Explore the remarkable peaks of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges on this distinctive 12-Day Mount Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak.
This extended hiking expedition is ideal for all enthusiastic mountaineering adventure seekers in Uganda.
Mount Rwenzori is located within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Western Uganda.
This mountain range comprises six distinct mountain ranges, including Mt. Stanley, Emin, Gessi, Baker, Speke, and Luigi Savoia.
Our focus will be on exploring the various peaks along the designated trails, especially the Central circuit, with the goal of conquering the snow-capped Margherita Peak (5109 meters).
See Uganda hiking safari highlights below.
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
Detailed 12-Day Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Kampala for Rwenzori Mountains NP
Start your day with a delicious cup of tea or coffee at your hotel.
Afterward, meet your driver guide, who will transfer you to the base of Mount Rwenzori National Park.
Before embarking on your journey, a briefing will be conducted to provide you with insights into the mountaineering expedition ahead.
Depart from Kampala through the Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal city route.
Day 2: Nyakalengija Hike 1600m to 2650m (Nyabitaba Hut)
Begin your exploration of the Central Circuit trail after registration and briefing at the Nyakalengija offices.
Your trek will take you through dense forests, mixed with tall elephant grass and bushes.
This forest area supports significant wildlife, including l’hoest monkeys, hyraxes, forest elephants, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, the three-horned chameleon, and various bird species like Rwenzori turacos, archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori batis, barred long-tailed cuckoos, long-eared owls, and more.
Day 3: 2560m (Nyabitaba Hut) to 3420m (John Matte Hut)
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a hike through dense shrubs and forests.
The trail leads to the Kurf Shafer bridge along the Bujuku River, where it meets the Mubuku River.
Navigate through bamboo and montane forests, expecting a significant time commitment due to the challenging terrain.
Hike to Nyamileju Hut for lunch, with clear views of Speke and Mt. Stanley in good weather.
After lunch, continue to John Matte Hut, where you can catch a glimpse of the Margherita peak.
Day 4: Trek to Mt. Emin (4798m)
Depart from John Matte Hut for a hike to Mt. Emin.
Navigate through the alpine forest at the base of Mt. Emin, proceeding to the summit for an excellent view of Mount Rwenzori.
Return to the hut for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Mt. Gessi
Start your day with an early breakfast and set out for the Mt. Gessi hike.
Spend the night at the camp after descending from the top of Mt. Gessi.
Day 6: John Matte Hut to Bujuku
Leave the hut to reach Bujuku, crossing rivers, forests, a swampy valley, and giant lobelias along the way.
Trek through steep ridges and arrive at a boardwalk leading to Lake Bujuku.
Navigate through the boggy terrain without walk boards, then reach Bujuku Hut.
From here, you can enjoy views of the lake and the mountain peaks of Speke, Stanley, and Baker.
Day 7: Trek to Mt. Speke & Descend to Elena Hut
After a delicious cup of tea or coffee, begin your trek to the summit of Mount Speke (5109m).
While it will be a challenging trek, the rewarding views of Rwenzori Mountain features make it worthwhile.
Traverse the upper bigo bog, steep slopes around Lake Bujuku, ascend to Scott-Elliot pass, and cross swamps.
At Scott Elliot, you can choose between trails leading to Kitandara Lake or Elena Hut, known for its rocky side of Mt. Stanley.
Spend the night at Elena Hut, preparing for the trek to Margherita the following day.
Day 8: Margherita Peak & Descend to Kitandara
Early in the morning, enjoy breakfast and begin your trek to the summits of Mount Stanley (5109m), where Margherita peak is located.
You’ll be led by an experienced guide who will provide guidance on using the necessary ice gear, including ice axes, crampons, and more.
This area features glaciers, and proper gear is required.
After spending quality time at the summit, start your descent to Elena Hut for lunch, then proceed to Kitandara for the night.
Day 9: Mount Baker Hike
Set out early for your trek to the top of Mt. Baker.
Mt. Baker is known for its rocky terrain and snow-capped summits, so suitable boots are essential.
Enjoy views of Speke and Mt. Stanley peaks.
Return to Kitandara camp for relaxation and an overnight stay.
Day 10: Trek to Luigi Savoia
Start your day with breakfast and then begin your trek to the summits of Luigi Savoia.
The trek will take you through the steep slopes of the mountain, and you will receive instructions on using the necessary equipment.
Return to Kitandara and spend the night.
Day 11: Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Hut
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your descent to Nyakalengija.
As you walk, you may have the chance to spot primates and other wildlife in the forested area.
Upon reaching Nyakalengija, meet your driver guide for the transfer to your hotel or lodge, marking the end of your 12-Day Mount Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak.
Other recommended Rwenzori trekking tours:
- 18 Days Uganda Primate Trekking & Mount Rwenzori Hike
- 10 Days Uganda Gorillas & Rwenzori Hiking Safari Adventure
- 8-Day Margherita Peak Trekking Adventure in Uganda
- 7-Day Mount Baker Trek – Journey Through Rwenzori Mountains
- 6-Day Hunwick’s Camp Trek – Mount Rwenzori’s Wonder
- 5-Day Weismann’s Peak Trek – Rwenzori Adventure
- 4-Day Mutinda Lookout Trek – Rwenzori Discovery
- 4-Day Waterfall Circuit Trek – Mount Rwenzori’s Splendor
- 3-Day Rwenzori Park Trek – A Nature’s Marvel
- 1 & 2-Day Treks in Rwenzori – A Nature Escape
