8 Day Rwenzori Central Circuit Trek
A six-night loop through the Rwenzori Mountains with an optional summit attempt.
Go beyond the expected.
Eight days from Entebbe: a transfer to the Rwenzori foothills, a six-night trek on the Central Circuit through the valleys and high lakes of the Rwenzori Mountains, and a transfer back to Entebbe.
- Central Circuit trail through the Rwenzori Mountains
- Alpine lakes and moorland
- Option of a summit attempt on Mount Stanley
- Mountain huts throughout
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
- Mountain huts and meals as specified
- Rwenzori park fees, guides and porters
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Entebbe to the Rwenzori
Entebbe and Rwenzori Mountains
Drive from Entebbe to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 2 Trek to the first hut
Rwenzori Mountains
Start the Central Circuit and trek to the first mountain hut.
Day 3 Trek to the Bujuku valley
Rwenzori Mountains
Continue deeper into the mountains through the bog and moorland of the Bujuku valley.
Day 4 Trek to Elena Hut
Rwenzori Mountains
Climb to the high hut at the base of Mount Stanley.
Day 5 Summit attempt or rest day
Mount Stanley and Rwenzori Mountains
An early start for the summit attempt on Mount Stanley with experienced guides, weather and fitness permitting, or a rest day around the high lakes.
Day 6 Trek to the high lakes
Rwenzori Mountains
Cross to the Kitandara lakes through high moorland.
Day 7 Descent
Rwenzori Mountains
Descend through the Mubuku valley toward the trailhead.
Day 8 Return to Entebbe
Rwenzori Mountains and Entebbe
Complete the descent and drive to Entebbe for your flight.
On this safari
Places you will visit
Travel Guide
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Questions about 8 Day Rwenzori Central Circuit Trek
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time. We shape the exact length around what you want to include.
How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari: book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round. The drier months (roughly December–February and June–September) are generally easiest for trekking and game viewing, while the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer crowds and lower lodge rates. Gorilla trekking is possible in any month, since it happens in rainforest regardless of season.
What wildlife is Uganda known for?
Uganda is best known for mountain gorillas, it holds roughly half of the world’s remaining population, alongside strong chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and over 1,000 recorded bird species, an exceptional figure for a country of its size.