Elena Hut in Mount Rwenzori

Everything you must know about Elena Hut in Mount Rwenzori. Mountain Rwenzori is on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It can easily be hiked on the Ugandan side to the highest peak, Margherita, which stands at 5109 meters. Ruwenzori, as the locals call it, means rainmaker. The locals believe that Mountain Rwenzori makes rain because of its glaciers on the top summit. Margherita is the highest point in the country and the third highest in Africa. It is found in Mountain Rwenzori National Park and was named after Queen Margherita of Italy. Mountain Rwenzori National Park was established in 1991 and declared a UNESCO site in 1994.

The Rwenzori Mountains comprise different mountain ranges, such as Mount Stanley, the highest with an elevation of 5,109 meters, Mount. Speke, with an elevation of 4,890 meters, Mount. Baker at 4,844 meters, Mount. Luigi Di Savora at 4,537 meters, and Mount. Gessi at an altitude of 4,578.

The Margherita Peak is located on Mount Stanley, named after Sir Henry Morton Stanley, an explorer and a British journalist who discovered the mountain in the colonial exploration period of the 1880s. These mountain ranges of Rwenzori are known as the Mountains of the Moon. Mountain Rwenzori National Park has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna species for visitors to explore. These include wildlife species like the unique three-horned chameleons, black and white colobus monkeys, and forest elephants.

Elena Hut

The Elena hut is the last camp or hut located at Mount Stanley at about 4,563 meters, facing both Mount Baker and Mount Speke. This camp was built to facilitate the hikers ascending to Margherita Peak, the highest peak. Hiking mountain Rwenzori is not a one-day activity as the adventure experience takes over 8-9 days. Hence, there are designated resting camps or points at different heights. These camps are also known as huts, and each hut has a variety of amenities that help the hikers relax before continuing with their hike. The Elena hut is very vital for those ascending to the snowcapped Margherita Peak.

Climbing or hiking Mountain Rwenzori is the main tourist activity done at the mountain. Embarking on a hiking adventure experience on Mountain Rwenzori is an awe-inspiring experience that gives hikers an experience like no other. This experience takes you through different vegetation zones on the mountain, hence giving chills on being in different countries all at the same time.

Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is a challenging activity, even for the most experienced hikers. However, it is an amazing experience as the reward awaits you at the top after conquering the snowcapped Margherita Peak. While hiking to the top, expect to come across different wildlife species such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Rwenzori duikers, hyrax, and forest elephants if luck strikes you. Bird species to look for include blue-headed sunbird, dwarf honeyguide, Shelley’s crimsonwing, dusky crimsonwing, and handsome spurfowl, to mention but a few. There are designated hiking trails on the mountain, as unveiled below.

The central circuit

This is the commonly used circuit or trail by hikers to the top summit of Mountain Rwenzori. It was the first circuit to form, running from the eastern side of the mountain. This circuit is relatively dry and rocky, thus easing the hiking experience. This trail leads to Mount Baker, Stanley, Speke, and Weismann Peak. The hike to the summit using this circuit takes about 5-7 days, depending on the agility and physical ability of the hiker.

Kilembe circuit

This circuit prides itself on the trail that the first European hiker, Professor Scott Elliot, in 1895, though he didn’t reach the snowcapped summit, used it. It is located at the former Kilembe mines, a copper mining station, and is one of the busiest. The circuit was established in 2009 as an alternative route. Ascending and descending to the summit using this circuit takes about 7-8 hours through about three vegetation zones, notably bamboo, alpine, and giant lobelias.

Bukurungu wilderness circuit

The Bukurungu wilderness circuit was created in 2015 after Kilembe and the central circuit and managed by both the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the local communities. It takes about 7-8 days to ascend and descend this circuit. It is rarely used yet very adventurous and offers a lucky encounter with some of the sought-after primates, the mountain summits, lush vegetation cover, lakes, and lots more.

What is the best time to hike Mountain Rwenzori?

Mountain hiking can take place any time of the year, depending on how ready one is. However, we recommend the months of December to March and June to September when there is low or no rain. During this time, the hiking trails are dry and very easy to maneuver, hence favoring the hiking experience.

What to pack for the hiking experience

A favorable packing list is very crucial for the success of the hiking adventure. Therefore, hikers are advised to pack essential items that will ease their experience. These items include the following.