest to cross the Bujuku River at the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, and through a lobelia, giant heather and groundsel forest. You will stop at Nyamileju Hut, “Place of Beards,” a name that refers to the moss and lichen hanging from the trees. Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen before passing into the forest. You will carry on to the John matte Hut, which is close to the river in a grove of giant heather. Dinner and overnight at John Matte Hut.
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Day 6
Bujuku Hut
Elevation: 13,047 ft / 3977 m
From John Matt hut, the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelia. Jumping from tussock to tussock, the bog is finally crossed, but rarely without the your feet sampling some of the freezing ooze below. The Bupper Bigo Bog gives way to Bujuku Lake, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. Bujuku Hut, well located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is set in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
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Day 7
Mount Speke
Elevation: 16,042 ft / 4890 m
It’s an early start today. This will be a long day up one of the main peaks of the range. Snow may be encountered and lots of easy rock scrambling. Trekkers can have a more leisurely day relaxing and exploring the area. After standing on the summit, climbers return to the Bujuku Hut for the night.
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Day 8
Elena Hut
Elevation: 14,898 ft / 4541 m
Leaving Bujuku, the trail takes you through more bog, while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical Groundsel Gulley as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 14,343 feet / 4372 meters. At the head of the gully, a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. The trail on the left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak down to Kitandara Hut. Dinner and overnight at the cool and icy Elena Hut.
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Day 9
Margherita Peak
Elevation: 16,761 ft / 5109 m
For those aiming at reaching Margherita Peak and Albert in the same day, continue to the base of Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5 – 7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of the group. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and some exposed areas. The route gets us up on the glaciers to cross the Stanley Plateau. After standing on the summit of Margherita, the highest peak in the Rwenzoris, we come back to the Elena Hut for lunch and then proceed down to the Kitandara Hut at 13,211 feet / 4027 meters.
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Day 10
Mount Baker / Freshfield Pass
Elevation: 15,892 ft / 4844 m
You will trek to Freshfield Pass today. From Kitandara, take the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Freshfield pass. At this point, you will have views into the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. From the pass, trekkers will take the long trail passing the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. Climbers will get an earlier start and climb the mountain from the pass. Celebration dinner with the porters and overnight at Guy Yeoman Hut. (It is recommended that tips be given this night).
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Day 11
Kasese
Elevation: 11,319 ft / 3450 m
We wake up early and descend from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut and then to Nyakalengija. Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu, the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice before climbing upwards to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit and continue to the park gate. Overnight in Kasese.
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Day 12-13
Fly Home
You will leave Kasese in the late afternoon to Kampala and then transfer to Entebbe for an evening flight home. Home on day 13
If you are joining us on the Gorilla Tracking Extension after our Mountains of the Moon expedition, Day 1 of the extension will correspond with Day 13 of the expedition.
Equipment for Rwenzoris Mountains of the Moon
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Carrying Gear
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Summit pack (40-50L)
Lightweight as possible with a volume between 2,500-3,500 cubic inches (40-50 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Mutant 38, Black Diamond Speed 40
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Large duffel bag (150L)
One at least 7,000 cubic inch capacity (150 liters). Must be durable and waterproof
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (0F)
Zero-degree F (Minus eighteen-degree C) sleeping bag and stuff sack. Night-time temperatures can be as low as 0°F (-18°C) so bring a warm enough bag
Examples:
Marmot Never Summer, Feathered Friends Snow Bunting
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Climbing Gear
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Crampons w/ anti-balling plate
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Balaclava or Buff
A thin balaclava will add significant warmth on that cold summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research, Marmot
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Softshell gloves
One pair medium-weight for daily wear when it’s not too cold
Examples:
Black Diamond Arc, Arcteryx Zenta LT Glove
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Expedition mitts
One pair Gore-Tex or equivalent, with textured palms and taped seams. Synthetic or down filled. Warm, heavy duty for cold temperatures
Examples:
Outdoor Research Altimitt
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Feet
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Leather mountaineering boots
Mediumweight and crampon compatible
Examples:
Scarpa Charmoz
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Tennis shoes or sandals
Lightweight to wear in camp after a long day of hiking
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Rubber boots
Mid-calf to knee high and fit to wear with wool socks
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Bathing suit
lightweight and packable
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Water bottles with insulators
Two one-liter wide-mouthed plastic bottles
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Rwenzoris Mountains of the Moon
$5,975
13 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 3 participants
Elevation
16,762 ft / 5109 m
Route
Circuit
Client to Guide Ratio
3:1 (Climb)
Difficulty
Advanced Intermediate
Trekkers should have experience on extended trips. Trekking will involve 5 – 8 hours per day with large elevation gains of 2,000+ feet / 610+ meters per day. The trek will have consecutive days of this difficulty in a row. Climbers should have basic mountaineering skills, including use of ice axe and crampons. Familiarity with basic rock climbing is also required and being comfortable on exposed terrain.
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