The Ruwenzori Range, the 'Mountains of the Moon', straddles the Uganda–DRC border and is Africa's highest non-volcanic mountain range. The trek to Margherita Peak (5,109 m) is a journey through a surreal alpine world: giant lobelias and groundsels, moss-draped forests, and some of the most technical trekking in East Africa. Best walked in the June–August or December–February dry seasons, this expedition demands fitness, altitude experience and a flexible spirit.
Itinerary
Tap a day to view its itinerary details
Day 1
Kilembe trailhead
Drive from Kampala to the Kilembe trailhead in the Rwenzori foothills. Gear check, porter allocation and briefing on the days ahead.
Stay: Trailhead lodge
Day 2
Forest zone to Sine Camp
Climb through dense montane forest rich with monkeys and birdsong to Sine Camp (2,596 m). First night on the mountain.
Stay: Sine Camp hut
Day 3
Bog zone to Mutinda Camp
Trek through the famous alpine bogs on boardwalks, with giant lobelia forests rising above. Reach Mutinda Camp (3,550 m) on the Nyamwamba valley.
Stay: Mutinda Camp hut
Day 4
Rock zone to Bugata Camp
Cross the rock and scree zone with panoramic views of Mt Stanley's glaciers. Continue past lakes to Bugata Camp (4,062 m).
Stay: Bugata Camp hut
Day 5
Bukurungu & the glacier window
Day of acclimatisation and rock scrambling to the glacier window on Mt Stanley's south face, before returning to Bugata Camp.
Stay: Bugata Camp hut
Day 6
Summit attempt: Margherita Peak
Pre-dawn start for the summit attempt on Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Glacier roping and scrambling to the top, then descend to Bukurungu Camp (4,500 m).
Stay: Bukurungu Camp hut
Day 7
Descend to the Bujuku valley
Long descent through the upper Bujuku valley, past black-and-white colobus monkeys, to the forest zone.
Stay: Trailhead lodge
Day 8
Return to Kampala
Transfer back to Kampala or continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a safari extension.
