A trip to the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one which must be well planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is to be prepared!

The central circuit hike takes six nights/ seven days and reaches an altitude of 14,000 ft (4,267m) above sea level. The conditions on the mountain are a challenge to even an experienced hiker. This mountain is renowned for its un-engineered steep and slippery trails and frequent rain. Rainfall and cold temperatures, bogs, mud, steep terrain and high altitude make it a challenging trip. Since, during much of the year, mud, rain, mist and wind occur daily, adequate clothing for these conditions are a must. The periods of July – August and December – February are relatively dry and for inexperienced hikers these are the best seasons for a trek. During any season, rain gear, a good sleeping bag, warm hat, gloves, heavy socks, gum boots, gaiters and a walking stick for balance (and to probe the mud) are recommended. A basic first aid kit is a necessity. Porters will be carrying your heavy equipment and food, leaving you with a small pack with rain gear, warm clothes (on higher sections), camera, water bottle, snacks and lunch. Purchase your own food (in Kasese or Kampala). Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) can provide cooking utensils and cooks.

Access to the mountain are by road, from Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese or from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75 kilometres south on the Fort Portal/ Kasese road. The park is 25 kilometres from Kasese town. By air, chartered planes are available from Entebbe/ Kampala to Kasese and then by road.

There are a variety of accommodation facilities in Kasese town (both upper and lower market). RMS operates accommodation facilities along the central circuits, huts with bunk beds.

The high altitude and cold wet conditions of Rwenzori Mountains can adversely affect inexperienced visitors. A decent level of fitness and a lot of forward planning is vital for visitors to make the best out of their trip to these mountains.