OVERVIEW

The 8-Day Margherita Peak Trek is Uganda’s ultimate high-altitude challenge — a raw, immersive expedition into the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Rising to 5,109m, Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley is Africa’s third-highest summit and demands real grit: glacial crossings, fixed ropes, crampons, and long, punishing days on rugged terrain. The Kilembe Trail winds through extraordinary ecological zones — thick montane forest, bamboo slopes, mist-covered heather zones, boggy valleys full of giant lobelia, and finally the stark, icy glaciers near the top. This trek is a serious adventure for seasoned hikers who want to experience one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. 

DETAILED itinerary

Day 1: Nyakalengija → Sine Camp (2,596m) 
Arrive at the Rwenzori trailhead in Kilembe for briefing, equipment checks, and introduction to your guides and porters. Begin trekking through lush rainforest rich with monkeys, birds, and waterfalls. The trail climbs steadily to Sine Camp beside the roaring Enock Falls.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Highlights: Montane forest, waterfalls, wildlife
Accommodation: Sine Camp
Meals: Dinner 

Day 2: Sine Camp → Mutinda Camp (3,582m)
 A steep ascent through bamboo forest leads to the Heather Zone, covered in hanging moss and Afro-alpine vegetation. Continue to Mutinda Camp, with an optional acclimatization hike to Mutinda Lookout (3,975m) for sweeping valley views.
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Highlights: Bamboo forest, moss-covered heathers, Mutinda viewpoint
Accommodation: Mutinda Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3: Mutinda → Bugata Camp (4,062m) 
Cross the Mutinda Valley — a mix of boardwalks, bogs, and rocky sections — before climbing toward Bugata Camp overlooking the Weismann’s Peak range and multiple alpine lakes.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Highlights: Alpine lakes, lobelias, dramatic ridges
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4: Bugata → Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)
 Climb to Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450m), one of the most scenic sections of the trek, with views of the snowcapped peaks of Stanley, Baker, and Speke. Descend through moorland and rocky terrain to Hunwick’s Camp.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Highlights: Epic mountain passes, panoramic peak views
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 5: Hunwick’s → Margherita Camp (4,485m) 
Descend to Kitandara Lakes basin before tackling the steep ascent toward Scott-Elliott Pass. Continue along rocky ledges to Margherita Camp — the base for summit night.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights: Twin Kitandara Lakes, alpine cliffs, pre-summit base
Accommodation: Margherita Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 6: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m) → Descend to Hunwick’s Camp 
Start early (around 2:00 AM). Navigate rock scrambles, fixed ropes, and the Margherita Glacier using crampons and ice axes. Reach the summit as the sun rises over the DRC and the jagged Rwenzori ridgelines.
Descend carefully back to Hunwick’s for well-earned rest.
Trekking Time: 10–14 hours
Highlights: Glacier crossing, summit of Africa’s 3rd-highest range, once-in-a-lifetime views
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 7: Hunwick’s → Kiharo Camp (3,460m) 
Trek over Oliver’s Pass (4,505m) before descending into the Nyamwamba Valley — a dramatic route with waterfalls, giant groundsels, and sweeping vistas.
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Highlights: Oliver’s Pass, river valleys, rugged scenery
Accommodation: Kiharo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 8: Kiharo → Trailhead → Kasese 
Descend through rainforest along the Nyamwamba River until you exit the park. Celebrate your achievement at the base, collect your certificates, and transfer to Kasese or your hotel.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 INCLUDED

Professional high-altitude guides
Porters & cook
Mountain hut accommodation
All meals on the trek
Park entrance & hiking fees
Rescue team on standby (non-helicopter)
Technical gear support (ropes, crampons, ice tools where provided)
Transport to/from trailhead (if included in package)

 ADDTIONAL NOTES

Warm layers & waterproof gear
Mountaineering boots (recommended)
Crampons & harness (confirm if provided)
Gloves, balaclava, thermal base layers
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag (−10°C rated)
Personal first aid kit
Energy snacks & hydration system