Uganda · Trekking

9-Day Rwenzori Mountains Trek to Margherita Peak via Central Circuit

9 Days Round trip from Kasese Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the Central Circuit Route of the Rwenzori Mountains
02 Summit Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley (5,109 m)
03 Explore diverse landscapes from tropical forests to glaciers
04 Encounter unique flora, wildlife, and panoramic alpine views

Embark on an adventure through the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, straddling the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trek the scenic Central Circuit Route across lush valleys, alpine meadows, and dramatic glaciers as you experience diverse landscapes from tropical forests to snow-capped peaks on Mount Stanley, Africa's third-highest mountain. The journey culminates with the chance to summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m), a bucket-list challenge for trekking enthusiasts seeking unique wilderness and breathtaking views.

The journey culminates with the chance to summit Margherita Peak (5,109 m), a bucket-list challenge for trekking enthusiasts seeking unique wilderness and breathtaking views.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Kasese, Mount Stanley, Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer from Kampala to Kasese

Pick up from your hotel in Kampala after breakfast.
Drive for about seven hours with a stopover in Mubende for lunch.
Arrive in Kasese and transfer to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kasese.

Day 02

Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut Trek

Breakfast and transfer to Nyakalengija for a briefing.
Begin the trek through thick montane forest.
Cross the Mubuku River.
Spot colobus monkeys and various bird species.

Dinner and overnight stay at Nyabitaba Hut.

Day 03

Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut

Breakfast at the hut.
Descend through the forest to Kurt Shafer Bridge over the Bujuku River.
Ascend steep trails through bamboo and over slippery rocks.
Enter the giant heather zone.
Trek for about 7-8 hours with an 854 m elevation gain.

Dinner and overnight at John Matte Hut.

Day 04

John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut

Breakfast at John Matte Hut.
Descend to cross the Bujuku River.
Trek through boggy ground and the Upper Bigo Bog.
View Lake Bujuku, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley.
Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Trek duration is about 4-5 hours.

Day 05

Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut

Breakfast at Bujuku Hut.
Ascend the rugged western slopes of Lake Bujuku.
Pass through Groundsel Gully with unique alpine flora.
At the trail junction, take the steep route to Elena Hut.
Dinner and overnight at Elena Hut near Stanley Glacier.
Acclimatization for the Margherita Peak climb.

Day 06

Margherita Peak Summit and Descent to Kitandara Hut

Early start for the Margherita Peak climb.
Use ropes, crampons, and ice axes across the glaciers.
Reach the summit of Margherita Peak.
Descend back to Elena Hut for a short rest.
Continue down to Kitandara Hut.

Dinner and overnight at Kitandara Hut.

Day 07

Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut

Breakfast at Kitandara Hut.
Ascend to Freshfield Pass with panoramic views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.
Descend rocky trails and alpine forests.
Arrive at Guy Yeoman Hut near the Mubuku River.

Dinner and overnight stay at Guy Yeoman Hut.

Day 08