Road to Rwenzori

Climb the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, sail crater lakes, explore Fort Portal’s lush beauty and trace Uganda’s history through textiles in Kampala’s vibrant design spaces.

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Road to Rwenzori
with Lubugo Tours

Set off from bustling Kampala to the lofty heights of the Rwenzori Mountains, experience tranquil crater lakes around Fort Portal and return to the cosmopolitan energy of Kampala’s fashion and textile scene. Designed for active, curious travelers - this journey combines physical challenge, lush landscapes and hands-on artistic encounters for a compelling Uganda discovery.

Please note, prices vary depending on season, group size, activities, accommodation and more. To get a quote for a tour, fill out our enquiry form and one of our travel consultants will get back to you as soon as possible. If you're looking for other options on where to go, what to see and what to do, take a look at our home page:

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Trip Overview

Embark on a 13-day expedition that traces the soul of Uganda - from the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the crater lakes of Fort Portal, the fertile farmlands of the west and Kampala's vibrant creative and textile scenes. This slow-travel experience offers a deeper look at the country’s natural diversity, cultural heritage and modern design. It's ideal for nature lovers, art seekers and those in search of meaningful connection.

Trip Highlights:

Trek the UNESCO-listed Rwenzori Mountains, including Margherita Peak and alpine glaciers
Explore crater lakes around Fort Portal and visit tea estates
Immerse in Rwenzori biodiversity: giant lobelia, groundsel, endemic birds, primates
Learn about Uganda’s sustainable textile traditions in Kampala
Participate in workshops on barkcloth, banana fiber and fashion production
Witness rural life, local crafts and engage with artisan communities

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Inclusions:

All accommodations across 12 nights (Budget, Mid-range, or Luxury tiers)
Full board during trekking camp stays; mixed basis otherwise (as requested)
Trekking permits, park fees and all provincial entry charges
Professional local mountain guides and porters on Rwenzori trek
English-speaking driver/guide, private 4×4 for all land transfers
Bottled water during travel
Hands-on textile/fashion workshops in Kampala
Crater lake hikes and cultural exchange stops

Activities & Fees:

Entry to all national parks and activity sites
Rwenzori hiking permits
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
All boat cruises and guided nature walks
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Park Ranger:
Certified local guides for national park activities (Elgon, Sipi Falls, Queen Elizabeth).

Daily
Itinerary

Choose this tour or use it to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Day 1: Arrival & Kampala Welcome

Arrive at Entebbe Airport and drive to your lodge in Kampala. Enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing about the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Kampala

Day 4: Trek Start – Fort Portal to Nyabitaba Hut

Transfer to Mihunga Gate (1,615 m), begin your Rwenzori Central Circuit trek. Trek through farmland and dense forest to Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m), spotting primates and exotic birds along the Mubuku River.
Duration: ~6 hours with hiking guide and porters

Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut, full board

Day 7: Summit Day – Bujuku → Margherita Peak → Kitandara Hut

Pre-dawn climb to African summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m) via Elena Hut. Descend through Scott-Elliot Pass to Kitandara Hut (3,979 m).
Duration: ~10–12 hrs
Accommodation: Kitandara Hut, full board

Day 10: Safari & Kazinga Boat Cruise

Early morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains for wildlife viewing. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, birds, buffalo and more.

Accommodation: Same as Day 9

Day 13: Textile Experience & Departure

Return to Kampala, stopping at a barkcloth or banana fibre textile studio for a workshop and market exploration. Continue to Entebbe Airport for departure flight.

Day 2: Road to Fort Portal

Leave Kampala and drive west through the scenic Rift Valley and tea estates to Fort Portal (~7 hrs). En route, enjoy a picnic lunch and panoramic views of the Rwenzori foothills. Evening at leisure in rural comforts.

Accommodation: Fort Portal Lodge or similar

Day 5: Nyabitaba → John Matte Hut

Continue the ascent through bamboo and giant heather areas, crossing the Kurt Shafer Bridge. Arrive at John Matte Hut (3,505 m) amid dramatic mountain vistas.
Duration: ~7–8 hrs

Accommodation: John Matte Hut, full board

Day 8: Kitandara → Guy Yeoman Hut

Descend to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m) via Freshfield Pass. Views over Kitandara Lakes and surrounding peaks on a challenging alpine descent.
Duration: ~6–7 hrs
Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut, full board

Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Drive through Ishasha sector to Bwindi, famous for tree-climbing lions. Stop en-route for scenic lunch and a cultural visit with Batwa community, including storytelling and traditional dance.

Accommodation: Midrange/ luxury lodge near Bwindi

Day 3: Crater Lakes & Eco-Highlights

Explore the emerald crater lakes of Fort Portal on guided walks. Visit communities and sample locally roasted Arabica coffee. Afternoon relaxation with views of the Rwenzori peaks.

Accommodation: same as Day 2

Day 6: John Matte → Bujuku Hut

Trek through Bigo Bog and the heady highland meadows to Bujuku Hut (3,962 m), with sweeping views of Mount Speke, Baker and Stanley beside Lake Bujuku.
Duration: ~4–5 hrs

Accommodation: Bujuku Hut, full board

Day 9: Exit & Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Complete descent to Nyakalengija (~4–5 hrs), then transfer by road to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for dinner and sunset views.
Accommodation: Luxury/midrange tent or lodge

Day 12: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Spend the day trekking into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorilla families. Trek duration varies (2–6 hours). Spend up to one hour with gorillas once found. Afternoon at leisure or optional village walk.