11 Days Rwenzori Margherita Peak, 5109 m - highest point of Uganda
Conquer Margherita Peak (5,109 m) – the highest point in Uganda and the 3rd highest mountain in Africa – on this epic 12-day adventure along the Uganda–DR Congo border in the legendary “Mountains of the Moon”.
This demanding yet technically moderate trek takes you through one of the most extraordinary and least-visited mountain ranges on the planet – a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its surreal giant vegetation, perpetual mist and breathtaking glacial peaks.
Highlights
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Summit Margherita Peak 5,109 m – stand on the roof of Uganda
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Experience Africa’s most unique alpine and botanical trek
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Trek through giant heather, enormous lobelias, senecios and tree ferns
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Sleep in comfortable mountain huts (no camping in the rain!)
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Fully portered trek – you only carry your daypack
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Discover a landscape Henry Stanley called the “Rainmaker”
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Spot rare wildlife: Rwenzori duiker, rock hyrax, three-horned chameleon
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Small-group adventure with expert local guides
Why climb the Rwenzori with us?
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98 % summit success rate on Margherita Peak (weather permitting)
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Best weather window: January–February & June–August
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All permits, park fees, porters, cooks and hut accommodation included
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Professional UIAGM/IFMGA-certified mountain guides
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 – Arrival Entebbe/Kampala – transfer to Kasese
Day 2 – Nyakalengija (1,615 m) → Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m)
Day 3 – Nyabitaba → John Matte Hut (3,505 m)
Day 4 – John Matte → Bujuku Hut (3,962 m)
Day 5 – Bujuku → Elena Hut (4,541 m) – acclimatization
Day 6 – Elena Hut → Margherita Peak (5,109 m) → Kitandara Hut (4,023 m)
Day 7 – Kitandara → Guy Yeoman Hut (3,505 m)
Day 8-11 – Descent via Kiharo Camp back to Nyakalengija
Day 12 – Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe – departure
Detailed description (SEO-rich)
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers the most spectacular and botanically diverse trekking experience in Africa. Nicknamed the “Mountains of the Moon” by Ptolemy in 150 AD, this range rises dramatically from the Congo basin with glaciers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
Your journey begins in giant elephant grass and lush montane forest along the Mubuku River. As altitude increases, the vegetation becomes almost prehistoric: 10-metre-high heather trees, giant groundsel (Senecio) and lobelia reaching 6–8 metres – plants that barely reach 50 cm at home! Thick bearded moss hangs from every branch while black-and-white colobus monkeys swing overhead.
Above 4,000 m the landscape opens into an otherworldly alpine zone of bogs, tussock grass and eternal mist. The final push to Margherita Peak involves easy scrambling and fixed ropes on the Stanley Plateau glacier (crampons & ice axe provided, no previous mountaineering experience required).
Expect mud, rain and clouds – this is the wettest mountain range in Africa – but also moments of pure magic when the mist clears and you stare down at the Congolese jungle 5 km below.
Difficulty & Preparation
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Physically demanding (8–10 hours walking/day)
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Max altitude 5,109 m – proper acclimatization schedule
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No technical climbing skills needed (Grade F/PD alpine)
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Previous multi-day trekking experience strongly recommended
Best time to climb Margherita Peak
Dry(ish) seasons:
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December to mid-March
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June to August
Price includes
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All park & summit fees ($300+ value)
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Professional English-speaking mountain guide
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Porters (15 kg personal gear)
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Full-board meals on the mountain
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Hut accommodation
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Crampons, ice axe, harness & helmet
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Transfer from/to Kampala or Entebbe
Ready to stand on the highest point of Uganda and the 3rd highest in Africa?
Book your 12-day Rwenzori Margherita Peak expedition now → limited spots in 2026!
Activities