Embark on an exhilarating 11-day hiking trip to the stunning peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” This trek takes you to Margherita Peak, the third highest peak in Africa, where you’ll experience a roller coaster of emotions—happiness, excitement, exhaustion—all forgotten the moment you stand atop the snow-capped summit. Join the ranks of the few who conquer this remarkable challenge!
Summarized Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport; overnight at Papyrus Guest House.
Day 2: Fly to Kasese Airstrip; meet your guide and transfer to accommodation near Rwenzori National Park; overnight at Trekkers Hostel.
Day 3: Trek through the Afro Montane Forest zone; overnight at Sine Hut.
Day 4: Trek to the Bamboo Mimulopsis zone; overnight at Kalalama Camp.
Day 5: Trek to the Alpine zone; overnight at Bugata Camp.
Day 6: Trek to Bamwanjara Pass; overnight at Butawu Camp.
Day 7: Trek to Mount Baker and Fresh Fields; overnight at Margherita Camp.
Day 8: Trek to Stanley Glacier; descend back for an overnight at Buwatu Camp.
Day 9: Trek to Lake Bugata; overnight at Kiharo.
Day 10: Return trek to Kyanjuki; overnight at Trekkers Hostel.
Day 11: Drive back to Entebbe; end of services.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Overnight at Papyrus Guest House.
Papyrus Guest House is located about 15 minutes from the airport, offering 9 deluxe and 5 standard ensuite rooms with 24-hour running water. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation before your adventure begins. Enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi and secure parking.
Day 2: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Kasese Airstrip. Meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation near Rwenzori National Park; overnight at Trekkers Hostel.
Rwenzori National Park, often called the “mountains of the moon,” is a spectacular gem in the heart of western Uganda. Established as a national park in 1991 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, this park covers about 998 square kilometers (385 square miles) and features breathtaking landscapes, including glacial mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests.
The Park is home to six major peaks, with Margherita Peak reaching the highest point at 5,109 meters (16,763 feet). The climate varies greatly with altitude, from tropical conditions in the lower areas to chilly alpine weather near the summits. This diversity creates different ecological zones, each filled with unique plants and animals.
Day 3: Trek through the Afro Montane Forest zone; overnight at Sine Hut.
Starting from Trekkers Hostel, you will begin your hike at 9 AM after a briefing at the UWA headquarters. The trail features towering trees and abundant wildlife, including monkeys and birds. You’ll spend the night at Sine Hut, enjoying views of a nearby waterfall cascading down the rocks.
Day 4: Trek to the Bamboo Mimulopsis zone; overnight at Kalalama Camp.
Your journey continues as you navigate the beautiful bamboo forests, with opportunities to spot various wildlife along the way after breakfast. The trail leads you through the steep bamboo mimulopsis zone, which can be slippery when wet. A break at Kalalama camp allows for a refreshing cup of coffee before you continue to Mutinda camp for the night.
Day 5: Trek to the Alpine zone; overnight at Bugata Camp.
As you ascend into the Alpine zone, you’ll encounter breathtaking views and unique flora, including giant lobelias, traversing tussock grass and everlasting flowers toward Namusangi Valley. This area features breathtaking waterfalls and offers fantastic views of the Mutinda peaks, where you’ll overnight at Bugata camp.
Day 6: Trek to Bamwanjara Pass; overnight at Butawu Camp.
This day involves climbing to the Bamwanjara Pass, where you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the snow-capped peaks. The lush bogs are home to the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, which is unique to the Rwenzori Mountains. At the pass, take a moment to rest and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks before settling in for the night at Butawu camp.
Day 7: Trek to Mount Baker and Fresh Fields; overnight at Margherita Camp.
You’ll rise early to tackle the challenging climb to Margherita Peak, navigating the Stanley Glacier and taking in the incredible landscape. A scenic walk along the ridge, crossing wet areas and small streams that lead to Butawu River and Margherita camp at Elena. This camp has historical significance, as it was used by the Italian prince Luigi Amadeo di Savoia during his 1906 expedition. From here, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Baker and Scott Elliott Pass.
Day 8: Trek to Stanley Glacier; descend for an overnight at Buwatu Camp.
After a memorable summit, you’ll begin your descent back to Buwatu Camp. While the ascent can be challenging if the path is icy, once on the glacier, the trek becomes easier. You’ll aim for a small lake near Margherita camp before heading to Margherita Peak. After summiting, you may descend to Butawu camp or, if the weather is poor, stay overnight at Margherita camp, possibly skipping back to Bugata camp the next day.
Day 9: Trek to Lake Bugata; overnight at Kiharo.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Bugata and the surrounding landscapes. After breakfast, you’ll hike up the Bamwanjara pass, where you might spot Hyrax basking in the sun. Keep an eye out for the elusive Rwenzori leopard, known for its rarity. You’ll spend the night at Bugata camp.
Day 10: Return trek to Kyanjuki; overnight at Trekkers Hostel.
This day involves retracing your steps while soaking in the rich biodiversity of the region, takes you around Lake Bugata and the outlet of Kopello Lake, where you’ll climb 200 meters to a scenic viewpoint. As you descend into the Nyamwamba valley, you’ll encounter thick vegetation of giant groundsel.
Day 11: Drive back to Entebbe; End of services.
The final day starts at Kiharo camp, where you’ll wake to the beautiful calls of the Ruwenzori Turaco and other birds. After breakfast, you’ll hike down the valley, spotting chameleons and possibly a duiker. After descending a few kilometers, you’ll climb to a ridge offering stunning views of the valley and Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Continue to the bottom of the Mountain where you will meet your driver to proceed to Entebbe.
End of services
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