8 Days Rwenzori Trekking to Margherita Peak Itinerary & Cost

Please Note:
You have the opportunity to ascend Mt. Baker if you are in good physical condition. BAKER IS A BRIEF YET CHALLENGING ASCENT, BUT IT IS INDEED REWARDING, PARTICULARLY ON A CLEAR DAY WHEN ONE CAN ENJOY SUPERB VIEWS OF MT. STANLEY, MARGHERITA PEAK, AND THE GLACIERS; ALTERNATIVELY, ONE MAY ASCEND WEISMANN’S DURING THE DESCENT.

Margherita Peak Africa’s third tallest peak, although the true allure is in the ascent via the Kilembe route, characterised by rich flora, including forests and fern-laden valleys. The trees teem with diverse avian and monkey species, and as you ascend the trail, you may observe chimpanzee nests nestled high in the towering branches; with fortune, you can sight the resident chimpanzee as it retreats swiftly. Ascending Magherita Peak is primarily a challenging scramble rather than a technical climb, with only a few arduous manoeuvres. Snow increases the difficulty, yet the rewards and exhilaration of reaching the summit are substantial as one gazes from Albert Peak towards the Democratic Republic of the Congo and eastward across the Rwenzori Mountains’ panorama.

We supply all essential climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, and carabiners. You are need to bring suitable hiking boots, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, and rain gear. We offer sleeping bag rentals for those in need.

NOTE: Ascending Marghertia Peak has become technical; proficiency in rope techniques, utilisation of crampons, ascenders, and figure eights for belaying, as well as expertise in ice axe operation, is recommended due to ice sections exhibiting 60% steepness and rapidly altering conditions resulting from climate change and glacier melt. All our guides are proficient in ice climbing and rescue techniques and can assist you with minimal experience; however, you must be prepared to learn during the ascent and be capable of fitting your own crampons, tying basic knots, and use ascenders and figure eights. Mount Baker and Mount Speke are also technical. We advise clients to bring their own crampons, since we are struggling to maintain ours due to the combination of hard ice and rocks. We will rent crampons for an additional $20 per trip.

A Complete 8 Day Rwenzori Trekking to Margherita Peak

Day One:

Commence at Trekkers, situated at 1,450 meters, and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, resulting in a vertical gain of 1,146 meters. Alternatively, those in good physical condition may opt to continue to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters, which not only offers spectacular vistas but also allows for additional time at Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.

We commence by traversing the valley floor amidst the towering trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a gradual ascent featuring numerous birds and the possibility of observing blue monkeys darting across the forest. Occasionally, visitors may observe groups of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys as they traverse the treetops. Rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey, a cultural totem of the Bukonzo, are safeguarded by the authority of the King or Omusinga, although distant sounds of wild chimpanzees may also be heard. A diverse array of plant species exists, ranging from forest trees to bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and numerous moss and lichen-covered vines cascading from the towering trees, producing a remarkable aesthetic. Enock’s Falls are located within 200 meters from Sine Hut, providing an excellent opportunity to record a memorable screensaver.

At Sine Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,596 meters, wooden cottages are positioned amidst towering forest trees along a small ridge, allowing you to appreciate the splendour of the Afro Montane forest while gazing down at a magnificent waterfall cascading over the rocks below. Certain clients like sitting outdoors, relishing the warmth of the campfire while conversing with the guides about the mountains and their community life. Sine is situated right beneath the bamboo zone, and the surrounding area hosts a diverse array of avian species. Enock Falls, located 150 meters from the camp, is surrounded by vibrant green foliage and cascading vines. Genuinely exquisite. Individuals who are fit may choose to sleep at Sine or travel to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters. This option not only offers spectacular views but also allows for additional time at Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.

Day Two

The trek commences at 8:30 AM, and almost immediately, one enters the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, characterised by a hard ascent with several elevated steps. During the wet season, the bamboo zone becomes quite muddy and slippery, resulting in delayed progress. The ambiance and the forest are exquisite as you ascend 551 meters over a distance of 1.8 kilometres to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, situated in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you may pause for a brief respite and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before proceeding to Mutinda Camp. The trail winds over several small knolls along a ridge, descends into the valley, ascends once more, traverses multiple small streams, and approaches moss-covered waterfalls. You ascend gradually alongside a picturesque moss-laden river cascading over rocks beneath the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are adorned with green moss and draped with Usnea lichen. The path winds as you ascend the profound valley, which has a vast array of flora and blossoms. This valley is distinctive, with several Giant Heather plants that cultivate a picturesque ambiance frequently enveloped in mist.

In the afternoon, you may like to ascend to the summit of the Mutinda Lookout (about one to two hours for the ascent and one hour for the descent). The vistas are spectacular as you stand on moss-covered rocks at an elevation of 3,925 meters, overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains and the town of Kasese, as well as Lake George. Clients ascending to Margherita or any of the principal peaks will find that climbing Mutinda at 3,975 meters serves as a good method for acclimatisation and mitigating the danger of high altitude sickness.

Reside at Mutinda Camp at an elevation of 3,582 meters.

Day Three

The path to Bugata Camp is marshy, especially during the rainy season; but, with some dexterity, one can traverse from tussock to tussock to facilitate movement. Initially, traverse the Mutinda Valley, characterised by tussock grass and everlasting flowers mixed with numerous Giant Lobelias, before ascending a sharp gradient to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), where sheer waterfalls abound and the vistas of the Mutinda Peaks are spectacular when viewed from behind. The Namusangi Valley is expansive, characterised by numerous elevations as the path ascends consistently to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.

Day Four

Journey to Hunwick’s Camp through Bamwanjarra Pass. Upon departing Bugata Camp, you ascend a ridge, thereafter descend slightly, and then climb to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where a hut is available in case of inclement weather. On a clear day, the pass offers superb vistas of the three principal peaks. The trail traverses the valley, skirting the periphery of bogs and dense evergreen flora, including moss, gigantic groundsel, and lobelia. This location may be the premier site in the Rwenzori for observing the Malachite Sunbird as it forages on numerous lobelia flowers and serves as a recognised breeding ground. Further down, there are steep sections followed by a consistent ascent over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp, located atop a deep valley, with excellent views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.

Day Five

We traverse from Hunwick’s down to the valley bottom, reaching the breathtaking Lake Kitendara, characterised by its profound waters and exquisite flora. From this point, ascend Scott Elliott’s pass and continue up the ridge to Margherita Camp at an elevation of 4,485 meters, which is located amidst substantial boulders providing some protection from the fierce winds. This is the exact location where the Duke of Abruzzi established his camp during his ascent to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Please Note:

Today, you have the opportunity to ascend Mt. Baker if you are in good physical condition. Baker is a brief yet challenging ascent, rewarding climbers with exceptional vistas of Mt. Stanley, Margherita Peak, and the glaciers, particularly on a clear day.

Day Six

Awaken at 2:00 AM and partake in an early breakfast before to departing for the ascent of Mt. Stanley at 2:30 AM. This is essential due to significant weather fluctuations; even during the dry season, the mountain frequently becomes enveloped in dense clouds, with snowfall occurring from 1 PM to 4 PM, typically within a brief interval of 10 to 15 minutes as clouds ascend from the vast Congo jungles. In January and February 2017, clients were confined indoors and unable to traverse due to unprecedented severe snowstorms, which had not been experienced during the drier season. They returned to Margherita Camp well after dark, with one party arriving around 11 PM, completely fatigued.

In light of the weather change, we have established a tight turnaround time of 10 AM. If you do not reach the summit by that time, you must return, irrespective of any disappointment, for safety reasons. The Margherita Glacier has been adversely affected by global warming, resulting in the recession of its outer margins and an increase in steepness, with one portion exceeding a 60% slope over around 200 meters. The extensive melting of the darker areas has resulted in the formation of caves beneath the ice, which, as it thins, will ultimately collapse. It is essential for clients to comprehend and heed the recommendations of the advisors regarding the suggested routes.

We recommend that clients with little mountaineering expertise remain on Stanley Glacier and ascend to a favourable vantage point on a rocky outcrop at the southern side of Alexandra Peak to appreciate the spectacular views of Congo and the lower mountain ridges.

Upon reaching the summit at 5,109 meters, you subsequently descend directly to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 meters.

Day Seven

Distance to Kiharo Camp: 11 km Duration required for walking ranges from 4 to 7 hours.

We commence the day at Hunwick’s Camp by ascending a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, which offers the finest vistas of all three summits and Scott Elliott’s Pass, before arriving at Oliver’s Pass at an elevation of 4,505 metres. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the summit of Olivers Pass is 3 km. The trail subsequently traverses beneath Weismann’s Peak to the junction of the Nyamwamba River, which descends through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

To ascend Weismanns Peak, which stands at 4,620 meters from Olivers Pass, an additional fee of $20 per person is required. On a clear day, one can observe magnificent vistas of Margherita, Mt Stanley, Mt Speke, and Mt Baker.

Upon traversing the confluence, the trail descends into the valley leading to Kiharo Camp, located within a profound valley characterised by towering cliffs and lush foliage. As you descend the valley, you will traverse a ridge of stones and soil that appears incongruous; nonetheless, it was formed by slowly advancing glaciers that ultimately ceased their movement, melted, and deposited a collection of boulders and debris at their terminus.

Day Eight

The distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 16 km, followed by a further 2.8 km to Trekkers Hostel. Individuals requiring connections to flights back to Kampala or proceeding to other engagements must depart Kiharo early, as the journey necessitates 5 to 8 hours of walking.

The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley is predominantly downhill and exceptionally picturesque, featuring breathtaking vistas, moss-laden rocks adjacent to the river, flowing waterfalls, and profound gorges and woods, maybe the finest in the Rwenzori Mountains. This segment of the path required six years to provide a navigable route suitable for travellers. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell attempted to navigate this valley but was unsuccessful and had to retreat in search of an alternative route up the mountain; nonetheless, you can now enjoy this remarkably magnificent valley.

A short distance from Kiharo Camp, the trail diverges to the right, following the riverbank. In the open areas, one may observe a Duiker discreetly foraging in small clearings while traversing the riverbank. This location likely harbours the highest population of Rwenzori Red Duikers within the National Park. A few km downstream, the terrain becomes more precipitous, featuring numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Following the waterfalls, we ascend a steep slope and thereafter descend through the dense trees, offering breathtaking vistas of the valley beneath. We pause at Forest View Camp for lunch before returning to Base Camp. An exceptional experience and conclusion to an extraordinary adventure.

End of the 8 Days Rwenzori Trekking to Margherita Peark

Please Note:

Individuals ascending Margherita Peak have the alternative option to scale Mt. Baker, a challenging scramble, on the day of the trek from Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp, or to ascend Weismann’s Peak during the descent.