Rwenzori Mountains-Margherita Peak Expedition(9Days)
Rwenzori Mountains-Margherita Peak Expedition(9Days)
Ascent ot Margherita Peak
Ascent ot Margherita Peak
Event Details
A Technical, High-Altitude Ascent In The Heart Of The Rwenzoris
This 9-day expedition follows the Rwenzori Central Circuit, offering a demanding but profoundly rewarding ascent to Margherita Peak (5,109 m) on Mount Stanley. The route is specifically designed for trekkers seeking a classic alpine experience on one of Africa’s most dramatic mountain ranges.
Key Expedition Highlights
Varied Ecosystems: Trek through forest, bamboo, heather, and the high alpine zone leading to glaciers.
Technical Sections: The summit day involves challenging technical glacier crossings that require specific skills.
Altitude: This is a high-altitude expedition requiring good physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
Expert Support: Supported by experienced Rwenzori mountain guides certified and trained for glacier travel.
Varied Ecosystems: Trek through forest, bamboo, heather, and the high alpine zone leading to glaciers.
Technical Sections: The summit day involves challenging technical glacier crossings that require specific skills.
Altitude: This is a high-altitude expedition requiring good physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
Expert Support: Supported by experienced Rwenzori mountain guides certified and trained for glacier travel.
9-Day Central Circuit Expedition Itinerary
Days 1–4: Approach and Acclimatization
The expedition begins on Day 1 with a drive from Kampala to Kasese (6–8 hours), including a stop at the Equator, for an overnight stay. Day 2 starts at Nyakalengija (1,646 m) after a mandatory safety briefing. You will trek for 5–6 hours through Bakonzo farmlands and riverine forest, observing wildlife, to reach Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m). On Day 3, cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, enter the mossy bamboo and heather zones (home to giant lobelias), and ascend for 6–7 hours to John Matte Hut (3,414 m), where clear weather offers views of Mount Stanley. Day 4 involves a 4–5 hour traverse of the lower and upper Bigo Bogs (via boardwalks) before entering the alpine savannah zone and reaching Bujuku Hut (3,962 m), the junction for climbers heading to Mount Speke.
The expedition begins on Day 1 with a drive from Kampala to Kasese (6–8 hours), including a stop at the Equator, for an overnight stay. Day 2 starts at Nyakalengija (1,646 m) after a mandatory safety briefing. You will trek for 5–6 hours through Bakonzo farmlands and riverine forest, observing wildlife, to reach Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m). On Day 3, cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, enter the mossy bamboo and heather zones (home to giant lobelias), and ascend for 6–7 hours to John Matte Hut (3,414 m), where clear weather offers views of Mount Stanley. Day 4 involves a 4–5 hour traverse of the lower and upper Bigo Bogs (via boardwalks) before entering the alpine savannah zone and reaching Bujuku Hut (3,962 m), the junction for climbers heading to Mount Speke.
Day 5–6: Summit Push
Day 5 is a key ascent day, taking 4–5 hours. You climb steep slopes, navigate the Groundsel Gully, and use a metal ladder at a steep rock section to reach Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372 m). The trail then splits, and you head right to the icy, high-altitude shelter of Elena Hut (4,541 m). Day 6 is the Summit Day. Starting early, you head toward the Stanley Glacier, engaging in challenging glacier crossings and ascending exposed ridges for 5–7 hours to reach Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Safety is paramount, and weather conditions dictate success. After the summit, you descend to Elena Hut, then continue down to Kitandara Hut (4,023 m) beside the scenic Kitandara Lakes (2–3 hours).
Day 5 is a key ascent day, taking 4–5 hours. You climb steep slopes, navigate the Groundsel Gully, and use a metal ladder at a steep rock section to reach Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372 m). The trail then splits, and you head right to the icy, high-altitude shelter of Elena Hut (4,541 m). Day 6 is the Summit Day. Starting early, you head toward the Stanley Glacier, engaging in challenging glacier crossings and ascending exposed ridges for 5–7 hours to reach Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Safety is paramount, and weather conditions dictate success. After the summit, you descend to Elena Hut, then continue down to Kitandara Hut (4,023 m) beside the scenic Kitandara Lakes (2–3 hours).
Days 7–9: Descent and Departure
Day 7 involves climbing the headwall towards Freshfield Pass (4,282 m), which provides views toward the Congo basin. The 5–6 hour descent follows muddy and rocky trails past the historic Bujongolo Rock Shelter, concluding at Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m). On Day 8, you descend through the heather and bamboo zones to Nyabitaba Hut (4–5 hours). You may choose to overnight here or continue the final 2–3 hours directly to the park gate at Nyakalengija, where your driver transfers you back to Kasese for overnight. The expedition concludes on Day 9 with the drive back from Kasese to Kampala or Entebbe.
Day 7 involves climbing the headwall towards Freshfield Pass (4,282 m), which provides views toward the Congo basin. The 5–6 hour descent follows muddy and rocky trails past the historic Bujongolo Rock Shelter, concluding at Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m). On Day 8, you descend through the heather and bamboo zones to Nyabitaba Hut (4–5 hours). You may choose to overnight here or continue the final 2–3 hours directly to the park gate at Nyakalengija, where your driver transfers you back to Kasese for overnight. The expedition concludes on Day 9 with the drive back from Kasese to Kampala or Entebbe.
What's Included
Airport pickup and all specified transfers.
Accommodation in Kasese before and after the trek.
Park entrance fees and community fees.
Professional mountain guide (certified for glacier travel).
Porters for carrying group and personal gear.
Chef and all meals provided in the mountain.
Camping tents or cabins, and sleeping mats.
Gas cooker, cooking appliances, and activity fees.
Transport from Kasese to the park gate and back.
VAT.
Airport pickup and all specified transfers.
Accommodation in Kasese before and after the trek.
Park entrance fees and community fees.
Professional mountain guide (certified for glacier travel).
Porters for carrying group and personal gear.
Chef and all meals provided in the mountain.
Camping tents or cabins, and sleeping mats.
Gas cooker, cooking appliances, and activity fees.
Transport from Kasese to the park gate and back.
VAT.
What's Excluded
Personal climbing and trekking gear.
Tips for the guides and support crew.
Travel insurance (mandatory).
Extra nights in Kasese (if required).
Any items not specifically listed in the Inclusions section.
Personal climbing and trekking gear.
Tips for the guides and support crew.
Travel insurance (mandatory).
Extra nights in Kasese (if required).
Any items not specifically listed in the Inclusions section.
