Rwenzori Mountains National Park
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 …
Uganda is a land of mountains. From the Rwenzoris and Virunga Mountains on its western border, to Mount Elgon on the eastern flanks, Uganda’s peaks offer panoramic views across the savannahs, lakes, and forests of East and Central Africa.
Uganda’s most popular mountain range is the Rwenzoris. The Rwenzoris are accessible via 2 trekking routes: the Kilembe Trail (Southern Circuit), and the Central Circuit.
At Brilliant, we only organise treks for the Kilembe Trail because it offers the best views of the soaring peaks, stunning lakes, and glaciers.
Located on the Ugandan-Kenyan border, Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano which first erupted more than 24 million years ago. Wagagai Peak (4,321m) is the eight highest peak in Africa.
Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo are a part of the Virunga Mountains. This chain of volcanoes is located on the border between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.
Above the clouds on the Ugandan border: last leg of summit hike
The tallest of the six peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Stanley towers over southwestern Uganda. With a height of 5,109m, Mount Stanley is the third highest mountain in Africa, after Kilimanjaro (5,895m) and Mount Kenya (5,199m).
A trek to the summit, Margherita Peak, is physically demanding and you need some experience in high-altitude trekking. Experience in ice-hiking also helps, but is not essential as you will be taught by the trekking team.
A typical Mount Stanley trek involves 8 days of hiking. You will ascend to the summit of Margherita Peak on day 6.
Mount Baker is the sixth highest mountain in Africa and its summit, Edward Peak, reaches a height of 4,844m. The summit was first reached by an expedition led by Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of the Abruzzi, in 1906.
Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and Mount Speke form a triangle that encloses the upper Bujuku Valley.
Until recent years, Mount Baker had a glacier. However, in 2020, Klaus Thymann’s expedition confirmed that Mount Baker and Mount Speke no longer have glaciers.
The summit of Mount Baker is reached via Hunwick’s Camp. The ascent from Hunwick’s Camp to the top is around five hours and the descent takes 3 hours.
Traversing the ice and snow where central and eastern Africa meet.
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 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, …
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 …
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.
The cost of trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains depends on the length of your trek. At Brilliant, we offer 2-12 day treks, and everything can be adjusted to suit you.
A sleeping giant has towered over the Kenyan-Ugandan border for thousands of years. The Bagisu tribe revere Mount Elgon as the physical manifestation of their founding father, …
Mount Elgon is known for its tremendous size and its excellent hiking trails. Mount Elgon has the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world.
Trekking at Elgon requires no specialist climbing equipment, and this makes it a popular alternative to trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to 2 tribes, the Sabiny and the Bagisu. The Bagisu tribe revere Mount Elgon as the physical manifestation of their founding father, Masaba.
Mount Elgon is home to a vast array of wildlife, from elephants and buffalo on its lower slopes, to primates in its dense montane forest. Mount Elgon National Park is also a birder’s paradise as it is home to over 300 species of bird, including the African blue flycatcher, and the African goshawk.
Mount Muhabura is an extinct volcano with a height of 4,127m and it is visible from Lake Mutanda. Muhabura’s elevation makes it the third highest of the eight major mountains in the Virunga Mountains, a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains.
Mount Muhabura means ‘the guide’ in Kinyarwanda, the official language of Rwanda.
Hiking is the major activity at Mount Muhabura. Unlike Mount Baker and Mount Stanley, this steep hike usually takes a single day. Trekking at Muhabura is an excellent choice for adventurers who lack experience in high-altitude trekking.
The trek is demanding, but it provides spectacular views of Lake Edward, Bwindi, and the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Afternoon walk around Lake Mutanda
Nestled between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga (3,473m) is smaller than its neighbours.
Derived from the Kinyarwanda word for ‘a small pile of stones’, Gahinga has a gentle hiking trail that is suitable for beginners.
Gahinga is known for its iconic bamboo forests which house a vibrant range of wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorilla.
Mount Gahinga has a swampy caldera on its peak which is around 180m wide. Gahinga Lodge is a superb base for your adventures on the mountain.
Lake Mutanda is a freshwater lake in southwestern Uganda.
Mount Sabyinyo is locally known as ‘Old Man’s Teeth’ due to the summit's resemblance of worn teeth, and the summit has religious significance for local tribes.
Sabyinyo is the oldest volcano of the Virunga Mountains and its height is 3,669m.
Sabyinyo offers several hiking trails which have varying levels of difficulty.
The trails follow the mountain’s three peaks, the first of which is the Sabyinyo Gorge trail. This trail takes you through dense vegetation, and it is a popular route for bird watchers.
Trekking up to the second peak will bring you to the Ugandan-Rwandan border.
The third peak is the most physically demanding, but the trail intersects the Ugandan, Rwandan, and Congolese borders. Taking this route will allow you to stand in all 3 nations simultaneously.
The starlight by the shores of Lake Mutanda.
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.
Combine chimp trekking in Kibale Forest with mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A well-paced highlights tour unlocking some of Uganda's most impressive experiences. Consider breaking up the journey from Kibale to Bwindi with a classic safari at…
If you had the chance to trek through lush forests; to stand metres away from a family of Mountain Gorillas - deep in the heart of Central Africa - would you take it? This 4-day adventure works great as a…
Mt. Stanley's Margherita Peak, at 5,109 metres, is the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. This 10-day trip includes 8 days on the mountain, summiting Margherita Peak on day 6.…
Combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with beautiful lakeside retreats at Lake Mutanda. Tough treks and primate encounters paired with idyllic, calming lakes and oases make for an unforgettable experience in this remote pocket of Uganda.…
The forested slopes, clouded valleys, and snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains call out for exploration. Combine this perfect introductory trek with other destinations in the southwest to create a magical Ugandan…
Light adventuring and charming safaris in Lake Mburo National Park coupled with lakeside retreats and days of reflection and exploration around Lake Mutanda. Close out the trip with a few days canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more in Jinja, Uganda's…
Board a Cessna light aircraft and head into the southwestern pocket of Uganda. Trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. Retreat to luxury lodges for sundowners and delicious food. Hard days, soft…
Beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a undercurrent of the wild vastness of central Africa that lies just beyond the borders, the north of Uganda beckons adventurers who dream of exploring the frontiers. It's proper adventuring, but luxury lodges mean you…
Spend 4 hours in the company of a gorilla family by joining the habituation trek. Combined with a luxury safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park, this trip offers truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife…
Discover the exceptional bio-diversity of Uganda by combining the beautiful savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale National Park. Connect the dots with epic road trips looping through northwestern Uganda.…
Combine safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park with a 4 day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Top and tail with overnights in the bustling capital of Kampala.…
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains where forests morph into ice-clad mountain peaks, cut through jungle thickets to hang out with mountain gorillas, and finish your trip relaxing lakeside amongst the staggering beauty of Lake Mutanda. This is Uganda.…
The quintessence of Ugandan exploration. Start your adventure in the wild Kidepo Valley in the northern tip of Uganda before weaving down to meet the gorillas in southwestern jungles. Epic landscapes, incredible safaris, and luxury lodges; this is a proper…
Open top road trips looping through Uganda's epic southwestern pocket; this is the safari adventure of your imagination. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, go in search of gorillas in Bwindi, cruise the savannah plains of Queens, and look out for…
The full western circuit complete with luxury lodges, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and the best safaris Uganda has to offer. Close out your adventure with kayaking and canoeing on the rapids of the river Nile.…
Two visits to the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, moving through the forest along the most awesome trekking routes, and staying the night at the best lodges and exclusive camps in the park. This is Uganda gorilla trekking at…
Travel to the farthest corners of Uganda where towering volcanoes mark the border between the thick jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the untamed vastness of central Africa. After trekking the gorillas in Mgahinga, head inland for a couple…
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
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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