Africa's Toughest Mountain Climb to the Permanent Glaciers
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
Rwenzori Climbing to Margherita Peak
Quick Overview
This 9 day Rwenzori Climbing adventure takes you to Margherita peak, and you climb Africa’s toughest mountain from the hot lower ranges to the permanent glaciers at the top.
As the third tallest mountain in East Africa and the tallest mountain range in Africa, Rwenzori continues to be as mysterious as it was in the old days of Ptolemy thousands of years ago.
Climbing to Margherita Peak (at 5109 meters above sea level) is a very intense activity that requires physical fitness and some prior experience with mountaineering. This trip is designed for able-bodied and physically fit people for whom the challenge is very welcome and thrilling.
From the start to the peak, you will move from an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level to a final altitude of 5109 meters. This involves a lot of hiking up and sloping down as you cover more distance upwards – and the same case as you return down. Over this distance, you get to see the changing vegetation and climate zones, plus the animals and plants that are only found in the Rwenzori ranges.
Tough as it is to climb up to the highest peak of Rwenzori, the experience of actually doing it and finishing is more than gratifying. The people who have managed to climb it compare it to be better than Kilimanjaro because the ranges add a bit of difficulty and this makes the climb a lot more rewarding after it is done.
Highlights
Destinations: Entebbe, Kasese, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Margherita Peak (5109 meters above sea level)
Activities: Climbing up Mount Rwenzori and back down.
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Drive from Kampala to Kasese, via Mbarara
Meet and greet at 7:30 am in Kampala or Entebbe, and then transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Kasese.
You will drive through Ugandan countryside with farms, ranches and small towns along the way. There will be a stopover at the equator for some photography moments, and another one in Mbarara for lunch.
- Accommodation: Margarita Hotel
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nyakalegija to Nyabitaba Hut
You will start the day by going to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarters at Nyakalegija where you will be briefed by guides before setting off to start the hike.
Any equipment to be hired is also done at this point. Your climb will go through the homes of the local native Bakonjo people and gradually rise and follow the Mobuku river.
Along the way, you might see some monkeys and birds and even the rare Rwenzori Turacos. The trail goes through Bracken fern slopes and podocarpus forest to Nyabitaba Hut. This whole climb will take five to six hours of hiking. At Nyabitaba Hut, You will have stunning views of the Portal Peaks and Mount Kyniangoma. You will then rest and await the next day's climb.
- Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Naybitaba Hut to John Matte Hut
You will leave Nyabitaba Hut and descend the ridge to the Mubuku river, and then climb through the bamboo forest toward John Matte Hut. The afternoon is a tiring boulder hoping ascent along the northern side of the Bujuku river through the giant heather forest.
The entire climb for the day will take approximately 6 hours to reach John Matte Hut where you will spend the night. At the John Matte Hut, you will enjoy captivating views of Mount Stanley and the Snow Capped Margherita and Elena Peaks.
You will have your well-needed rest at the John Matte Hut and ready yourself for the next day's battle.
- Accommodation: John Matte Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
John Mate Hut to Bujuku Hut
Undertake an early morning trek to cross river Bujuku and then enter the notorious bogs of the Bujuku valley with are wet and muddy - but add to the thrilling experience. You will then cross to drier ground, up to Lake Bujuku that overlooks Mount Baker and Mount Speke.
Along the way, look out for the 'everlasting flower', that is known to remain on the plants for 40 long years. From lake Bujuku, you will continue for a short one-hour trek to Bujuku Hut where you will have your rest and spend the night.
- Accomodation: Bujuku Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut
From Bujuku Hut you climb through moss-draped groundsel vegetation, to Scott Elliot Pass at 4372 meters above sea level, between Mount Baker and Stanley. Here you will divert to Elena Hut, which stands at 4540 meters above sea level, for spending the night before climbing Mount Stanley.
The hiking trail is steep and rocky, which makes it slippery and very difficult when it is wet or icy. Elena Hut is the starting point for the ascent to Margherita peak.
At Elena Hut, You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Bujuku Valley, Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia, and Stanley just above. You will have the much needed overnight rest and warm dinner as you await your next day's adventure.
- Accommodation: Elena Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elena Hut to Margherita Peak, Descend to Kitandara Hut
From Elena Hut, you will ascend to Margherita peak on Mount Stanely through a tract of rock and ice. You will need crampons, an ice axe, and rope as you go through the remaining glacier on Mount Stanely.
You will reach the Margherita peak - the highest point in Uganda and the highest point of any mountain range in Africa. The first person to climb up to Margherita peak ( at 5109 meters above sea level ) was Prince Luigi Amedeo the Duke of Abruzzi (Prince Luigi Amadeo on Wikipedia) at 9.30 am on 18th June in 1906.
From the summit, you will descend back to Elena Hut, and then to Upper Kitandara Lake. You will continue and go to the lower Kitandara lake through thick mud, where you will find Kitandara Hut for your rest and recuperation. From Kitandara Hut, you will be presented with magnificent views of Mount Luigi di Savoia - that you may choose to climb.
You may also proceed to climb Mount Baker. The Ascent to the peak will take between 3 and 4 hours, while the descent to Kitandara Hut will take another 3 to 3 and a half hours.
- Accommodation: Kitandara Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut
After your overnight stop, you will start off with a steep ascent to Freshfield Pass and then descend to Bujongolo Cave through rocky and boggy areas. A muddy trail will lead to Guy Yeoman Hut via Kabamba rock shelters.
Along the way, the panoramic views of the glaciers of Mount Stanely, Baker and Savoia are out of this world. At Guy Yeoman Hut, you will rest for the night and await the next day's expedition.
The beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers, and vegetation is very picturesque - and does make one forget that they are in the heart of the African tropics. The day's hike will take up to 6 hours.
- Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba Hut
From Guy Yeoman Hut, you will undertake steep descent along the sides of River Mobuku. You will go past Kichuchu - and other rock shelter and join the original hiking route near the confluence of the Bujuku river.
Along the way, you will find various attractive plants and flowers of the heather zone before reaching the bamboo forest. You will also find Kabamba falls along the way.
It will take up to 4 hours to reach Nyabitaba Hut, where you will rest for the night and prepare for your final descent off the Rwenzoris.
- Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Final Descent to Nyakalegija, Drive to Kampala
Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija base camp - and drive back to Kampala. You will leave Kasese then drive to back to Kampala with a lunch stopover in Mbarara town.
You will reach Kampala in the early evening and your driver/guide will drop you off at your desired location. If you have an outbound flight on the same day, you can be dropped at the airport in Entebbe by your driver. This will mark the end of your safari trip.
Accommodation
- (X) - Last Day
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing Exclusive African Safaris, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.
