12 Days Rwenzori Mountains Trekking | The Margherita Peak Expedition
The Rwenzori Mountains stand as the highest mountain range in Africa. Known historically as the Mountains of the Moon, this range sits along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike the volcanic peaks of Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, the Rwenzoris are a block of rugged, folded rocks. This 12-day expedition focuses entirely on the technical climb to Margherita Peak, the highest point at 5,109 meters. This trek follows the Central Circuit trail. It is a demanding route that rewards you with views of ancient glaciers, rare high altitude plants, and five distinct vegetation zones.
Why Trek the Rwenzori Mountains
Trekking here is a physical test. You will move through tropical forests, bamboo thickets, and heather zones before reaching the snow line. The Rwenzoris are famous for their boggy terrain. You will often use boardwalks or “bog hopping” techniques to move through the mud. International climbers choose this range because it is less crowded than other African peaks. According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its natural beauty and the presence of rare flora like giant lobelias (UWA, 2023). This 12 day trip ensures you have enough time to adjust to the altitude, which increases your chances of reaching the summit safely.
Technical Details and Fitness for the Climb
This is not a simple walk. To reach Margherita Peak, you must be in good health. The final push to the
summit involves crossing the Stanley Glacier. You will use ropes, crampons, and ice axes. Our mountain crew provides the technical support, but you should have basic knowledge of moving in cold, icy conditions. We recommend a training program that includes long-distance hiking with a weighted pack for at least three months before your arrival. Since the air becomes thin above 4,000 meters, your heart and lungs must be strong.
12 Days Rwenzori Hiking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kasese
Depending on your location in Kampala/Entebbe, you will depart with your safari guide and connect to Kibale Forest National Park. It’s about a 5-6-hour drive with an en-route lunch in Fort Portal. Proceed to your lodge with an en-route visit to the crater lakes and other features as advised by your safari guide. Proceed to check in your lodge, dinner, and overnight stay at Isunga lodge for budget/Chimpanzee forest guest house for mid-range/Kyaninga lodge for luxury. Your mountain crew will meet you to ensure you have waterproof boots, warm layers, and a suitable sleeping bag. Proper preparation today prevents problems on the higher slopes.
Day 2: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 meters)
The trek starts at the park headquarters in Nyakalengija, located at 1,648 meters. You will register with the park office and meet your porters and rangers. The trail begins by following the Mubuku River. You will walk through farmland and then enter the mountain forest. Look for the blue monkeys and the colorful Rwenzori Turaco in the trees. The path is often slippery. You will cross the Mahoma River before a steep climb to Nyabitaba Hut. This first day takes about five hours of walking.
Day 3: Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut (3,505 meters)
This is a long day that tests your endurance. From Nyabitaba, you descend to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, which crosses the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. After the bridge, you enter the bamboo zone. This area is often misty and wet. The trail leads into the heather zone, where trees are covered in long moss. You will reach the Nyamileju rock shelter for a lunch break. If the weather is clear, you can see Mount Stanley and Mount Speke from here. The final stretch to John Matte Hut involves walking through a giant heather forest.
Day 4: John Matte to Bujuku Hut (3,962 meters)
On this fouth day of the hike, wake up with a cup of Coffee at the hut site, walk across from the John Matte Hut to cross to the Bujuku River to the upper Bigo Bog which gives the real experience of jumping and cross the Bujuku Lake, have a lunch break at a beautiful narrow stream with views of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the west and Mount Speke in the north. Retire from the hike at Bujuku hut for dinner and overnight stay
Day 5: Bujuku to Elena Hut (4,430 meters)
After breakfast, leaving Bujuku hut and connecting to the newer trail that rises and falls twice before climbing the steep slopes west of the lake, passing through the magical Groundsels Gully as it ascends to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4,372m. While at the steepest section, there is a short ladder that leads to Elena Hut at 4,430m. You will continue a few steps below the pass to a sheltered spot for a good break before the Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders. This is a base camp to climb to Margherita peak and requires an extra day. The left path leads to Scott. Elliot passes and goes down to Kitandara Lakes.
Day 6: The Summit Push to Margherita Peak (5,109 meters)
For those interested in reaching the Margherita peaks at 5,109m, continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier to reach the Margarita peak. This hike will take 4 to 7 hours to the summit of Margherita, 
depending on the weather conditions and the climbing pace. This is a tough walk taking you to over three glaciers, slippery rock, Ice, and very exposed areas. It is only for the physically fit and is a technical climb that requires roping up, crampons, and appropriate equipment for cold, windy, and icy conditions. It is best to attempt the final climb in a minimum group of 4- two climbers and two guides; climb onto the glacier, cross the Stanley Plateau, and proceed with the ascent. Start to descend, returning to Scott- Elliot pass with incredible views back to Bujuku lake and Mount Speke down to Kitandara Lakes. After the trail, pass via an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and connect to Kitandara Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,260 meters)
On the 7th day of your 12 Days Rwenzori Hiking From Kitandara hut, the trail ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain, Fresh field pass. From the pass, the long muddy descent continues, passing the rock shelter at Bujangolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. At this level, you will look into Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. Overnight at the hut
Day 8: Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut
The descent continues through the deep mud of the heather zone. You will pass the Kabamba waterfalls. The trail is narrow and can be hard on your knees. You will re-enter the bamboo forest. The air becomes warmer and thicker as you lose altitude. You will return to Nyabitaba Hut, where you spent your first night on the mountain.
Day 9: Descent to Nyakalengija and Kasese
The final walk takes you back through the mountain forest to the park gates. You will say goodbye to your porters and receive a certificate of completion from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A vehicle will pick you up and take you back to your lodge in Kasese. A hot shower and a soft bed are your rewards for the week on the mountain.
Day 10: Rest and Recovery in Kasese
After eight days of intense physical work, your body needs rest. You can spend this day relaxing at the lodge. You might choose to visit the local community or the Kilembe mines area. This day also serves as a buffer in case the weather is bad on the mountain, and you need an extra day for the summit.
Day 11: Travel from Kasese to Entebbe
You will leave the mountains behind and drive back toward the central part of the country. You will stop for lunch in Fort Portal town. The drive offers views of the Kibale Forest and rural villages. You will arrive at your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala in the evening.
Day 12: Departure
Your 12-day mountain trip ends today. Our team will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.
Logistics and Practical Information
Best Time to Hike
The Rwenzori Mountains can be climbed year-round. However, the driest months are from June to August and from December to February. During these times, the bogs are less deep, and the skies are clearer. According to climate data from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority, rainfall is highest in April, May, October, and November. If you trek during the wet season, be prepared for rain every day.
Essential Gear List
Boots: You need sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Many climbers also bring rubber boots (wellies) for the muddy sections below 4,000 meters.
Clothing: Use a layering system. Bring thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell.
Technical Gear: We provide ropes and ice axes. You should bring your own crampons and a climbing harness if you prefer your own fit.
Sleeping: A four-season sleeping bag rated for -10 degrees Celsius is necessary for Elena Hut.
Mountain Safety
Altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes extra days to help you get used to the thin air. Drink at least three liters of water daily. If you feel dizzy or have a severe headache, tell your mountain crew immediately. They are trained in mountain first aid and carry emergency oxygen.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The package price typically covers:
Park entrance fees and trekking permits.
Professional mountain crew (guides, porters, and cooks).
All meals on the mountain.
Accommodation in mountain huts.
Technical climbing equipment.
Exclusions include your international flights, travel insurance, personal gear, and tips for the crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Margherita Peak climb?
It is considered more difficult than Kilimanjaro. This is due to the technical nature of the glacier and the muddy terrain. You must be able to hike for 6 to 8 hours a day on steep ground.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Yes, most international travelers need an E-visa. You should apply online via the official Uganda Immigration portal at least two weeks before travel.
Is there a mobile network on the mountain?
The signal is very weak and disappears completely after Nyabitaba Hut. We use radio communication between the huts and the base office for safety.
