Explore the remarkable peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains on this 12-Day Mount Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak.
This extended hiking expedition is perfect for mountain adventure seekers in Uganda who wish to explore the snow-capped peaks of Africa’s third-highest mountain range.
Mount Rwenzori lies within Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Western Uganda. The range consists of six main mountains: Stanley, Emin, Gessi, Baker, Speke, and Luigi Savoia.
This Uganda tour trek focuses on the Central Circuit Trail, offering hikers the chance to reach Margherita Peak (5109m), the highest summit of Mount Stanley.
12-Day Rwenzori Hiking Adventure Highlights
- Hike through the Central Circuit Trail in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Climb the snow-capped Margherita Peak (5109m)
- Explore the six main mountain ranges of the Rwenzori
- See wildlife such as colobus monkeys, hyraxes, and forest elephants
- Visit mountain lakes like Bujuku and Kitandara
- Encounter alpine vegetation and glaciers
- Enjoy guided climbs to Mt. Emin, Mt. Gessi, Mt. Speke, Mt. Baker, and Luigi Savoia
12-Day Rwenzori Hiking Adventure Highlights
- Day 1: Depart Kampala for Rwenzori Mountains NP
- Day 2: Nyakalengija Hike 1600m to 2650m (Nyabitaba Hut)
- Day 3: 2560m (Nyabitaba Hut) to 3420m (John Matte Hut)
- Day 4: Trek to Mt. Emin (4798m)
- Day 5: Mt. Gessi
- Day 6: John Matte Hut to Bujuku
- Day 7: Trek to Mt. Speke & Descend to Elena Hut
- Day 8: Margherita Peak & Descend to Kitandara
- Day 9: Mount Baker Hike
- Day 10: Trek to Luigi Savoia
- Day 11: Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Hut
- Day 12: Departure
Detailed 12-Day Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Kampala for Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Start your day with a cup of tea or coffee at your hotel.
Meet your driver guide for a short briefing about the hiking expedition ahead. Depart from Kampala via the Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal route to the base of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Enjoy scenic views of the countryside as you travel.
Day 2: Nyakalengija Hike (1600m to 2650m) – Nyabitaba Hut
After registering and receiving a briefing at the Nyakalengija offices, begin your Central Circuit Trail trek.
The hike takes you through dense forest, elephant grass, and bushy areas that shelter wildlife such as L’Hoest monkeys, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, hyraxes, and forest elephants.
Bird lovers may see species like the Rwenzori turaco, long-eared owl, and barred long-tailed cuckoo.
Arrive at Nyabitaba Hut (2650m) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut (2560m) to John Matte Hut (3420m)
After breakfast, hike through thick forest and cross the Kurf Shafer Bridge over the Bujuku River, where it joins the Mubuku River.
The trail passes through bamboo and montane forests. Stop at Nyamuleju Hut for lunch and enjoy views of Mount Speke and Mount Stanley on clear days.
After lunch, continue to John Matte Hut (3420m), where you can see the glacial peaks of Margherita in the distance.
Day 4: Trek to Mount Emin (4798m)
After breakfast, start your hike to Mount Emin.
Pass through alpine forest at the base and continue to the summit, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori ranges.
Return to your hut for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Mount Gessi Hike
Begin the day with an early breakfast before setting off for the Mount Gessi climb.
Enjoy the hike through the mountain’s steep slopes and rocky terrain.
After descending, relax at the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
Depart John Matte Hut and trek through forests, swampy valleys, and ridges covered in giant lobelias.
Follow the boardwalks leading to Lake Bujuku, enjoying views of Mount Speke, Stanley, and Baker.
Continue through boggy terrain until you reach Bujuku Hut, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 7: Trek to Mount Speke and Descend to Elena Hut
After a morning cup of tea or coffee, begin your ascent to Mount Speke (5109m).
The trek is challenging but rewarding with beautiful views of the Rwenzori peaks.
Pass through upper Bigo bog, steep slopes near Lake Bujuku, and climb to Scott-Elliot Pass.
You can choose between trails leading to Kitandara Lake or Elena Hut. Spend the night at Elena Hut, preparing for the Margherita Peak climb.
Day 8: Margherita Peak and Descend to Kitandara
Start early with breakfast and climb to the summit of Mount Stanley, where the Margherita Peak (5109m) lies.
A professional mountain guide will assist with ice climbing gear such as crampons, ropes, and ice axes.
After reaching the top, take photos and enjoy time at the peak before descending to Elena Hut for lunch.
Continue your descent to Kitandara Hut for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Mount Baker Hike
Begin early for your Mount Baker climb.
The terrain is rocky and snow-covered, so good hiking boots are important.
Enjoy the views of Mount Speke and Mount Stanley before returning to Kitandara Camp for dinner and rest.
Day 10: Trek to Luigi Savoia
After breakfast, hike up to Luigi Savoia, one of the six Rwenzori peaks.
Follow the steep mountain paths as your guide gives instructions on how to handle the climbing equipment.
Return to Kitandara Hut for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Hut
After breakfast, begin your descent through forested trails toward Nyakalengija.
Look out for primates and small animals along the way.
Arrive at Guy Yeoman Hut for dinner and relaxation.
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, continue descending to Nyakalengija Gate for a short debriefing and return of hired gear.
Meet your driver guide for the transfer back to Kampala or Kigali for your flight home.
This marks the end of your 12-Day Mount Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak.
Book Your Tour Now
If you want to add more days or visit more places, please contact us through our main contact page using the button below.
