10 DAYS RWENZORI EXPEDITION MARGHERITA PEAK (5109M)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to start your journey to Kasese. The drive will take you about 7 hours. You will have a stopover for lunch and then proceed with your journey to Kasese for overnight at a hotel in Kasese as you prepare yourself for the next day’s trek. Once you reach Kasese, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast, we depart for the park entrance and, following a brief orientation, begin our trek from 1,450 meters. We ascend to Sine Hut, located at 2,596 meters, gaining. Our journey takes us through the Afro-Montane Forest Zone, where we walk along the valley floor surrounded by towering trees. This climb offers opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, and with some luck, you might catch a glimpse of blue monkeys. At times, large groups of black and white Colobus monkeys, numbering 15 to 20, can be spotted in the trees. Rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey. Along the way, you’ll encounter an incredible diversity of plant life, including towering forest trees, dense bamboo thickets, vibrant flowers all contributing to the enchanting atmosphere. Head to sine hut.

Have breakfast and begin at 8:30 AM as you step into the Bamboo Mimulopsis Zone, a steep section marked by many high steps. During the wet season, this zone can be muddy and slippery, making progress slower. Over the course of 1.8 km, you’ll gain 551 meters in elevation, eventually reaching Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, nestled in the Heather-Rapanea Zone. Here, you can rest and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee and relaxation before continuing toward Mutinda Camp. This trail takes you through a stunning, mist-filled valley, where a rich variety of plants and vibrant flowers flourish amidst the towering trees.

In the afternoon, consider a hike up to the Mutinda Lookout, which takes about one to two hours to reach the summit. From the top at 3,925 meters, enjoy sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George. For those aiming for Margherita Peak or any of the higher summits, the Mutinda ascent at 3,975 meters is an excellent way to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Head to Mutinda camp for relaxation dinner and overnight

The path to Bugata Camp can be quite marshy, especially during the wet season, but with a bit of careful navigation, you can hop from tussock to tussock to make the journey more manageable. Initially, you’ll cross the Mutinda Valley, traversing through tussock grass and fields of everlasting flowers, interspersed with towering Giant Lobelias. From there, the trail steeply ascends toward the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), where cascading waterfalls create a stunning backdrop. As you climb, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Mutinda Peaks in the distance. The Namusangi Valley is expansive, with frequent undulations, as the path gradually climbs higher toward Bugata Camp, which sits at 4,100 meters.

Have breakfast and depart from Bugata Camp, the trail climbs along a ridge before descending briefly and then rising steadily toward Bamwanjarra Pass at an altitude of 4,450 meters. A shelter is available at the pass in case of adverse weather. On clear days, the pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the Rwenzori’s three iconic summits.

Head to Hanwicks camp for dinner and overnight

Get up have breakfast and proceed to hike to Margerita pass via Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Olivers Pass is 3km the trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River which flows down thought Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elisabeth National Park. From here you climb up Scott Elliott's pass and then up the ridge to Margherita Camp 4,485 meters which is situated between some huge rocks and offers some shelter from the strong winds. Head to Margherita camp for dinner and overnight

Wake-up at 2:00 AM Have breakfast. By 2:30 AM, begin your hike of Mt. Stanley, heading towards the summit of Margherita Peak. Given the unpredictable weather conditions, it’s crucial to reach the summit by 10:00 AM. If the weather turns unfavorable, a return to base for safety is advised. After reaching the summit of Margherita Peak (5,109m), descend to Hunwick’s Camp (3,874m) for the night. Standing at 5,109 meters (16,762 feet), Margherita Peak.

Wake up have breakfast Leave Hunwick’s Camp, the day begins with a steady ascent along a ridge leading to McConnell’s Prong, offering sweeping views of the three main peaks and the dramatic Scott Elliott’s Pass. From there, the trail continues to Oliver’s Pass, located at an altitude of 4,505 meters.After the river crossing, the path gradually descends through the valley toward Kiharo Camp, nestled in a lush gorge surrounded by towering cliffs and thick vegetation.Overnight at kiharo camp.

Have breakfast and go for the final stretch of your expedition begins from Kiharo Camp with a descent of 12.2 km to the park gate, followed by an additional 2.8 km to reach Trekkers Hostel. This leg takes approximately 5 to 8 hours.The trail winds down the breathtaking Nyamwamba Valley, offering one of the most scenic descents in the Rwenzori range. You’ll pass moss-draped boulders, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs as the path follows the river through rich, untouched forest.After crossing a narrow stream, the route gently climbs a short ridge before descending once again to bypass a series of impassable waterfalls. This section of forest is teeming with wildlife look out for colorful bird species, monkeys, small antelope.It’s a beautiful and fitting conclusion to your mountain journey. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Kasese town to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

After Breakfast you will check out of your hotel and transfer to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for lunch and the equator for photography.