Preparing for the Mountains
Success in the Rwenzoris favors the prepared.
From essential gear to travel logistics, here is everything you need to know before your ascent into the magical and unpredictable terrain of the Mountains of the Moon.
1. Essential Gear
You will encounter wet, muddy, and cold terrain. Below are the critical items you must pack.
Hiking Boots
High-cut with ankle support. Gore-Tex waterproofing is absolutely essential.
Gumboots
Critical item. You need these to safely navigate the deep lower bogs.
Rain Poncho
Bring a heavy-duty rain poncho large enough to cover both you and your backpack.
Sleeping Bag
Ensure it is rated for 0°C to -5°C (32°F). Mountain nights are freezing cold.
Trekking Poles
Vital for maintaining balance on the steep trails and slippery wooden walkways.
Headlamp
Required for dark camps and essential for the early morning summit push.
Daypack (35L)
You carry your daily essentials. Porters will carry your heavy main duffel bag.
Hydration
Bring bottles with a 2 to 3-liter capacity and include water purification tablets.
Missing gear? We offer convenient rentals directly at our base camp.
2. Seasons of the Mountain
You can trek the Rwenzoris year-round, but the experience varies greatly depending on the weather.
The Dry Seasons offer clearer views and easier trails, while the Wet Seasons offer quiet solitude and lush greenery, albeit with significantly more mud.
June to August
Peak Dry Season
December to February
Peak Dry Season
Mar to May / Sep to Nov
Wet Season (Rain Gear Vital)
3. Getting to Kasese
Kasese town is the main gateway for all Rwenzori expeditions. Here is how you arrive.
By Road
Enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s lush countryside. The route via Fort Portal allows you to view expansive tea plantations and beautiful crater lakes.
- 6 to 7 hours driving from Kampala
- Route travels via Mubende and Fort Portal
By Air
This is the fastest and most convenient option. Scheduled domestic flights operate daily directly from Entebbe International Airport to the Kasese Airstrip.
- 1 Hour total flight time
- Operated reliably by Aerolink Uganda
4. Common Questions
Everything else you need to know to prepare for the trail.
How difficult is the trek?
The Central Circuit and Margherita Peak treks are strenuous. You must be physically fit and comfortable hiking 6 to 8 hours a day in mud and altitude. No technical climbing skills are needed for the base trek, but guides will teach you basic crampon and rope skills on-site for the peak glacier.
Is there malaria in the mountains?
Mosquitoes generally live below 2,000 meters. The base camp and Kasese town have a malaria risk, so prophylactics are highly recommended. However, once you ascend past the first camp, the risk drops to near zero due to the freezing altitude.
Can I charge my camera or phone?
There is no electricity in the mountain huts. You must bring portable power banks. Solar chargers can be hit-or-miss due to the frequent cloud cover. We strongly recommend keeping your batteries warm inside your sleeping bag at night to preserve their charge.
Do I need a Visa?
Most visitors require a visa to enter Uganda. You should apply for an E-Visa online before arrival. Please check with your local embassy for the most up-to-date entry requirements for your specific nationality.
Is the water safe to drink?
Mountain streams run clear, but we always recommend using purification tablets or filtering bottles. Your team provides boiled water at the camps for tea, coffee, and safely refilling your bottles.
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is highly appreciated by the hard-working crew. A general guideline is $15 to $20 per day for the lead guide and $10 per day for the porters. You typically pool the tips and distribute them at the end of the trek.
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Absolutely. Our skilled mountain cooks can easily prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free meals. Please explicitly inform us of any specific food allergies when you book your trek.