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When planning your adventure to the Rwenzori Mountains — the legendary Mountains of the Moon — one of the most common questions we receive at Uganda Horizon Safaris is:
“Where will I sleep during the climb?”
Climbing the Rwenzoris is a multi-day trek, often lasting 7–10 days, and knowing what to expect for accommodation is an important part of preparing for your trip. Resting well each night helps you recover from long hiking days and ensures you are ready for the challenges ahead.
The good news is that all major trekking routes on the Ugandan side of the Rwenzoris provide designated mountain huts or cabins along the way. These shelters are simple but practical, offering protection from the elements in a region where rain, wind, and freezing temperatures can occur at any time.
The Central Circuit Trail, the most established route to Margherita Peak, offers a series of basic mountain huts operated by the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS).
What to Expect:
Wooden or stone huts with bunk beds or mattresses.
Each hut is positioned at strategic points for daily trekking stages.
Sheltered dining areas or communal spaces.
Simple facilities — no electricity, no showers, and limited water supply (often collected from nearby streams).
Notable Huts Along the Central Circuit:
Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m) – First overnight stop after starting from Nyakalengija.
John Matte Hut (3,505 m) – Surrounded by stunning views of the Bujuku River valley.
Bujuku Hut (3,962 m) – Gateway to the alpine zone and glaciers.
Elena Hut (4,541 m) – High-altitude base before summiting Margherita Peak.
Advantages:
Strategically located for optimal acclimatization.
Time-tested shelters used by climbers for decades.
Managed by local mountain communities.
The Kilembe Trail, managed by Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS), features newer and more comfortable cabins compared to the Central Circuit.
What to Expect:
Wooden cabins with bunk beds and mattresses.
Solar lighting in some huts.
Larger and more comfortable dining and rest areas.
Better insulation against cold and damp conditions.
Notable Cabins on the Kilembe Trail:
Sine Hut (2,596 m) – First overnight in the bamboo zone with views of Enock’s Falls.
Mutinda Camp (3,588 m) – Perfect for acclimatization hikes to Mutinda Lookout.
Bugata Camp (4,062 m) – Overlooks stunning glacial lakes.
Mahoma Camp (4,485 m) – A high-altitude rest stop before the summit.
Advantages:
More spacious and modern facilities.
Often less crowded than Central Circuit huts.
Slightly more comfort for long expeditions.
No, you won’t need to carry tents or heavy sleeping equipment. The huts and cabins provide shelter and basic sleeping arrangements, but you will need to bring your own warm sleeping bag, rated for sub-zero temperatures. Porters will help carry your gear so you can hike with a lighter daypack.
On both routes, meals are prepared by professional mountain cooks provided by Uganda Horizon Safaris. These are served in the communal dining huts and typically include:
Warm breakfasts with porridge, eggs, tea, or coffee.
Packed lunches for the trail.
Hot dinners with soup, rice or pasta, vegetables, and meat or beans.
We also cater for vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs upon request.
The Rwenzori Mountains are known for extreme weather changes — from tropical rain to alpine snow. Staying in huts or cabins provides:
Shelter from heavy rain and wind.
Protection from freezing night temperatures.
A dry place to rest and store gear.
Safer overnight stays compared to camping in unpredictable terrain.
Cozy evenings in remote mountain huts under starry skies.
Meeting fellow trekkers and sharing trail stories.
Waking up to spectacular sunrise views over valleys and peaks.
Feeling the warmth of a hot meal after a challenging day’s hike.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest before or after your climb.
Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park to see elephants, lions, and hippos.
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for birdwatching and photography.
Cultural visits to the Bakonzo people living around the mountains.
Accommodation in the Rwenzori Mountains may be simple, but it’s designed for one purpose — to keep you safe, dry, and ready for the next day’s adventure. Whether you choose the Central Circuit Trail with its historic huts or the Kilembe Trail with its modern cabins, you’ll have a warm place to rest each night.
At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we ensure your sleeping arrangements are booked in advance, provide warm bedding advice, and guarantee you have the right support team to make your Rwenzori climb a safe and unforgettable experience.
Contact us today to plan your Rwenzori trekking expedition with expert guides, organized logistics, and the comfort of knowing exactly where you’ll sleep each night.
