Rwenzori Trekking Safari
Overview
Route: Kilembe Trail — Margherita Peak Summit
Safari Overview
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are one of Africa’s most dramatic trekking destinations. This 8-day adventure takes you through mystical rainforest, bamboo zones, afro-alpine bogs, and rugged glacier passes, culminating in a rope-and-crampon climb to the summit of Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley. Be ready for challenging, long trekking days, simple mountain huts, and truly wild scenery that few trekkers ever experience.
Safari Highlights
- Trek through all Rwenzori ecological zones, montane forest, giant heather, bog, and glaciers
- Reach Margherita Peak (5,109 m) Africa’s third-highest summit
- Stay in rustic mountain huts surrounded by giant lobelias and glaciers
- Spot endemic birds, monkeys, and spectacular alpine flora
- Supported by professional RMS guides, porters, and local community teams
Included/Exclude
- Professional RMS guides, porters, and rangers
- All park entrance and trekking permits
- Basic mountain huts on the trail
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water boiled on the mountain
- Technical gear for the glacier (ropes, crampons — available for hire if needed)
- Pre-trek accommodation in Kasese (bed & dinner)
- Return transfers between Kasese and Kilembe Base Camp
- International or domestic flights (Kasese or Entebbe transfers can be arranged)
- Uganda visa fees
- Personal travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, crampons, harness, boots — available for hire)
- Extra snacks, personal items, drinks
- Tips for guides and porters
- Additional hotel nights before or after the trek
Tour Plan
Arrive in Kasese town, gateway to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Check in to your lodge and meet your Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) guide for a detailed pre-trek briefing, gear check, and permit preparation. Overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Sandton Hotel Kasese / Hotel Margherita / Trekkers Hostel Kilembe
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to RMS Kilembe Base for final registration. Meet your porters and start the climb through lush montane forest, crossing rivers and wooden bridges while spotting monkeys and colorful birds. Arrive at Sine Camp, nestled among tall tree ferns and waterfalls.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Altitude gain: ~1,150 m
Accommodation: Sine Camp (basic mountain hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your ascent through the bamboo zone and giant heather forests draped in moss. Climb over rocky ridges and bog bridges to Mutinda Camp, with stunning valley views. Do an optional acclimatization 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, hike higher into the afro-alpine bog and giant lobelia forests. Cross boardwalks over wetlands with crystal-clear streams. Arrive at Bugata Camp, perched above Lake Kopello with panoramic views of the peaks.
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Altitude gain: ~500 m
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike up Bamwanjara Pass (4,450 m) with spectacular views of Mount Baker, Speke, and Stanley. Descend into the Kachope Lakes area and climb up to Hunwick’s Camp, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Altitude gain: ~400 m ascent & descent
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your ascent through rugged alpine terrain, passing glacial lakes and rocky ridges. Arrive at Margherita Camp, your final base for the summit push. Rest early and prepare your glacier gear.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: ~500 m
Accommodation: Margherita Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start before dawn for the summit push. Traverse rocky ridges and cross the Stanley Glacier with ropes and crampons (basic rope skills required, guided by RMS). Reach Margherita Peak, the crowning moment of your trek. After photos and glacier views, descend back to Margherita Camp for a snack, then continue to Hunwick’s Camp for overnight.
Hiking time: 10–12 hours
Altitude gain: ~650 m ascent & descent
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin your long descent, crossing Bamwanjara Pass again and descending through Bugata Camp and Mutinda. Continue through the bamboo zone and montane forest, finishing at Kilembe Base. Celebrate with your guides and porters at the trailhead. Transfer to your lodge in Kasese for a warm shower and onward travel.
Hiking time: 8–10 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
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