10 Days Rwenzori Hike to Margherita Peak, Uganda Safari
This 10-day Rwenzori hike to Margherita Peak is a serious mountain trekking adventure for travellers who want to reach the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. The trek takes you through river valleys, montane forest, alpine vegetation zones, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes before pushing toward Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, one of Africa’s most iconic summits. Along the route, trekkers experience some of the best scenery in the Mountains of the Moon, including giant lobelias, moss-covered trails, waterfalls, and views of surrounding peaks.
This Rwenzori hiking tour is best suited to active travellers looking for a challenging multi-day climb rather than a short scenic walk. It offers a more complete mountain experience than shorter Rwenzori treks, making it a strong choice for those who want altitude, summit ambition, and a more immersive Uganda mountaineering journey.
Safari Highlights
- 10 days Rwenzori hike to Margherita Peak
- summit climb on Mount Stanley, Africa’s third-highest point
- guided trekking through diverse mountain vegetation zones
- overnight stays in scenic Rwenzori mountain camps
- dramatic views of valleys, waterfalls, and alpine landscapes
- sightings of primates, forest birdlife, and unique mountain flora
- key route sections including Bamwanjarra Pass, Scott Elliott’s Pass, and Oliver’s Pass
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains Base, Uganda
You will be picked up from Kampala at 8 am to transfer to the foot of the Rwenzori mountains, also known as the mountains of the moon. Later, you will drive to your hotel. Relax as you prepare for your start the following day. If there is a hiking item that you are missing, do not panic, as they are readily available at the starting point.
Day 2, Rwenzori Trek from Nyakalengija to Sine Camp
The trek starts at an elevation of 1,450 metres above sea level. Later, it takes you all the way to Sine Hut, which sits at 2,596 metres, walking 1,146 metres. The walk to the Sine camps takes you through an Afro-montane forest zone with an opportunity to see blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and so much more. From Sine Camp, you may take a walk to Enock Falls, which is just 200 metres away. Overnight at Sine camp.
Day 3, Sine Camp to Mutinda Camp Rwenzori Hike
After breakfast, you will depart the camp and travel through the Bamboo-Mimulopsis zone. This is steep to climb and also slippery and muddy during the wet season. The hike will take you to Kalalama camp, where you will get a rest and a cup of coffee before proceeding to Mutinda camp, which sits at 3,582 metres. This trail twists and climbs up the deep valley with plenty of plants and flowers. Unique to the valley are the giant heather trees that create a beautiful atmosphere. Whilst at Mutinda camp, look out for amazing views of the Rwenzori Mountains all the way down to Kasese town and Lake George.
Day 4, Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp Rwenzori Trek
Today we have breakfast and then through the Mutinda valley, the tussock grass and flowers interspersed with giant lobelias. We then proceed to Namusangi Valley, which sits at 3,840 metres. The valley has sheer waterfalls, and if you look back the route you came, you will be able to view Mutinda camp. Relax briefly in the valley and then, through the many ups and downs, you will head to Bugata camp that sits at 4,100 metres.
Day 5, Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp
Today we shall trek to the Hunwick camp, and our journey will take us through Bamwanjarra Pass, where we can briefly rest should the weather turn bad. However, weather constant, the trail goes through a valley with thick tree vegetation, moss, lobelia, and plenty of Malachite sunbirds. Once you are at Hunwick camp, which is situated on the top of a valley, you get an opportunity to spot some of the major mountains like Mt. Stanley, Weismann’s Peak, McConnell’s Prong, and Mt. Baker. Overnight at Hunwick’s camp.
Day 6, Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp via Lake Kitandara
After breakfast, we shall depart the camp through the valley floor all the way to Lake Kitendara camp. From Lake Kitendara camp, you will proceed to Margherita camp through Scott Elliott’s pass, which offers shelter from extremely strong winds.
Day 7, Mount Stanley Climb to Margherita Peak
Start early at 2:30 am and climb all the way to a peak of 5,109 metres above sea level. Making it the third-highest point in Africa. Due to climatic changes, the Margherita glaciers have also been affected. On reaching the peak, you will turn around and return to Hunwick’s Camp.
Day 8, Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp via Oliver’s Pass
From Hunwick’s camp, you will hike a distance of 11 km for about 4 to 7 hours. The trek starts with climbing up the ridge towards McConnels prong for excellent views of Scott Elliots pass and three peaks before reaching Oliver’s pass that sits at 4,505 metres. Cross the confluence trail to Kiharo camp.
Day 9, Kiharo Camp to Rwenzori Park Gate
Today you will trek back to the park headquarters, which is 12.2km, with an additional 2.8km from the Trekkers hostel. Overnight at Trekkers hostel.
Day 10, Transfer from Rwenzori to Kampala
Early morning after breakfast, prepare to leave for your journey back to Kampala; this will be the end of this mountain trek safari/10 Days Rwenzori hike to Magherita peak.
For information about other mountain hiking services, check out our adventure holidays pages.
Inclusions
- return road transfer from Kampala
- Accommodation before and after the trek as per the itinerary
- mountain camp or hut accommodation during the trek
- meals during the trekking period
- professional mountain guide
- Ranger support where required
- park entry fees
- trekking fees
- Drinking water during the trek provided by the team
- all scheduled activities in the itinerary
Exclusions
- international flights
- Uganda visa fees
- travel insurance
- personal hiking gear and equipment
- porter fees
- snacks, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks
- tips and gratuities
- laundry services
- Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary