In the morning after breakfast, head to Rwenzori Mountains National Park headquarters at Ibanda, for briefing your guide or the tourism officer. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonzo, and then joins the forest zone. You will follow the Mubuku River, until you cross the Mahoma River. The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and a beautiful Forest canopy, up to Nyabitaba Hut, 2651 m. which is the arrival point for the day. From this location, you will view the North the Portal Peaks at 4.627m.

From Nyabitaba Hut, climb up through the bamboo forest, to the forest zone up to Kurt Shaffer Bridge and then, start trekking along the bamboo/mimulopsis zone up to Nyamuleju camp which is the old hut before John Maate camp. This point marks the start of the heather zone where you will see the Ericaceous trees, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia and groundsel and it’s at this point that you might spot red duikers, rock hyrax and white Columbus monkeys. The way proceeds through a bog full of typical plants along the Bujuku River. The final point is John Mate Hut, 3505 m. where you will have dinner and spend the night.  This trek may take approximately 6-7 hours. Enjoy the view of Mount Stanley and snow capped Margherita and Elena Peaks if the weather is clear.

From John Matte Hut, cross the Bujuku River and traverse the Bigo Bogs using wooden boardwalks, offering stunning mountain views. Enter the alpine savannah zone, where vegetation thins and giant lobelias, wild carrots, and sunbirds line the path. Pass Lake Bujuku and ascend toward Omukendege, where the trail splits—right to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley, left to Kitandara Lakes via Scott-Elliot Pass. The steep trail to Elena Hut climbs over large boulders with panoramic views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and their glaciers, including the stunning Speke Glacier and Margherita Peak. This 6–8 hour hike ends at Elena Hut, where you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight rest before the summit attempt. The route offers a mix of alpine beauty, wildlife sightings, and dramatic landscapes in the heart of the Rwenzoris.

Summit day begins early as you ascend to Margherita Peak (5,109m), the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains. The 5–7 hour climb involves navigating glaciers, exposed rocky terrain, and icy slopes—best suited for physically fit and technically experienced climbers. You'll cross the Stanley Plateau and scramble to the summit, where panoramic views of the Rwenzori ranges await. After celebrating the summit, descend carefully back to Elena Hut for a brief rest and meal. Continue your descent to John Matte Hut (3,505m), a 4–5 hour trek through alpine zones dotted with giant lobelias, flowering asanasios, and rugged boulders. Enjoy sweeping views of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Lake Bujuku along the way. Depending on your summit return time, you may opt to spend another night at Elena Hut before descending. Consult your guide for the best option.

Back to Nyabitaba Hut and proceed out of the national park Leave John Maate hut early retracing out the route back to the park gate. Descend back will take about 6-8 hours. This involves descending, steep slopes and rocks and wadding through this trail passing through mud, crossing rivers and deep mud back to Nyabitaba hut for lunch and continue descending through Mubuku River and through fields to the Park Headquarters and leave for Kasese town for a  night. 5 Days Rwenzori Trekking From US$ 1,280 Find the Unique tailored 5 Days Rwenzori Margherita peak hike that is only recommended to experienced mountaineers that are fit and speedy hikers to summit at Margherita peak (Mount Stanley) booked with 6summits at cost friendly rate. SEND INQUIRY