5 Days Rwenzori Trekking To Margherita Peak At 5109m
A 5 days Rwenzori Margherita Peak trekking is a tough 5 day rwenzori trek to Margherita peak at 5109m along the Central Circuit trail, designed for highly physically capable trekkers. It traverses various ecosystems, from montane forests to glaciers, culminating in a challenging ascent to 5,109 meters. This trek necessitates the presence of guides, porters, and specialized equipment for challenging environments, providing breathtaking vistas while demanding rapid acclimatization and Mental stamina.
Rwenzori trekking to Margherita Peak begins at Ibanda, specifically at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services headquarters, where an overview and porter meeting take place. Day 1 of the 5-day Rwenzori trek to Margherita Peak expedition passes through the central circuit trail route from the base of the Rwenzori Mountains to Nyabitaba Hut (at 2651m) in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. On Day 2, the 5 days rwenzori trek to Margherita Peak continues to John Matte Hut, followed by an entrance to Bujuku Hut, culminating in Elena Hut on Day 3. Day 4 sees the summit of Margherita at 5109m, which is followed by a quick slope to John Matte Hut. After that, you’ll travel by Nyabitaba hut to Nyakalengija, which is a descent to the foothills of the Rwenzori mountain range.
5 Days Rwenzori Trekking To Margherita Peak Overview
Day 1: Kasese – Nyabitaba Hut, elevation 2651 meters.
Day 2: Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut, elevation 3505 m.
Day 3: From John Matte Hut to Elena Hut (4541m).
Day 4: Elena Hut – Return from Margherita Peak (5109m) John’s friend
Day 5: John Matte Hut – Nyabitaba Hut – Kasese
A Detailed 5-Day Rwenzori Trek To Margherita Peak at 5109m
Day 1: From Kasese-Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut, elevation 2,651 meters.
After breakfast at the hotel, head to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services headquarters in Ibanda for a short meeting with porters. The journey commences with a thirty-minute walk through the Bankonzo plantations and residences, leading to the forest zone up to the main gate of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, where you will embark on a 10-kilometer mountaineering trek lasting 5 to 6 hours to Nyabitaba hut. Evening meal and overnight accommodation at Nyabitaba Hut.
Day 2: Naybitaba to John Matte
On the second day of the seven-day Rwenzori hiking safari, you will commence your ascent to John Matte Hut following breakfast. This is considered to be the longest trial, as it requires a minimum of seven hours of trekking. It entails traversing the forest just prior to crossing the Kurt Schefer Bridge over the Bujuku River. The path to Nyamileju Hut is initially smooth and well-defined, taking only a few hours to traverse. However, as one progresses, the trail gets increasingly rough and steep, leading into elevated terrain where heather plants are prevalent. You will pause at Nyamileju Hut for lunch before continuing along the trail through an expansive heather forest and across the River Bujuka. This segment will take around 3 hours and cover a distance of 200 meters to reach John Matte Hut.
Evening meal and accommodation at John Matte Hut.
Day 3: Trek from John Matte Hut to Elena Hut (4541m).
Following your breakfast, depart from John Matte to Bujuku Hut, then on to Elena Hut. The path descends to traverse the Bujuku River, reaching the lesser Bigo bog, which is inhabited by large lobelias. You will traverse the swamp to the Higher Bigo swamp before advancing to Lake Bujuku, where views of the highest peak, Mount Stanley, can be observed. Take a brief lunch intermission at the Bujuku hut, followed by a trip through the groundsel vegetation over a 4km trail, up to 4,372m, which will need approximately 5 to 7 hours of hiking. You will ascend the slopes of the Upper Bigo bog and subsequently descend via the steep inclines of Lake Bujuku to the west.
From this point in time, you will proceed to ascend to the 4372m Scott-Elliot Pass, navigating towards several wetlands and the notable ground gully. You will subsequently traverse the steep section above the gully via a metal ladder, arriving at a junction with two divergent trails. The right trail leads to the Elena Hut, ascending steeply above substantial boulders towards Mount Stanley, while the left trail proceeds to the Scott-Elliot Pass, descending to Kitandara Hut.
Perched on the rugged terrain of Mount Stanley, Elena Hut is positioned in a frosty area, although it provides stunning vistas of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, which are occasionally obscured by fog. Evening meal and an overnight stay at the Elena hut.
Day 4: Elena Hut – Margherita Peak (5109m) followed by John Maate
Today, you will awaken at 2:00 AM for breakfast and commence your trek to the peak of Magheritah Peak at 3:00 AM. You will trek across the Stanley Plateau to Mount Stanley. You will traverse the rugged rocky terrain using ropes, while crampons and an ice axe will be required on the glacier, as instructed by the guide. This will require a few hours, after which you will arrive at the periphery of the Margherita Glacier—the toughest segment of the 5 days Rwenzori trekking safari to Margherita Peak. You will subsequently go to the summit of Mount Stanley (Magheritah Peak at 5109m).
At this turning point, relish the stunning vistas of Lake Ireen, Mount Speke, and the surrounding landscape, followed by a descent to Elena Hut for lunch. Proceed to John Matte for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Depart from John Matte Hut, return to Nyabitaba Hut, and exit the national park.
Retrace your path to Nyabitaha hut for lunch, then proceed to Nyakalengija. Post-breakfast, descend for around 6-8 hours to Naybitaba for lunch, thereafter proceeding to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services Office to obtain your certificates, which commend your achievement in reaching Margherita Peak.