What is the cost of climbing Mt Rwenzori?
Rwenzori Mountains National park is famous for climbing tours and hiking treks and Rwenzori Expeditions offers unique group Rwenzori treks & Private travels to Rwenzori Mountains at different rates! In this article the team addresses the issues of Cost of rwenzori trekking , hiking prices and Rwenzori Permit in the wilderness of Rwenzoris.
Hiking Cost: How much should I Pay For climbing Rwenzori? Does Climbing Rwenzori Mountains National Park Require a permit? What are the requirements for hiking Rwenzori Mountains?
Trekking the mystic Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda is a truly fantastic and unique experience, the wonder of the high glaciers, the beauty of the valley of nine lakes, the bearded lichen hanging from giant heather with a backdrop of rocky cliffs, crags and snow capped peaks.
The wide variety of flora and fauna with several biospheres as you ascend through different vegetation zones creates the ultimate experience for trekking. Never before has this unique and beautiful trek been available, totally untouched and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
The Rwenzori Mountains is a World Heritage Site and offers the opportunity to see nature at its best. The plant life varies from heavy tropical rain forest, bamboo forests, and montane cloud forests to alpine vegetation and the scenery is truly spectacular. Above 4,500 metres the snow and glaciers add that special dimension to the wondrous views throughout this pristine mountain range.
Above is a view of the main peaks from Bamwanjara Pass which is between Camp 3 and Camp 4 on the Kilembe Route. On the left is Mt Stanley with Savoia, Great Tooth, Elena Peaks and just seen poking over the top is Margherita Peak. In the centre is Mt. Speke and on the left you look over the ridge climbing to Wiesmanns Peak to see Mt Baker. The small prong or finger like rock on the ridge is McConnells Prong. Behind the prong you can see the valley between Mt Stanley and Mt Baker.
Rwenzori hiking does require a hiking permit, nor paper work, but allows for early payments prior to the day when your hiking Begins. For one to be allowed to trek/hike the Rwenzori Mountains, payments are supposed to be made at the head offices of either Rwenzori mountaineering services for the central circuit trail or Rwenzori trekking services for Kilembe trail and Bukurungu trail
The cost of hiking the Rwenzori Mountains varies, depending on the trail, number of days, and the peaks you would want to summit. Hiking/trekking the Rwenzori Mountains through all routes/trails does not attract refund once paid.
The Central Circuit Trail – Rwenzori Mountaineering Services Hiking Cost
The Rwenzori Mountains national park’s cost for hiking the Rwenzori Mountains along the Central circuit trail includes park guides, porters, food & wages, Park entrance fees, clients’ food, fuel, franchise, fees government taxes/VAT, all accommodations in all the camps inside the park, chefs and all climbing equipment like crampons, ice axe, rubber boots, and the harness.
The cost also excludes warm gear such as sleeping bags, jackets, head sock, gloves, hiking shoes, walking poles, shoes, socks, among others that you will need once you start summiting.
Each additional peak to the existing one to be summited will require an extra cost of $100, while any additional day in the mountain costs $150.
As below:
| No Of Days | Details | Foreign Non Residents | East African Residents | Ugandans |
| 7-8 Days | Central circuit with Margherita | $1350 | $1250 | $590 |
| 6-7 days | Central circuit without the peak | 1250 | $950 | $450 |
| 5-6 days | Bujuku camp(3900m) | $780 | $680 | $330 |
| 3-4 days | John Matte(3505m) | $590 | $490 | $240 |
| 2 days | Nyabitaba camp (2650m) | $270 | $190 | $120 |
| 1 day | Nature walks | $120 | $90 | $30 |
All Costs includes all porters, food, guides, one porter per client (maximum 15kg luggage) and accommodation whilst in the mountain, whereas hiking equipment are hired at the base.
The cost for climbing the Rwenzori Mountains along the Kilembe trail, just like the central circuit trail depends on the number of days, and the peaks as listed below.
Best time to Hike the Rwenzori Mountains
The best time to hike Rwenzori Mountains– Hiking Rwenzori Mountains is one of the best trending tourist activities in Uganda. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best destination in East Africa with a wonderful experience, Rwenzori Mountains is your answer where you will get an opportunity of trekking the 3rd highest mountain in Africa. When you’re planning a hiking safari on the Rwenzori Mountains is always better to first know the suitable months for trekking.
The Rwenzori Mountains can be visited all year round, but the best months to trek the Rwenzori Mountains is the dry season, and this is between June-August and December-February are known as the driest month in Uganda. In the dry seasons, all trekking routes to and within the park are passable and the hiking is good than during the wet season. But tourists have to note that, even in dry months, it may rain.
As African weather is unpredictable even during rainy seasons you can experience light rainfall hence it is good to first know the best season to travel so that to avoid the bad conditions during your hiking safari.
However, the Rwenzori Mountains in Rwenzori Mountains National Park is however safe to be hiked and explored, given that it has three hiking routes/trails, although majority love the Central Circuit Route