Rwenzori National Park and Climb to Margherita Peak

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful mountain regions of Africa and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, dominated by the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon.”

The park is famous for its diverse biodiversity – ranging from tropical rainforests and bamboo forests to zones of giant lobelias and groundsels, all the way up to alpine glaciers and snowfields. During the trek you may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, rare birds such as the Rwenzori turaco, and enjoy unique high-mountain scenery. The greatest attraction for adventurers is the ascent to Margherita Peak (5,109 m), the highest peak of the range and the third-highest mountain in Africa. 

The route crosses glaciers, rocky sections, and alpine bogs, requiring good fitness, resistance to cold, and readiness to face demanding conditions. The reward is an indescribable feeling of standing on the “roof of Africa,” with views of endless mountains, valleys, and icy plateaus.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can experience gorilla trekking – a unique hike to see mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). These rare primates live in the misty forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable Mountains and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The total mountain gorilla population is estimated at around 1,000 individuals, more than half of which live in Uganda. 

Trekking begins early in the morning, after groups are divided into small parties (maximum 8 people). Experienced guides and trackers lead you through the dense rainforest, following signs of gorillas – broken branches, footprints, or abandoned nests. The hike can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the movements of the gorilla family.

Once found, you have the chance to spend one hour with them. It is an unforgettable experience – watching a mighty silverback leading his family, seeing youngsters play, or observing tender interactions between females.


Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Entebbe Airport and transfer to Snow Heights Lodge (8 hours’ drive), located near the Nyakalengija trailhead. 

Day 2: NYAKALENGIJA (1615 m) – NYABITABA CAMP (2651 m)
The Central Circuit begins at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services offices in Nyakalengija. You should arrive in the morning to allow time for renting equipment and meeting porters and guides. The trail starts through farmland to the park boundary, then continues through dense forest along the Mubuku River, crosses the Mahoma tributary, and climbs steeply to a massive ridge, reaching Nyabitaba Hut. Along the way you may hear chimpanzees and see black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the colorful Rwenzori turaco.
Ascent takes on average 6–7 hours. 

Day 3: NYABITABA – JOHN MATTE CAMP (3505 m)
From Nyabitaba the trail descends through forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. After passing through bamboo forest comes a long, challenging section of slippery moss-covered rocks. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, Stanley and Speke peaks are visible before entering the zone of giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsels. Finally, the trail crosses a bog to reach John Matte Hut, where dinner and overnight stay await.
Ascent takes on average 7–8 hours. 

Day 4: JOHN MATTE – BUJUKU CAMP (3962 m)
From John Matte Hut the trail descends to the Bujuku River and enters the Lower Bigo Bog, home to giant lobelias. By hopping from tussock to tussock, the swamp can be crossed, though feet often sink into icy water. The Upper Bigo Bog leads to Lake Bujuku, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Stanley to the west. Bujuku Hut, set in a narrow valley beneath Stuhlmann Pass, is suitable for acclimatization for those planning to climb Stanley and Speke. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Ascent takes on average 4–5 hours. 

Day 5: BUJUKU – ELENA CAMP (4541 m)
From Bujuku Hut the trail crosses boggy ground, then climbs steeply up the slopes west of the lake through the unique Groundsel Gully forest. To the right, the trail leads to Elena Hut and up to Mount Stanley along a steep path through large boulders. The left route goes via Scott-Elliot Pass to the Kitandara Lakes – the way for those not attempting Margherita. Climbers to the summit dine and overnight in the icy Elena Hut.
Ascent takes on average 5–6 hours. 

Day 6: ELENA HUT – Margherita Peak (5109 m) – KITANDARA CAMP (4430 m)
The summit ascent begins very early in the morning. The climb to Margherita Peak (Mount Stanley) takes about 4–5 hours, depending on weather and pace. The route traverses three glaciers, slippery rocks, ice, and exposed sections. The path leads over glaciers and the Stanley Plateau to Cheptegei Peak and finally to the summit. Descent back to Elena Hut takes 1–2 hours.
After lunch at Elena Hut, the route descends via Scott-Elliot Pass (4372 m) with beautiful views of Lake Bujuku and Mount Speke. The trail continues through the alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rocks, then descends to the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight.
Descent takes on average 3–4 hours. 

Day 7: KITANDARA – GUY YEOMAN (3261 m)
From Kitandara the trail climbs steeply up the headwall beneath Mount Baker and continues along the southern base to Freshfield Pass (4282 m). From here there are views into Congo to the west and of Mount Stanley to the north. The trail continues through alpine moss before descending steeply over rocky terrain to Bujongolo shelter, the historic base of the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1906 expedition. Overnight at Guy Yeoman Camp.
Ascent takes on average 6–7 hours. 

Day 8: GUY YEOMAN – NYABITABA – NYAKALENGIJA (1615 m) – QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Below Guy Yeoman the trail descends the Kichuchu cliffs, crosses the Mubuku River twice through bamboo forest, and continues down to Nyabitaba. From here, descend further to Nyakalengija, where the circuit ends.
Evening overnight at Song Bird Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with hot showers and dinner.
Descent takes 7–8 hours, plus 1-hour transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP. 

Day 9: QUEEN ELIZABETH NP – BWINDI MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Morning safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, followed by transfer to Bwindi Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Overnight at Golden Monkey Lodge. 

Day 10: BWINDI MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla trek in Bwindi Mgahinga National Park, return for lunch, then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (Kabale) – overnight by the deepest lake in Africa. 

Day 11: Departure
Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for the evening flight home.