What is the Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike?

The Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike is an adventurous trek that leads to the summit of Margherita Peak, the highest point on the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

Is it possible to see wildlife during the hike?

The Rwenzori Mountains are home to unique wildlife, including the Rwenzori turaco and other bird species. While the primary focus is on the hike, there may be opportunities to spot some wildlife.

What equipment and clothing are necessary for the hike?

Proper hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, a sleeping bag, and other essential gear are needed for the trek. Your tour operator or guide can provide a detailed packing list.

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Accomodation
2 Friends Beach Hotel, Ruboni Community Camp, Nyabitaba Hut, John Matte Hut, Bujuku Hut, Elena Hut, Kitandara Hut, Guy Yeoman Hut, Ruboni Community Camp
Arrival City
Entebbe
Departure City
Entebbe

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Margherita Peak is 5,109 meters above sea level and the highest peak on Mount Rwenzori. On this trekking adventure, you will have a chance to hike several peaks up to the highest peak, covered with snow (yet lying astride the equator). This tour starts in Entebbe. On arrival, you will be met by the mountain-climbing guides who will transfer you to your pre-trip hotel. A night at the base of the mountains will allow you to acclimatize before starting the trek.

You’ll be collected from the airport.

Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Spectacular Alpine Scenery: The Rwenzori Mountains are known for their dramatic, otherworldly landscapes featuring jagged peaks, glaciers, and steep cliffs. Hiking through this alpine paradise is a visual treat.
Africa's Highest Peak: Margherita Peak is the highest point on the Rwenzori Mountains and the third-highest mountain in Africa, with an elevation of 5,109 meters (16,761 feet). Summiting it is a significant achievement.
Rare Equatorial Glaciers: The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the few places on the equator where glaciers can be found. Witness the stunning spectacle of glaciers, icefalls, and permanent snowfields on your way to the peak.
Rich Biodiversity: The Rwenzori Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a unique array of flora and fauna. You'll encounter distinctive plant species, including giant lobelias and heather trees, as well as various wildlife, such as the Rwenzori turaco.
Challenging Hiking Trails: The trek to Margherita Peak is not for the faint of heart. It involves demanding, multi-day hikes over rugged terrain, including steep ascents and descents, dense vegetation, and unstable weather conditions.
Ultimate Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching Margherita Peak, the culmination of your journey, is a remarkable achievement and provides a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Pristine Natural Beauty: The Rwenzori Mountains are known for their pristine, untouched beauty, and the hike offers a chance to immerse yourself in a remote, natural wilderness.

Day 1 :

Arrive and transfer to your hotel

On arrival at the "Pearl of Africa", you will be met by our customer-care representative who will transfer you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be assisted with check-in and will go through your exciting upcoming adventure. Spend overnight at your hotel. Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe) Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel Mid-range hotel located in or near Entebbe Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Day 2 :

Drive to Kasese, Western Uganda

Start the day with an early breakfast before starting the drive to Kasese and Nyakalengija at the base of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. You will spend a night at the foothills of the mountains which will allow you to acclimatize as you contemplate the trekking challenge that lies ahead! Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Ruboni Community Camp Budget banda located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 3 :

Hike to Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp (2651m asl)

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead at Nyakalengija (1,615m) where you will meet the porters and guides. You'll receive a briefing before the hike. The initial part of the trail passes through Bakonzo Farm, before climbing steeply to Nyabithaba Hut at 2,650m. It is set on a forested ridge with good views of Portal Peaks and the Bujuuku Valley. Ensure that you keep your wet-weather gear with you as some patches along this route are very wet and muddy, and you may end up with wet boots in the evening. Make sure that your boots are waterproof and that you have spare lightweight shoes to wear this evening, allowing your boots to dry. You will encounter some steep parts on the climb, so take it slow. The porters sometimes walk ahead and sometimes with you. Be sure that you have all your required personal gear with you as you will not have access to your bag. Conditions are difficult on this route, and your guides/porters will do everything they can to make your climb pleasant. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 4 :

Continue to Nyabithaba to John Matte (3505m asl)

Start with a rather steep downhill section where you will cross the confluence of the Bujuuku and Mubuku Rivers at the Kurt Schafer Bridge. You will then steeply ascend through heather and giant groundsel forests to John Matte Hut, situated in a grove of giant heather (3,415m). Again, keep your wet-weather gear handy, have some snacks for the route, and drink plenty of water. The hut is spacious and well worth using, although there are nice spots to pitch your tent if you prefer. Eat well, as at higher sea levels your appetite will diminish. Learn to pace your breathing and do not try to rush to catch up with anyone. Go at your own, comfortable pace and you will arrive at camp relatively easily. On this day, it is advisable to hike in rubber boots (“wellies”), as some parts of the route are very wet and muddy. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: John Matte Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 5 :

Hike to John Matte to Bujuku (3962m asl)

Across the two Bigo Bogs as well as the Kibatsi Bog, the “wellies” are a great help! There are the remains of a causeway of wooden planks across the Kibatsi Bog, which is in various states of disrepair at this stage, up to Lake Bujuuku. The shores are muddy but are the last obstacle before Bujuuku Hut (3,977m). You'll enjoy excellent views of Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and Mount Stanley if the weather is clear. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Bujuku Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 6 :

Proceed to Bujuku to Elena (4541m asl)

The trail from Bujuku takes you through more bog while climbing the steep slopes west of the lake and through the magical forest of groundsel gully. Turn to your right up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders. While the trail on your left leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to the Kitandara Lakes, the trail on the left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. On this trek, though, we are aiming for the peak! We take the trail to the right to the cool and icy Elena Hut where we will have dinner and overnight. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Elena Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 7 :

Elena to Margherita Peak (5109m asl) to Kitandara (4430m asl)

You attempt climbing the highest peak very early, the Margherita Peak of Mount Stanley, standing at 5,109m asl. To reach the summit, the climb takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of the climbers. This tough walk takes you over 3 glaciers, slippery rock, ice, and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Continue to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau, and proceed with the ascent. Now that you are acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness, and the cool weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita, the highest peak on Mount Rwenzori. The descent from Margherita Peak back to Elena Hut will take you about 2 to 3 hours. After your lunch at Elena Hut, descend to the Scott-Elliot pass (4,372m asl) where you will have spectacular views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke. Continue along the trail through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders. You then descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara Camp. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Kitandara Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 8 :

Descend Kitandara to Guy Yeoman (3261m asl)

You have a steep climb over the Fresh Field Pass (4,282m) before descending to Guy Yeoman Hut, set in a giant heather zone at 3,506 m. Today, it is likely that you may experience a seizure of joints, particularly your knees, so be sure to keep a support bandage with you for the descent, and perhaps some anti-inflammatory pills or cream. The trek is approximately 7 hours. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 9 :

Guy Yeoman to Nyakalengija (1615m asl)

This morning you’ll start a bit earlier than usual as you have an extra hour or so for your descent to the gate. It is a long walk today! There is a steep descent through the bamboo zone below Guy Yeoman and the route then descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu, the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before descending to Nyabitaba. You'll then complete the circuit at Nyakalengija. Since the trek finishes in the evening, you will spend overnight at the camp. The descent is approximately 8 hours. Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Ruboni Community Camp Budget banda located in or near Rwenzori Mountains Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 10 :

Drive back to Kampala or extend to another exciting safari

This morning, you will have breakfast at the camp before starting a 7-hour drive back to Entebbe with an en-route lunch. Arrive in Entebbe in time to check in for your outbound flight back home or to your next destination. This safari can be combined with a chimpanzee and gorilla-trekking safari or relaxation on Bulago Island for a Lake Victoria beach feel. Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

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Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Snow-Capped Rwenzori Margherita Peak Hike

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Cabs & Accomodation

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