Home > Congolese Destinations > Eastern Congo > DR Congo’s Rwenzori Mountain hiking – Panoramic Views (4462 m alt)

DR Congo’s Rwenzori Mountain hiking – Panoramic Views (4462 m alt) - 7 Days

DR Congo’s Rwenzori Mountain hiking – Panoramic Views (4462 m alt)
3699

What to expect

Kwafrika Travel brings you through a 7 Days Rwenzori Mountain Hiking. In this trek up the mountains, trekkers reach Pic Maria or WASUWAMESO (Pleasure of the eyes) for panoramic views. During your trek, you will enjoy the forests and valleys. The flora is diverse with trees and valleys of ferns. The trees are alive with many species of birds and primates. As you walk up the trail you will see chimp nests high up in the tall trees, if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the resident chimpanzee as they scamper away. From Pic Maria you will see Pic Marguerite (5119m alt) actually called Pic Stanley, Pic Alexandra (5098m alt), Pic Albert (5088m alt), Pic Mobeus and also glacier Stanley. From there, you can spot a gallery of rivers ranging from Semuliki River to Lac Eduard. If the atmosphere is not cloudy, during your Congo’s Rwenzori Mountain you could even see Nyiragongo Volcano (Boasting the world’s largest lava lake), Beni and Butembo city.

We provide some equipment necessary for the climb like crampons, ropes, harnesses, carabinas, you need to bring good hiking boots, warm clothing warm sleeping bag, and rain gear. We do hire sleeping bags for those who need.

HIGHLIGHTS

Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences

Excellent value for money

Close encounter with wildlife

Small group ensures personal service

All entrance fees included

All-inclusive tour

Day 1
Pick up from Kasindi Border

Our representative will pick you up from Kasindi Border, help you through all formalities before whisking you off to Mutsora Station at the foot of Rwenzori Massif. It takes 45’ to reach the station from Kasindi. Depending on the time you reach Mutsora, you might enter the bush (40’ walk) to go experience thermal water which is a natural hot water flowing in the rocks at the foothills of Rwenzoris Massifs.

Dinner and overnight at Centre d’Accueil Touristique Mutsora which is equipped with mid range tented camp.

Day 2
Climb up to the First Lodging - Kalonge at 2138 m of altitude

After breakfast, you will depart to Kalevia which is located 4 km away from Mutsora. There you will be briefed after paying porters fees and complying with all hiking formalities. From Mutsora you will head to Kyandolirwe which is the hiking starting point (1700 m of altitude).

It takes 6 hours to reach the first lodging in Kalonge. During the trek, if lucky you will see chimpanzees or hear their sound. You will spot Rwenzori Turaco, Guerrezzas monkey, Cercopithecus (Red tailed monkeyguenon),… You will see a rare tree called ‘’PIJOUM’’ which under threat from locals as its bark is key to curing prostate and many other diseases. You will spot a couple of rivers during this first day trek to Kalonge. Kalonge means Bamboo and comes from the Nande dialect.

Dinner and overnight in basic hut in Kalonge

Day 3
Climb up to the Second Lodging – Mahangu at 3310 m of altitude

On this third day the hike will take you between 6 and 7 hours; you will climb up the Rwenzoris from Kalonge to Mahangu, a total of 1172m of altitude. Mahangu is Nande dialect and means between two hills. As you go up, you will cross Nyamuamba River, your porter will supply water from the river to get you to the summit. During the trek, if lucky you will see chimpanzees or hear their sound. You will spot Rwenzori Turaco, Jackson’s Chameleon which is a three horns chameleon, Cephalof Rubidus (an rare antelopes found only in the Rwenzoris), Green peacock,… The vegetation is pervasively made of purple forest heather and podocarp forests.

Dinner and overnight in Hut in Mahangu

Day 4
Climb up to the Third Lodging - Kiondo at 4200 m of altitude

The trek up to Kyondo from Mahangu will take you up to 4h30’. Kiondo is Nande dialect and means the mud. You will spot Rwenzori Turaco, Guerrezzas monkey, Jackson’s Chameleon, sunlight birds, Pied Crow,… The vegetation is made of lobelia flowers, Carex Flowers, Immortelle (Ageless flower)

As you reach Kiondo, you might go to WASUWAMESO located 262 m up from Kiondo at 4462m of altitude to be precise. Wasuwameso means Pleasure of the eyes. WASUWAMESO is a panoramic area at Pic Maria. From Pic Maria you will see Pic Marguerite (5119m alt) actually called Pic Stanley, Pic Alexandra (5098m alt), Pic Albert (5088m alt), Pic Mobeus and also glacier Stanley. From there, you can spot a gallery of rivers ranging from Semuliki river to Lac Edouard. If the atmosphere is not cloudy, you could even see Nyiragongo Volcano (Boasting the world’s largest lava lake), Beni and Butembo city.

The fauna is made Cephalos, Pied Crow, Rwenzori Turaco, Sunlight birds, gallery of lakes (Black lake, Green Lake and Gray Lake). It takes 1h30’ to reach WASUWAMESO from KIONDO.

Dinner and overnight in Basic Hut in Kiondo.

Day 5
Going down till the first lodging - Kalonge at 2138 m of altitude

On this day, you will start the descent to the foothills of Rwenzori Massifs. Descending will be easier compared to the challenging hike. You will spend the night at the first lodging all the way from the third lodging.

Day 6
Going down to the station

You will leave Kalonge in the morning to reach Mutsora, the rwenzoris foothills in few hours.

Day 7
Culltural Visits in Mutwanga and drop-off in Kasindi

On this day, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local communities around the park in Mutwanga village and its surroundings, Mutwanga is home to the Nande who live in the foothills of the mountain where you will learn about their daily activities like farming, animal rearing, taste their traditional dishes, visit traditional healers, craft shops and engage in entertainment such as traditional dances, music, dramas which make your visit rewarding. In the evening, you will be brought back to Kasindi Border Post for drop-off.

End of the trip

INCLUSIONS

  • Private transportation JEEP 4x4
  • Full Board Accommodation (Breakfast, Dinner and Lunch) as per the itinerary
  • Basic hiking equipment
  • Armed Ranger
  • Professional guide
  • Porters
  • Private Cook
  • Rescuer
  • Complimentary bottled water in vehicle
  • Hut fees
  • Park entrance fees
  • Local taxes

EXCLUSIONS

  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Expand/Close

An insider guide to hiking Congo’s Rwenzori and Nyiragongo Mountains

Getting to Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains

From Uganda The mountains can be accessed by air transport where you can book a chartered flight from Entebbe airport to Kasese Airfield and later connect by road to Kasindi Customs. The mountains can also be accessed by the road where you use public means or a private vehicle from Kampala via Fort Portal to the park or from Kampala via Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park then go down to Kasindi Customs. From Kasindi Border Customs, a guide from Kwafrika Travel, a Congolese trusted tour operator and member of ATOAV-RDC will pick you up from there to whisk you away to Mutsora Station. Mutsora Station is located at the foothills of Congo's Rwenzoris Mountains. It takes half an hour to reach the station from the Kasindi Border Customs. From Eastern Congo If you are already visiting eastern Congo, you may decide to go for the Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains, if in Kinshasa you will have to take a flight to Goma city then another one from Goma to Mavivi Airport. From Mavivi, a Kwafrika Travel representative will pick you up and bring you to Mutsora Station. You will be escorted with armed rangers and it will take you an hour to reach the station.

Attractions in Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains

- Equatorial Snow Peak: Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains comprises of snow fields and a couple of glaciers including Mt Stanley, Mt Gessi, Mt Baker, etc. - Fauna: Congo's Rwenzori mountains harbours 70 mammal species and, 217 bird species. As you climb up the mountains, you will spot Rwenzori Turaco, Guerrezzas monkey, Cercopithecus (Red tailed monkeyguenon), sunlight birds, Chimpanzee,… Wildlife are however difficult to spot due to the dense forests. 19 birds species are endemic to the Congo’s Rwenzori Mountain. They Include : Handsome francolin, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Rwenroris Batis, Barred long tailed cuckoo, Golden winged sunbird, Slender billed starling, blue headed sunbirds among others. - Flora: Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains are occupied with beautiful water falls, unique plat life, mountainous vegetation, snow fields, the vegetation is pervasively covered with beautiful tropical rain forest, Bamboo, Afro-Alpine, Montane Forest, forest heather, podocarp forest and plant species like groundsel, lobelia among others.

Activities carried out in Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains

Mountain Climbing: Congo's Rwenzori Mountains is one of the popular destinations for mountain climbing where visitors hike to the snow-capped mountain peaks. Mountain climbing is an adventurous activity in Virunga National Park which requires hikers to be physically fit. Bird Watching: Congo's Rwenzori Mountains harbors 217 bird species with 19 species endemic to only Rwenzori Mountains hence making it a birding area for birders. Birding in Rwenzori majority starts monring at Ruboni to the Montane forest where birders will be able to view differt unique species such as Blue headed sunbird, Long eared Owl, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Barred long tailed cuckoo, Crimson wings, Montane sooty bou bou, Purple breasted sunbird, stripe breast tit, western green tinker bird, Golden winged sunbird, Handsome francolin, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Stranger weaver, Black and swift eagles among others. Cultural encounters: You will have the opportunity to interact with the local communities around the park in Mutwanga village and its surroundings, Mutwanga is home to the Nande who live in the foothills of the mountain where you will learn about their daily activities like farming, animal rearing, taste their traditional dishes, visit traditional healers, craft shops and engage in entertainment such as traditional dances, music, dramas which make your visit rewarding.

Where to stay

Centre d’Accueil Touristique Mutsora: The best option during your Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains hike is a guest house erected just at the foothills of the mountains. It is a good option since it is a Park Station guarded 24h/7 by park rangers. The tented camps are equipped with all the basic amenities including hot water. As you sleep, you will have the impression that it is raining since you could hear the sound of water from a neighboring river, having its water hitting the ground and giving the impression that it is raining. Guest House hosted by nuns: It is the sole accommodation built of durable materials. It is hosted by nuns who use the proceeds of what you will pay to support their orphanage located just contingent to the guest house. It lacks some amenities like hot water compared to Centre d’Accueil Touristique Mutsora.

Why visit Congo’s Rwenzori Mountains?

Congo's Rwenzori mountains is an adventurous hiking destination in Congo where great hikers can climb for 7-8 days to reach the top of the mountain which offers great views of the peaks, vegetation, some animals and birds among others hence gaining lifetime experiences on your safari in DR Congo.

Is it safe to travel to Congo

All Congo Safaris tours are fully guided from the moment you step over the border to your departure back home. Almost all our tours start and end in Kigali (the capital of Rwanda), and we ensure that our guests are assisted across the border without any hassle. Members of our team will collect you as soon as you land in Kigali, and will remain with you until you enter Congo – at which point the Virunga National Park team will take over. As the Park is responsible for the livelihood and infrastructure of the four million people who live around it, its officials, rangers and visitors are highly respected by the locals. You’ll be transported in our vehicles but escorted by official parks vehicles loaded with rangers, and will be made to feel safe and warmly welcomed by all whom you encounter. Virunga National Park has brought electricity, power stations, roads, schools, security and jobs to the area, and the locals are well aware of the fact that the tourism income generated by your presence is largely to thank for all of this. Virunga national Park is receiving an average of 500 tourists each months, they are enjoying new gorillas groups that have been habituated as well as the Picnics at the Tchegera Island. Since February 2019, Nyiragongo is giving a treat to every visitor that climbs her. The lava lake is at the highest it has been for years and now is overflowing its cone with the fissure growing daily with an occasional spew of lava. As one sits and watches the lava flow over the edge, it gives one a sense of what it would feel like to watch an eruption. Kahuzi Biega National Park as the third best destination in Africa by Best Top 100 Destination showing global leadership in actively protecting its scenic views, natural habitats and wildlife, and showing respect for animals, a basis for its sustainable tourism development. (https://greendestinations.org/2019-top100-awards/). Tourists are enjoying unique Eastern Lowland Gorillas found only in the DR Congo.

Is it safe to climb Nyiragongo?

You can’t escape the fact that Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. So is it really safe to climb an active volcano? I would say yes, but the truth is that you never know. Walking around independently might be dangerous, since volcanic area has fractures emitting gas, but locals know how to avoid them. Goma has its own seismologic observatory monitoring both Nyiragongo and its sister volcano, Nyamuragira, which is titled the most active volcano in Africa. Volcanologists should know well in advance what these giants are up to.

I want to hike the Mount Nyiragongo, what should I expect? What should I pack?

Park rangers lead the trek even if you have booked the trip through a tour company. Only one group can trek to the Nyiragongo summit daily and the group size is limited to 24 people, due to the accommodation capacity. During June and July, the treks can be fully booked, so assure your spot well in advance. The climb takes 4-6 hours depending on the weather conditions and overall fit of the group. It is possible to conquer Nyiragongo also on a day trip, but it will be a long and very challenging day (for sure). You must arrive to the Kibati ranger station before 9AM; the hike starts around 10AM. Be sure to pack full rain gear, warm layers, long underwear, enough warm socks, gloves, a hat, and some snacks. When finally reaching the summit, you need to change to a dry base layer immediately. Don’t underestimate the conditions, as temperature at the summit might be near freezing and the risk of hypothermia is real. Sleeping bags can be rented for 10$. If you don’t have a cook with you, bring also enough food. A hot 3-course dinner can really make the day after an exhausting trek, when you are shivering from the cold night. So consider hiring either a cook or cooking utensils. Porters can be hired at the Kibati ranger post for 25$ and I strongly recommend taking one to save your energies. The maximum weight for one porter is 15 kg.

What is the best time to visit Virunga National Park ??

As Virunga is located on the equator, the temperature remains roughly the same (hot and humid) throughout the year. The notable difference is between the rainy and non-rainy seasons. Ironically enough, the best time to enjoy clear blue skies (particularly for photography purposes) is during the rainy months (April, May, October and November), as it can get quite foggy during the dry season. The good news is that it rarely rains for a full day, and the periodic spatters actually make way for beautifully clear viewing conditions.

You can send your inquiry via the form below.