Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Safari
Overview
Route: Kilembe Trail — Margherita Peak Summit
Safari Overview
The Rwenzori Mountains, famously called the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer Africa’s most unique alpine trekking adventure. This challenging 10-day climb via the scenic Kilembe Route leads you from lush montane rainforest through mystical bogs and rocky ridges to the glaciated Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Expect to camp in rustic huts, see rare plants and animals, and stand atop Uganda’s highest point surrounded by Africa’s last equatorial glaciers.
Safari Highlights
- Stunning Kilembe Trail with dramatic scenery and varied ecosystems
- Trek through montane forest, bamboo zone, giant heather, and afro-alpine bog
- Summit Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley — the Rwenzori’s highest peak
- Spot unique Rwenzori birds, chameleons, and exotic alpine flora
- Local cultural experience in Kasese and the Rwenzori foothills
Important:
- Good physical fitness and high-altitude trekking experience are recommended.
- All trekkers must have valid emergency evacuation insurance.
- Margherita Peak requires crampons, harness, ropes, and glacier skills. RMS provides basic training and gear can be hired locally.
- Longer itineraries are possible for slower acclimatization — 11 or 12 days recommended for more comfort.
Included/Exclude
- Professional RMS mountain guides, rangers, and porters
- All park entrance and trekking permits
- Huts/camp accommodation on the trail
- All meals on the mountain
- Boiled drinking water on the trek
- Safety equipment (ropes, crampons, glacier gear)
- Hotel accommodation in Kasese on Day 1 (bed & dinner)
- Transport from Kasese to Kilembe Base and back
- International or domestic flights to Kasese (or transfer from Entebbe/Kampala — can be arranged)
- Uganda visa fees
- Personal travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory for the summit)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, crampons for rental, mountaineering boots, harness)
- Meals in Kasese (except dinner on arrival)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
- Tips for guides and porters
- Extra hotel nights before or after the trek
Tour Plan
Arrive in Kasese town, gateway to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Check in at your lodge and meet your Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) guides for a full pre-climb briefing, gear check, and permit preparation. Overnight in Kasese.
Accommodation: Sandton Hotel Kasese / Hotel Margherita / Trekkers Hostel Kilembe
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to RMS Kilembe Base for registration. Begin your trek through montane forest rich with blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and colourful birds. Cross rivers and wooden bridges before arriving at Sine Camp, nestled among towering tree ferns.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Altitude gain: ~1,150 m
Accommodation: Sine Camp (basic hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your ascent through bamboo forests and giant heather draped in lichen. Climb past mossy boulders and rocky ridges to Mutinda Camp, with stunning valley views. For acclimatization, do an optional sunset climb to Mutinda Lookout (3,975 m).
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Altitude gain: ~1,000 m
Accommodation: Mutinda Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, climb out of the heather zone into the alpine bogs and giant lobelia forests. Cross boardwalks over wetlands, passing small alpine lakes. Reach Bugata Camp, with clear views of Lake Kopello and the high peaks.
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Altitude gain: ~500 m
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek over Bamwanjara Pass (4,450 m), with spectacular views of Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and the Stanley Massif. Descend into the Kachope Lakes area, then climb up to Hunwick’s Camp, surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Altitude gain: ~400 m ascent & descent
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend through dramatic rocky landscapes to reach Margherita Camp, your final high-altitude base below the glaciers of Mount Stanley. Rest early and prepare gear for the summit push.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: ~500 m
Accommodation: Margherita Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up before dawn for your summit push. Climb rocky ridges and traverse the Stanley Glacier with crampons and ropes (basic glacier skills required). Reach the summit of Margherita Peak, stand on the equatorial glaciers, and take in jaw-dropping views of the Congo Basin. Descend carefully back to Margherita Camp for a snack, then continue down to Hunwick’s Camp for overnight rest.
Hiking time: 10–12 hours
Altitude gain: ~650 m ascent & descent
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend back across the alpine bogs and Bamwanjara Pass, returning to Bugata Camp for overnight. Enjoy your last high-altitude camp surrounded by afro-alpine scenery.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your steady descent through the heather and bamboo zones. Pass Mutinda Camp and descend to Sine Camp for a final forest overnight near waterfalls and thick jungle.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Sine Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, hike the final stretch through the montane forest to Kilembe Base. Celebrate with your guides and porters at the trailhead. Transfer back to your lodge in Kasese for a warm shower, rest, and onward travel connections.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
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