8-Day Margherita Peak Trek – Rwenzori Mountains

• Altitude Gain: +1,001m
• Distance & Trekking Time: 10km | 5-7 hours
• Habitat Description: Montane rainforest
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek begins at the Rwenzori National Park headquarters in Nyakalengija (1,650m), where you will complete the park registration and meet your guides and porters. From here, you will start the climb through the dense Afro-montane rainforest, following the Mubuku River. The trail is steep and muddy in some sections but offers a chance to spot blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and Rwenzori turacos.

After crossing the Mahoma River, the climb becomes steeper as you ascend towards Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m), your first overnight stop. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Portal Peaks and the deep Mubuku Valley below.

• Altitude Gain: +854m
• Distance & Trekking Time: 7km | 6-8 hours
• Habitat Description: Bamboo forest and heather zone
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the mountains, transitioning from rainforest to bamboo forests and heather zones. After an early breakfast, you will descend briefly to the Kichuchu Bridge, crossing the Mubuku River before a steep climb through giant heather and moss-draped trees.

The trail includes rocky and boggy sections, with occasional wooden boardwalks. Look out for three-horned chameleons and the endemic Rwenzori red duiker. By late afternoon, you will arrive at John Matte Hut (3,505m), located near the stunning Bigo Bog and Bujuku River.

• Altitude Gain: +457m
• Distance & Trekking Time: 5km | 5-7 hours
• Habitat Description: Alpine bog and giant lobelias
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s hike involves crossing the famous Bigo Bog, a wetland that requires careful navigation over wooden planks and muddy trails. The bog is home to the iconic giant lobelias and groundsel trees, found only in high-altitude African mountains.

As you ascend towards Bujuku Hut (3,962m), the valley opens up, revealing dramatic views of Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and Margherita Peak in the distance. The hut is located near Lake Bujuku, a glacial lake at the base of these towering peaks.

• Altitude Gain: +579m
• Distance & Trekking Time: 4km | 4-6 hours
• Habitat Description: Rocky alpine zone
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail becomes steeper as you climb towards the high alpine zone. You will pass through Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372m), which offers panoramic views of the Rwenzori ranges. Vegetation thins out, and the landscape turns rocky and rugged.

After a final steep ascent, you will arrive at Elena Hut (4,541m), the last camp before your summit attempt. This is the coldest night of the trek, and the hut is surrounded by glacier-covered peaks and sharp ridges.

• Altitude Gain: +568m, then -1,086m descent
• Distance & Trekking Time: 10-12 hours
• Habitat Description: Glacier, ice, and rocky terrain
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your summit push starts at 2:00 AM with headlamps lighting the way. The climb involves steep rock scrambling, crossing the Margherita Glacier using crampons and ice axes, and navigating crevasses. The final ascent to the summit involves rope-assisted climbing on icy ridges.

Reaching Margherita Peak (5,109m) at sunrise offers breathtaking views over the Congo Basin and the Rwenzori ranges. After taking summit photos, you will descend back to Elena Hut, then continue down to Kitandara Hut (4,023m), passing through stunning glacial lakes.

• Altitude Loss: -762m
• Distance & Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat Description: Alpine meadows and heather forests
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a scenic trek along the shores of the Kitandara Lakes, offering breathtaking reflections of the surrounding peaks. A short but steep ascent leads to Freshfield Pass (4,282m), where you can admire stunning views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley. This section is characterized by alpine meadows with unique vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsel trees.

Descending from Freshfield Pass, the trail becomes steeper, winding through rocky outcrops and heather forests. You will navigate through the Lower Bujuku Valley, a landscape filled with moss-covered trees and small streams. The final stretch follows the Mubuku River, passing waterfalls and steep cliffs before reaching Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261m), a peaceful resting spot surrounded by lush vegetation.

• Altitude Loss: -610m
• Distance & Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat Description: Bamboo forests and montane rainforest
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The descent continues through steep and rocky ridges, offering spectacular views of the Rwenzori ranges. As you make your way down, the trail passes through dense bamboo forests, which gradually transition into the lush montane rainforest. The path can be muddy and slippery, requiring careful footing, especially during the rainy season. Along the way, you will pass rushing waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and hanging vines, creating a mystical atmosphere. This region is home to various wildlife, including colobus monkeys and Rwenzori turacos. The day ends at Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m), where you can enjoy the final night in the Rwenzori wilderness.

• Altitude Loss: -1,001m
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

The final descent takes you through the thick rainforest, where you may spot blue monkeys, chameleons, and colorful bird species. The trail winds down along the Mubuku River, offering picturesque views of cascading streams and towering trees. As you approach Nyakalengija (1,650m), the temperature rises, and the vegetation becomes denser with large ferns and tropical plants. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, trekkers receive their summit certificates, marking the successful completion of the expedition. After a well-deserved rest, you will transfer back to Kasese, reflecting on the incredible journey through the "Mountains of the Moon."