10-DAY RWENZORI TREK TO MARGHERITA PEAK
This 10-day Rwenzori expedition is built around a summit attempt on Margherita Peak (5,109 m) — a true high-altitude challenge in the legendary “Mountains of the Moon”. Expect rainforest trails, bamboo zones, alpine bogs, dramatic valleys and glacial terrain, all supported by an experienced local guide team and porter logistics. The route is paced to help you acclimatise, with safety-first planning and flexibility depending on mountain conditions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 —
Arrival in Entebbe & hotel transfer
Overnight: Protea Hotel, Entebbe
Day 2 —
Entebbe → Kasese
Overnight: Margherita Hotel, Kasese
Day 3 —
Nyakalengija → Nyabitaba Hut
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 4 —
Nyabitaba Hut → John Matte Hut
Overnight: John Matte Hut
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Day 5 —
John Matte Hut → Bujuku Hut
Overnight: Bujuku Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 6 —
Bujuku Hut → Elena Hut
Overnight: Elena Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 7 — Summit day
Margherita Peak → Kitandara Hut
Overnight: Kitandara Hut.
Trekking time: ~10–14 hours
Day 8 —
Kitandara Hut → Guy Yeoman Hut
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 9 —
Guy Yeoman Hut → Nyabitaba Nya
Nyakalengija → Kasese
Overnight: Hotel in Kasese
Day 10 —
Kasese → Entebbe (departure)
End of trip
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet a Weismann Safaris & Expeditions representative. Short transfer to Protea Hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy meals at the hotel and review the next day’s plan with your guide/driver.
Morning drive to western Uganda via the Mityana–Fort Portal–Kasese route (approx. 303 km / 6–7 hours). Scenic road journey through towns and countryside with stops for breaks. Arrive in Kasese, check-in, lunch and rest.
After breakfast, transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park HQ at Nyakalengija (1,646 m) for registration and briefing. Begin the trek through villages and farms of the Bakonzo people, then into forest. Follow the Mubuku River, cross the Mahoma River, and climb through bracken fern slopes and forest canopy to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m). Possible sightings include monkeys, Rwenzori turaco and endemic three-horned chameleons.
Cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge and continue through muddy sections before climbing into bamboo forest. Move from forest into the heather zone with giant lobelia, groundsels and everlasting flowers. Continue along the Bujuku River through boggy terrain to John Matte Hut (3,414 m). On clear days, enjoy views of Mount Stanley and the snow-capped Margherita and Elena peaks.
Cross the Bujuku River into the Lower Bigo Bog, moving between tussocks (wooden boardwalk sections exist). Enter the alpine zone and continue toward Lake Bujuku with stunning vegetation and birdlife. Views may include Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke (weather dependent).
Climb steep slopes west of Lake Bujuku through bog and the dramatic Groundsel Gully to Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372 m). A metal ladder assists over a steep section before the trail splits. Take the right-hand route up a boulder-strewn path to Elena Hut (4,541 m), a cold and iconic high mountain base for the summit attempt.
Early start for the summit attempt. From Elena Hut, continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier and climb toward Margherita Peak (5,109 m). The ascent typically takes 5–7 hours depending on conditions and pace, crossing glaciers, slippery rock, ice and exposed sections. This is a demanding day suited to strong, technically capable trekkers.
After the summit attempt, return to Elena Hut, then descend via Scott-Elliot Pass with spectacular views back to Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke and Mount Stanley. Continue down to the twin Kitandara Lakes for a well-earned rest by the shores.
Note: If you return late from the summit attempt, an extra night at Elena Hut may be required (creating an additional day).
Steep ascent up the headwall from Kitandara, passing beneath Mount Baker and continuing to Freshfield Pass (4,282 m). Enjoy views toward the Congo (west) and Mount Stanley (north). From the pass, descend along boggy and slippery rock sections toward Bujongolo rock shelter (historic base from the Duke of Abruzzi expedition, 1906). Continue to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m).
Complete the Central Circuit by descending through the Mubuku and Kichuchu river valleys, rich in heather-zone flora, then into bamboo forest. Reach Nyabitaba Hut in about 4–5 hours. You may either continue down to Nyakalengija HQ (add 2–3 hours) or overnight at Nyabitaba. Most clients continue to Nyakalengija and transfer to Kasese town.
After breakfast, drive back to Kampala/Entebbe for your onward flight. Route options include Kasese–Fort Portal (approx. 372 km) or via Mbarara–Masaka (approx. 422 km), depending on road conditions and preferences.
