Rwenzori — Margherita Peak — 8 Days
Overview
The legendary Mountains of the Moon — Africa's third-highest peak at 5,109 m. A world-class mountaineering adventure through giant heathers, glaciated valleys, and some of the most extraordinary high-altitude scenery on the continent.
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Transfer from Kampala to Kasese and on to the Nyakalengija trailhead (1,646 m). Register permits, meet local Bakonzo porters, and trek 2 hours through farmland and forest to Sine Hut.
Climb steeply through dense montane forest with its extraordinary giant heathers, mosses, and ferns. The forest becomes increasingly otherworldly. Camp at Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m).
Cross the Mubuku River and climb through bamboo, giant heather, and bog. The landscape becomes increasingly surreal. John Matte Hut (3,414 m) sits in a spectacular valley.
Enter the famous Bujuku Valley, surrounded by glaciated peaks and filled with giant lobelia and groundsel. Lake Bujuku provides one of Africa's most extraordinary mountain views. Camp at Bujuku Hut (3,977 m).
Climb to Elena Hut (4,541 m) on the glacial moraine. Afternoon glacier skills training — crampons, ice axe, rope techniques — in preparation for the Margherita summit.
Early morning glacier ascent to Margherita Peak (5,109 m) on the summit of Mount Stanley — Africa's third-highest point. Technical but achievable with our guides. Return to Elena Hut.
Descend via the spectacular Stuhlmann Pass and Guy Yeoman Hut back down to Nyabitaba Hut, retracing through the extraordinary vegetation zones.
Final descent to the trailhead. Transfer to Kasese and on to Kampala. Certificate presentation en route.
Route Map
Map shows approximate camp locations along the route. Elevation data shown in meters and feet.
About This Package
The Rwenzori Mountains on the Uganda-DRC border are one of Africa's last great wilderness adventures. Known as the "Mountains of the Moon" since antiquity, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary biodiversity — giant heathers 10 m tall, giant lobelia, groundsel forests, and mist-shrouded glaciers. Margherita Peak (5,109 m) on Mount Stanley is Africa's third-highest summit and requires basic glacier travel and fixed-rope techniques. This 8-day Central Circuit traverse is the definitive Rwenzori experience, combining trekking, scrambling, and glacier climbing in one of the world's most remote and beautiful mountain ranges. A guide from our East Africa partner network leads this expedition.
What's Included
- Airport/hotel transfers
- All park and conservation fees
- Professional certified lead guide
- Assistant guides (1 per 2 climbers)
- Porters for group and personal luggage (up to 15 kg)
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water throughout
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- Emergency oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter
- Rescue evacuation insurance
- First-aid kit and emergency medication
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check
- Summit certificate
- Hotel accommodation (1 night pre + 1 night post)
- Uganda park fees and permits
- Glacier equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, rope)
- Experienced glacier-qualified lead guide
- Rwanda/Uganda airport pickup available on request
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania/Kenya visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear and sleeping bag (rentals available)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal snacks and energy bars
- Extra hotel nights
- Uganda tourist visa
- Flights to/from Kampala or Entebbe
$3,495
per personFree cancellation up to 90 days before departure
Quick Facts
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