Rwenzori Mountains Trekking/Climbing/Hiking/Mountaineering Tours to Margherita Peak(Summit)
Jump to Margherita Trekking Options
On this Rwenzori Mountaineering/Hiking Safari you will be trekking to the highest point in Uganda; Margherita peak on Mountain Stanley, one of the mountains that constitute the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges(MOUNTAIN OF THE MOON).
Trekking the Rwenzori mountains is one of the best Hiking experiences in the world. Though these ranges are not the highest on Africa (3rd highest only mountain Kenya and Kilimanjaro are higher), this mountain offers the best adventure.
According to Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician and astronomer, he referred to the Rwenzori mountains as “The Mountains of the Moon” and also known as one of the sources of the Nile River.
The “Rwenzori ranges” area covers 2 National parks; Rwenzori Mountain National Park in Uganda and Virunga National park in DR Congo.
The highest point is Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley (5,109m) however other high peaks include Mount Baker(4,843 ), Mount Speke(4,890), Mount Emin (4,798m), Mount Gessi(4,715m) and mount Luigi(4,627m) which also offer a very worthwhile adventure as well.
The mountains peaks are covered with Glaciers which is about half of the total number in Africa. This in addition to Lakes, Waterfalls, Unique Vegetation and wildlife gives it a clear edge as the best mountain to climb in Africa.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of UNESCO world heritage sites in Uganda
Rwenzori Mountains Vegetation
The vegetation include:
- Afro Montane forest – 1,800 to 2,500 m
- Bamboo Mimulopsis – 2,500 to 3,000 m
- Heather Rapanea – 3,000 to 4,000 m
- Alpine zone – 4,000 to 4,500 m
On each of the vegetation types above, you will find difference flora species and some are endemics such as Giant Groundsel, Giant Lobelia and many more.
Geology
Unlike the higher peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, the Rwenzori Mountains are a fault block mountain range that has formed due to the rifting that has taken place in East Africa over the past 10 million years.
Most of the rocks of the range are metamorphic in nature, largely gneisses in the northern and southern parts of the range, and a metamorphosed igneous rock, amphibolite, among the high central peaks.
During the last ice age, glaciers extended far down the slope, even the Nyabitaba Hut at 2600 meters is built on a moraine from a long retreated glacier.
A hundred years ago, the Duke of Abruzzi and others encountered much more extensive glaciation than currently seen, with six glaciated peaks and reports of ice avalanches tumbling off of the higher peaks of the range such as Mt. Baker, through the perpetual mists. Three massifs have lost their ice entirely.
Source: The Summit Post
Mountain Rwenzori Trekking to Margherita Peak
As compared to Mountain Kilimanjaro and Mountain Kenya, most trekkers find climbing the Rwenzori more technical and requires, energy and skills. It requires knowledge of how to use Crampons, Figure 8’s, Ropes and Ascenders.
Very experienced climbers can do the trek in 7 days(9 days tour) and the less experienced or first timers are recommended to do the trek in 9 days(11 days tour).
8 days(10 days tour) is recommended for those with some experience but not ready to do the trek in 7 days.
When is the best time to Trek/Climb/Hike Rwenzori Mountains?
Usually the best time to climb the Rwenzori mountains is between the months of December to March and June to August.
However this is a year long activity and can be done any time of the year.
The weather in the Rwenzori Mountains is generally wet, with the peaks covered in mists most of the time and the rocks, vegetation and terrain can make mountaineering and route finding a bit challenging.
Mountain Rwenzori Trekking Options
There are 2 routes to trek to Margherita peak and the are;
Central Circuit
We have 2 Options if you are to take the central circuit.
Kilembe Trail
10 days (8 days Kilembe Trail to Margherita Peak
10 days Rwenzori Mountaineering Service – Central Circuit
Summary of the 10 days hiking tour
- Day 1: Journey to Rwenzori Mountains National park
- Day 2: Trek to Nyabitaba Camp
- Day 3: Leave Nyabitaba Camp and ascend to John Matte Camp
- Day 4: Leave John Matte and continue to Bujuku Camp for the overnight
- Day 5: Stay at Bujuku or continue to Mount Speak
- Day 6: Trek to Elena Camp (4,543 meters)
- Day 7: Leave Elena Camp and trek to Margherita Peak (highest point) and descend to Kitandara Camp
- Day 8: Leave Kitandara Camp and descent to Guy Yeoman Camp
- Day 9: Descend to Nyabitaba Camp and then continue to the starting point leaving The mountains
- Day 10: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
Enquire about this Rwenzori Mountains Trekking Tour
Call/Whatsapp now on: +256 775 621 572
tours@gorillaandadventuresafaris.com
Mt Rwenzori Hiking Full 10 day Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Rwenzori Mountains National park
Our driver-guide will pick you from your Hotel/Airport. He will then brief you on your journey and lets you know what to expect on the Mt Rwenzori Climbing Adventure.
You will then embark on your journey towards West of Kampala, heading for Kasese where Rwenzori mountain is located. You will go through villages and plantations on your way to Rwenzori.
The journey from Kampala to Mountain Rwenzori is about 6 hours.
On arrival, you will checkin your your lodge on the foothills of Rwenzori where you will meet head of the trekking expedition. You will be briefed on what you need and what to expect when mountain climbing.
- Maximum weight of your luggage is 15kg
- You will need a porter to carry your luggage
- Make sure you have enough Trash bags(plastic bags) to keep your luggage and other items from getting damp and they should be easily accessible by your porter in case of rain and fog.
In the evening you will have dinner and then rest for the night.
Day 2: Trek to Nyabitaba Camp
You wakeup early in the morning and hike to NYAKALENGIJA . This is Rwenzori mountain National park gathering center. Here you will meet your porters who will carry your bags during the trek.
You will start on the climbing expedition where by you will go through farmlands heading for Nyabitaba Camp. The Camp is at a height about 2650 m.
The trek to this hut is very sometimes very steep and some parts of this trek are muddy. Therefore it is advised to carry skid and water proof shoes for comfort on the way up the mountain.
On arrival at the Hut, you will camp there for the night and await the next days adventure.
Day 3: Leave Nyabitaba Camp and ascend to John Matte Camp
Day 3 of our Rwenzori Mountains Trekking/Climbing tour starts with a descend to cross Mubuku River at Kurt-Scharfer Bridge and then continue Hiking to John Matte Camp.
- It is advisable to carry enough water.
- The trek is steep, muddy and wet
- Have a pair Wellington boots for this section.
- Trek at your comfort, do not try to chase others. Make sure you climb the Rwenzori at your own pace.
- Carry light snacks
The journey to John Matte Camp take you through a forest of Giant Groundsels.
On arrival at the Camp, relax, have dinner and rest for the next adventure.
Day 4: Leave John Matte and Hike to Bujuku Camp for the overnight
Day 4 starts with a morning breakfast and then start on the ascent to Bujuku camp which is at a height of 3977 m. The journey to the Hut takes you through the Bigo Bogs and Kibatsi Bog.
This section is so muddy therefore proper use of the Wellington boots is recommended. You will continue to Lake Bujuku and then reach Bujuku camp which gives clear views of Mount Stanley, Baker and Speke.
Relax at this Hut and rest for next day.
Day 5: Stay at Bujuku Camp or Climb to Mount Speak
On this day, you will rest and recover some lost energy at this Camp (Bujuku). There is an option of goring to climb to Mount Speke for those with enough resilience and fitness.
Or you can also climb to see Lake Irene.
Day 6: Trek to Elena Camp (4,543 meters)
Today after breakfast, you will climb to Elena Camp which is at a height of 4543 meters. You will go through the Groundsel Gully as you head to the Camp. On arrival you will rest awaiting the climb to the summit “Margherita Peak”
In case you are not feeling well, on this day, you can trek back and wait for fellow travelers at Kitandara Camp.
Day 7: Leave Elena Hut and climb to Margherita Peak (highest point) and descend to Kitandara Camp
Today is the day for our Main Goal of this Tour.“Climbing to Margherita Peak: 5109 meters”. You will have breakfast very early in the morning and then start climbing to the top of Rwenzori Mountain.
It is advisable to:
- Carry enough water for this last part of the ascent
- Ice axes
- Crampons
The trek to the summit takes about 6 hours.
Reaching the top is very memorable, you will be mind blown with beautiful views of forests, clouds and Glacier just like on Aiguille du Midi, France
After taking Photographs and a cup of tea, you will then start on the descent to Kitandara Camp at a height of 4027m which also has very beautiful views on Rwenzori mountains.
Day 8: Leave Kitandara Camp and descent to Guy Yeoman Camp
From Kitandara Camp, on this morning after breakfast, you will first have to climb upwards to Freshfield pass and then climb downwards towards Guy Yeoman Hut where you will stay for the night.
It is a steep descend as you come near Guy Yeoman Camp. On reaching the Camp, you will have beautiful views of the mountain especially Mount Baker. Later you will have dinner and the rest for the night.
Day 9: Descend to Nyabitaba and then continue to the starting point leaving The mountains
Very early in the morning, you will depart Guy Yeoman heading for Nyabitaba Camp. This is the last day on the Rwenzori Mountains. On reaching Nyabitaba Hut, we continue the decent up to Nyakalenjija.
We will check in your lodge and have a restful evening. Here you can chat with fellow trekkers and reminisce on the journey to the Margherita Peak, the 3rd highest point in Africa.
Day 10: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
Today we bid farewell to Rwenzori mountain National park and Mountains of the moon. After a morning breakfast, your driver will pick you from the lodge/hotel and then start on the journey to Kampala, Entebbe or any other place you wish to go.
Other activities can be arranged including a trip to Queen Elizabeth National park for wildlife or Kibale forest National park for Chimpanzee tracking.
9 days Mountain Rwenzori Trekking Tour – Central Circuit
Summary of the 9 days Rwenzori Mountaineering Service
- Day 1: Journey to Rwenzori Mountains National park in Kasese
- Day 2. Hike to Nyakalengija (1600m) – Nyabitaba hut (2660m)
- Day 3. Leave Nyabitaba hut (2660m) and Hike to John Matte hut (3420m)
- Day 4. From John Matte hut (3420), proceed to Bujuku hut (3930m)
- Day 5. From Bujuku hut (3930m), we climb to Elena hut (4563m)
- Day 6. Leave Elena hut (4563m) and trek to Margherita Peak and then descend to Kitandara (3979m)
- Day 7. From Kitandara hut (3979m), Descend to Guy Yeoman hut (3505m)
- Day 8: Descend to Nyabitaba Camp and then continue to the starting point leaving The mountains
- Day 9: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
9 day Mt Rwenzori Trekking Full Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Rwenzori Mountains National park
Our driver-guide will pick you from your Hotel/Airport. He will then brief you on your journey and lets you know what to expect during Mt Rwenzori Climbing.
You will then embark on your journey towards West of Kampala, heading for Kasese where Rwenzori mountains National park is located. You will go through villages and plantations on your way to Rwenzori Mountains.
You will have a stop in Mubende for Lunch and then proceed to the base of Rwenzori Mountains.
The journey from Kampala to Mountain Rwenzori is about 6 hours.
On arrival, you will check in your your lodge on the foothills of Rwenzori where you will meet head of the trekking expedition. You will be briefed on what you need and what to expect when hiking the Rwenzoris.
Day 2. Hike to Nyakalengija (1600m) – Nyabitaba hut (2660m)
After breakfast at the lodge, you will go to Rwenzori mountains National Park headquarters in Nyakalengija where you will be briefed about the park rules and regulations.
Here, you will be given your hiking equipment, and also Guides and Porters will be assigned to you to take you through the Hiking experience.
The Trekking experience starts from Nyakalengija and takes you through the Montane forests and Bakonzo settlements on your way to Nyabitaba hut which is at a height of 2660m.
The hike to this Hut is about 5 hours and here you will have dinner and enjoy beautiful views of the magnificent Rwenzori mountains.
Day 3. Leave Nyabitaba hut (2660m) and Hike to John Matte hut (3420m)
On this day, you will have an early breakfast and then start on the hike again this time around heading for John Matte hut at a height of 3420 Meters.
The average time to reach this camp is about 6 hours. On arrival, dinner will be served and then have a restful evening awaiting the next days adventure.
Day 4. From John Matte hut (3420), proceed to Bujuku hut (3930m)
After a morning break fast, we begin our 4th day of our Rwenzori Mountains Trekking tour. We ascend to Bujuku Camp which is at a height of 3977 m. The journey to the Hut takes you through the Bigo Bogs and Kibatsi Bog.
This is a very muddy section of our trek and so proper use of the Wellington boots is recommended. You will continue to Lake Bujuku and then reach Bujuku camp which gives clear views of Mount Stanley, Baker and Speke.
You will relax at this Hut and rest for next day.
Day 5. From Bujuku hut (3930m), we climb to Elena hut (4563m)
Today our destination is Elena Hut which is at a height of 4563m. Elena Hut is located on Mountain Stanley which has the highest point Margherita peak.
After breakfast, we will trek to this Hut, have dinner and then look forward to reaching Margherita peak.
When you reach the Hut, you will have very good views of both Mount Speke and Mount Baker which are the other high peaks of the Rwenzoris.
Day 6. Leave Elena hut (4563m) and trek to Margherita Peak and then descend to Kitandara (3979m)
This is the long awaited day of our Rwenzori Mountaineering: “Reaching the Margherita Summit”. You will wake up very early this time at around 2:am. Breakfast will be served and the trek to the top starts leaving Elena Hut.
The trek is a bit challenging since the terrain is rocky. You will then proceed with the hike heading to Margherita peak. On this trek you will be hiking on the Rwenzori Glacier on your way to the summit.
Reaching Margherita peak, take pictures, take a cup of coffee since it is very cold up and then after descend to Kitandara Camp via Elena Hut.
You will spend the night at this Hut reminiscing on the great hike to the summit.
This is a very challenging trek and it is recommended by experienced Hikers. However, for less experienced hikers, we recommend the 10 days trip which gives more time and rest before reaching the summit.
Day 7. From Kitandara hut (3979m), Descend to Guy Yeoman hut (3505m)
From Kitandara Camp, on this morning after breakfast, you will first have to climb upwards to Freshfield pass and then climb downwards towards Guy Yeoman Hut where you will stay for the night.
It is a steep descend as you come near Guy Yeoman Camp. On reaching the Camp, you will have beautiful views of the mountain especially Mount Baker. Later you will have dinner and the rest for the night.
Day 8: Descend to Nyabitaba Camp and then continue to the starting point leaving The mountains
Very early in the morning, you will depart Guy Yeoman heading for Nyabitaba Camp. This is the last day on the Rwenzori Mountains. On reaching Nyabitaba Hut, we continue the decent up to Nyakalenjija.
We will check in your lodge and have a restful evening. Here you can chat with fellow trekkers and reminisce on the journey to the Margherita Peak, the 3rd highest point in Africa.
Day 9: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
Today we bid farewell to Rwenzori mountain National park and Mountains of the moon. After a morning breakfast, your driver will pick you from the lodge/hotel and then start on the journey to Kampala, Entebbe or any other place you wish to go.
Enquire about this Rwenzori Mountaineering Tour
Call/Whatsapp now on: +256 775 621 572
tours@gorillaandadventuresafaris.com
Mt Rwenzori Climbing – Kilembe Trail
Day 1: Travel to Kasese
Our guide picks you from the Airport/Hotel and then start on the journey to Kasese, the home of the Rwenzori Mountains National park.
Enroute, you will have lunch and then continue to Kasese passing through Fort-portal Town. The journey is scenic, with views of Tea, Coffee and Banana Plantations and this offers very good photographic options.
Reaching Kasese, we head to our overnight Hotel and rest awaiting the start of Rwenzori Trekking.
Day 2: Red-Tape – Move to Kilembe and Trek to Sine Camp (2596m)
From your hotel, you will be taken to Trekkers Hostel Kilembe – the starting point into Rwenzori mountains National park. This is at a height of 1450m.
Here you will be briefed, guides and porters allocated. Then you will start the trek this time heading to Sine Camp which is at a height of 2596m above sea level.
The trek is spectacle with sights and sounds of birds, monkeys especially the colobus monkeys. The journey goes through forests, Bamboo, Flowers etc.
Reaching Sine Camp, you will rest for the night. In case you still have some energy, you can go for a tour of Enock Falls offering a beautiful sight to help you rest.
Day 3: Hike to Mutinda Camp (3688m)
Leave Sine Camp in the morning and head for Mutinda camp at a height of 3688m. The climb is steep as you go through the Bamboo section of the forest on Rwenzoris.
You can have a stop at Kalalama Camp and rest for a while and then continue to Mutinda Camp.
On reaching, there is an option of hiking further to Mutinda Lookout (1.5 hours to and 1 hour back). This is a very good spot for pictures since it offers spectacular views. Hike back to Mutinda Camp for the night.
Day 4: Hike to Bugata Camp(4100m)
Today we will go through the Mutinda valley. This section is filled with tussocks and it can be boggy especially in the rainy seasons.
The section is also rich in plant-life. The Groundsel and Giant lobelias do make this area their home. As you go through the valley (Namusangi), you will go through bogs as you climb to Bugata Camp which is at 4100m above sea level.
Reaching the camp, you will retire for the night awaiting the next day’s adventure.
Day 5: Hike to Hunwick Camp(4450m)
After breakfast, the trail continues passing through Bamwanjara pass. We first slope down a bit before climbing back again heading to Hunwick Camp. The trek is sometimes flat as you traverse Bamwanjara pass and heading top.
Hunwick Camp has very good views of mountains: Stanley, Weismanns Peak and Mt Baker.
Rest for the rest of the day and await Margherita trekking on day 6.
Day 6: Hike to Margherita Camp
Today we leave Hunwick Camp heading to Margherita camp. On the way, we first go down the valley to Lake Kitandara which has very beautiful vegetation.
The trail continues to as we climb to Margherita camp but we pass through Scoot Elliot pass. We base here as we await to reach the summit the next day.
Day 7: Hike to Margherita Peak and then slope down to Hunwick Camp
We wake up very early at 2:00am to start on the journey through the glaciers to Margherita peak. But first, we have our breakfast before embarking on the challenge to the summit.
This part of the trek is challenging and in case you are not in good condition, you can decide not to take on this challenge. However if you are good to go, our quest to reach the roof continues starting at 12:30am.
The time allocated to reach the top is 10:00am, If we do not reach the summit by this time, we
Will then be instructed to return regardless of whether we reach the top or not.
The rule here is very strict. Potential causes of not reaching Margherita peak are usually Climate changes, which bring about heavy storms at the summit.
Global warming has also done its part in making the climb a bit difficult because of the steep ice which is hard to walk on.
However, when you manage to summit the margherita, you will take pictures and then descend back to Hunwick Camp to rest having achieved the main aim: Climbing to Margherita Peak
Day 8: Descend to Kiharo Camp
In case you still have some energies saved up, you can hike up to Weismann’s Peak(USD 20). However if you are not upto it, then we embark on the descend passing through Oliver’s pass.
The descend is very interesting, we get to enjoy the rocks, and flora of Rwenzoris. On the way we go through bogs down the valley before reaching Kiharo camp.
Day 9: Descend to base camp in Kilembe
This is the final descend as we leave Rwenzori mountains National park. We move through forests, rivers, rocks, serenaded by the sounds of the forest.
On reaching Kilembe base camp, we then proceed to our hotel for the night.
~End of Rwenzori Mountains Trekking – Kilembe Trail~
Day 10: Travel back to Kampala/Entebbe/
If we have arranged another trip in Uganda and this can be a Game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls National park or Chimpanzee trekking or Gorilla trekking, then on checkout, we proceed to the national parks to also have another unique experience with wildlife.
However, in case your time in Uganda is done, we then proceed to Kampala/Entebbe for your flight.
Enquire about this Rwenzori Mountains Trekking Tour
Call/Whatsapp now on: +256 775 621 572
tours@gorillaandadventuresafaris.com
What you need on this Rwenzori Mountains Climbing Expedition
Note: Climbing ropes and harnesses with Carabinas and crampons are provided freely
Personal Items and Clothing
- Backpack
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping Bag
- Wellington boots
- Crampons
- Sanitary Towel
- Energy Giving foods (snack)
- Dry towel
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Multi-functional Watch
- Cell phone
- Baby wipes/ Toilet paper
- Handwarmer packets
- Woolen/synthetic Socks (both lean and heavy weight)
- Rain Jacket (with hood)
- Warm jacket/sweater
- Gloves
- Plastic bags
- Wool Hat covering the ears
- Wind/Water proof Pants
- Underwear
- Baby wipes/ Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
Enquire about this Rwenzori Mountaineering Service
Call/Whatsapp now on: +256 775 621 572
tours@gorillaandadventuresafaris.com
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