8-Day Rwenzori Trekking to Margherita Peak Kilembe Trail
An 8-day Rwenzori trekking to Margherita Peak via Kilembe Trail, presents a challenging climbing expedition to the summit of Margherita Peak (5,109m), the third-highest peak in Africa. These adventures entail traversing various vegetation zones, ranging from montane forests to marshy moorlands and glaciers, frequently necessitating camping in environmentally sustainable huts. The 8 Days Rwenzori trek to Margherita Peak via Kilembe trail presents breathtaking landscapes, distinctive fauna, and an authentic high-altitude challenge, with itineraries varying significantly based on the selected circuit, such as the Kilembe or Central Circuit.
Kindly be advised: You may ascend Mt. Baker provided you are in perfect physical condition. The ascent of Baker is short yet demanding; yet, it is undeniably gratifying, especially on a clear day when one gets to see magnificent vistas of Mt. Stanley, Margherita Peak, and the glaciers. Alternatively, one may choose to ascend Weismann‘s Peak during the descent.
Margherita Peak, Africa’s third highest summit, is most captivating when approached by the Kilembe route, distinguished by its abundant flora, including woods and valleys adorned with ferns. The trees abound with various bird and monkey species, and as you climb the trail, you may notice chimpanzee nests situated high in the lofty branches; with luck, you can glimpse the resident chimpanzee as it quickly departs. Ascending Magherita Peak constitutes a demanding scramble rather than a technical ascent, featuring only a limited number of strenuous maneuvers. Snow complicates the ascent, although the gratification and thrill of attaining the top are considerable when one surveys from Albert Peak towards the Democratic Republic of the Congo and eastward across the Rwenzori Mountains‘ expanse.
We provide all necessary climbing gear, including ropes, harnesses, and carabiners. You need to pack appropriate hiking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and rain gear. We provide sleeping bag rentals for anyone in need.
NOTE: Ascending Marghertia Peak has become technical; proficiency in rope techniques, use of crampons, ascenders, and figure eights for belaying, along with expertise in ice axe operation, is advised due to ice sections with a 60% incline and rapidly changing conditions caused by climate change and glacier melt. All our guides are experienced in ice climbing and rescue procedures and can support you with less experience; however, you must be ready to learn throughout the ascent and be able to fit your own crampons, tie basic knots, and utilize ascenders and figure eights. Mount Baker and Mount Speke present technical challenges. We recommend that clients bring their own crampons, since we are experiencing difficulties in maintaining ours owing to the presence of hard ice and rocks. Crampons will be available for rental at an extra cost of $20 per trip.
A Detailed 8 Days Rwenzori Trek To Margherita Peak via Kilembe Trail
Day 1:
Begin from Trekkers Hostel, located at 1,450 meters, then ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, achieving a vertical elevation of 1,146 meters. Alternatively, individuals in excellent physical condition may choose to proceed to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters, which not only provides breathtaking views but also permits more time at Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.
We begin by navigating the valley bottom among the towering trees of the Afro-Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady incline with several avian species and the potential to witness blue monkeys traversing the forest. Visitors may occasionally witness groups of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys navigating the treetops. Infrequent observations of the L’Hoest monkey, a cultural symbol of the Bukonzo, are protected by the power of the King or Omusinga, despite the audible presence of distant wild chimpanzees. A rich assortment of plant species is present, including forest trees, bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and various moss and lichen-covered vines descending from the towering trees, creating a striking visual appeal. Enock’s Falls are situated within 200 meters of Sine Hut, offering an exceptional opportunity to capture a memorable screensaver.
Sine Camp, located at an altitude of 2,596 meters, features wooden cottages nestled among tall forest trees on a little ridge, providing a view of the majestic Afro Montane forest and a stunning waterfall tumbling over the rocks below. Some clients prefer to sit outdoors, enjoying the warmth of the campfire while discussing the mountains and their communal life with the guides. Sine hut is located directly below the bamboo zone, and the vicinity is home to a variety of bird species. Enock Falls, situated 150 meters from the camp, is enveloped by lush green vegetation and flowing vines. Truly exquisite. Individuals in good physical condition may opt to sleep at Sine hut or trek to Kalalama Camp at an elevation of 3,134 meters. This option provides breathtaking views and extends the duration in Mutinda Camp, enabling an ascent to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.
Day 2
The trek begins at 8:30 AM, leading directly into the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, marked by a steep ascent featuring numerous elevated stairs. In the rainy season, the bamboo area becomes exceedingly muddy and treacherous, causing delays in advancement. The atmosphere and the forest are remarkable as you climb 551 meters over 1.8 kilometers to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, located in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you may take a short break and savor a cup of tea or coffee before continuing to Mutinda Camp. The path meanders over numerous minor hills along a ridge, lowers into the valley, ascends again, crosses multiple small streams, and nears moss-laden waterfalls. You ascend gently beside a scenic moss-covered river flowing over rocks beneath the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are embellished with green moss and clothed in Usnea lichen.
The trail meanders as you climb the deep valley, which features a diverse assortment of vegetation and flowers. This valley is unique, featuring several Giant Heather plants that provide a scenic atmosphere often shrouded in mist.
In the afternoon, you may like to ascend to the summit of Mutinda Lookout, which takes approximately one to two hours for the ascent and one hour for the descent. The views are magnificent from moss-covered cliffs at an altitude of 3,925 meters, surveying the Rwenzori Mountains, the town of Kasese, and Lake George. Clients heading to Margherita or any of the key peaks will discover that climbing Mutinda at 3,975 meters is an effective means of acclimatization and reducing the risk of high altitude sickness.
Rest at Mutinda Camp at an altitude of 3,582 meters.
Day 3
The route to Bugata Camp is boggy, particularly in the wet season; nevertheless, with little skill, one can navigate from tussock to tussock to aid mobility. Commence by traversing the Mutinda Valley, distinguished by tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with numerous Giant Lobelias, before ascending a steep gradient to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), where dramatic waterfalls are prevalent and the views of the Mutinda Peaks are breathtaking from the rear. The Namusangi Valley is vast, marked by multiple altitudes as the route steadily rises to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.
Day 4:
Trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. Upon leaving Bugata Camp, you cross a ridge, thereafter slope slightly, and then ascend to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where a cottage is provided for adverse weather conditions. On a clear day, the pass provides magnificent views of the three major peaks. The path crosses the valley, bordering the edges of wetlands and thick coniferous vegetation, comprising moss, large groundsel, and lobelia. This spot may be the foremost area in the Rwenzori for watching the Malachite Sunbird as it forages on various lobelia flowers and functions as a recognized breeding ground. Subsequently, there are steep segments succeeded by a steady climb over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp, situated above a profound valley, offering superb sights of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 5:
We descend from Hunwick’s to the valley floor, arriving at the stunning Lake Kitendara, noted for its deep waters and remarkable vegetation. From this juncture, ascend Scott Elliott’s pass and go up the ridge to Margherita Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,485 meters, amidst considerable boulders that offer some shelter from the intense winds. This is the precise site where the Duke of Abruzzi set up his camp during his 1906 ascent of Margherita Peak.
Kindly take note:
Today, you have the chance to scale Mt. Baker, if you are in optimal physical condition. The Baker climb is short but demanding, offering climbers remarkable views of Mt. Stanley, Margherita Peak, and the glaciers, especially in clear weather.
Day Six
Rise at 2:00 AM and consume an early breakfast before to going for the summit of Mt. Stanley at 2:30 AM. This is crucial because of considerable weather variability; even in the dry season, the mountain often becomes shrouded in thick clouds, with snowfall happening between 1 PM and 4 PM, usually over a short span of 10 to 15 minutes as clouds rise from the expansive Congo rainforests.
In January and February 2017, clients were restricted indoors and unable to travel owing to unprecedented strong snowstorms, which had not occurred during the dry season. They returned to Margherita Camp far beyond dark, with one group arriving at 11 PM, utterly exhausted.
Due to the change in weather, we have implemented a strict deadline of 10 AM. If you do not attain the summit by that time, you must return, regardless of any disappointment, for safety considerations. The Margherita Glacier has been negatively impacted by global warming, leading to the retreat of its outer edges and a rise in steepness, with one section surpassing a 60% gradient across around 200 meters. The significant melting of the darker regions has led to the creation of caves beneath the ice, which will eventually collapse as it diminishes. Clients must understand and follow the consultants’ advice concerning the proposed paths.
We advise clients with little mountaineering experience to stay on Stanley Glacier and ascend to a suitable vantage point on a rocky outcrop on the southern slope of Alexandra Peak to enjoy the magnificent views of Congo and the lower mountain ridges.
After attaining the peak at 5,109 meters, you then descend immediately to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 meters.
Day 7:
Distance to Kiharo Camp: 11 kilometers The duration necessary for walking varies between 4 to 7 hours.
We begin the day at Hunwick’s Camp by climbing a ridge toward McConnell’s Prong, which provides the most breathtaking views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass, before reaching Oliver’s Pass at an altitude of 4,505 metres. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Olivers Pass is 3 km. The path subsequently passes beneath Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River, which flows via Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
To scale Weismanns Peak, which rises to 4,620 meters from Olivers Pass, an extra charge of $20 per individual is mandated. On a clear day, one can witness beautiful views of Margherita, Mt Stanley, Mt Speke, and Mt Baker.
Upon crossing the confluence, the path descends down the valley towards Kiharo Camp, situated within a deep valley marked by steep cliffs and verdant vegetation. Upon descending the valley, you will navigate a ridge of stones and soil that seems out of place; nonetheless, it was created by glaciers that gradually advanced, eventually halted their movement, melted, and dumped a mass of rocks and debris at their terminal.
Day 8:
The journey from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 16 kilometers, followed by a further 2.8 kilometers to Trekkers Hostel. Individuals needing to connect to planes returning to Kampala or attending other commitments must leave Kiharo early, as the trek requires 5 to 8 hours of walking.
The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley is primarily downhill and remarkably scenic, showcasing stunning views, moss-covered rocks by the river, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges and forests, arguably the greatest in the Rwenzori Mountains. This section of the road necessitated six years to establish a traversable pathway for travelers. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell endeavored to traverse this valley but was unsuccessful and had to withdraw in pursuit of an alternative way up the mountain; however, you can now appreciate this extraordinarily lovely valley.
A brief distance from Kiharo Camp, the path bifurcates to the right, paralleling the riverbank. In the open settings, one may witness a Duiker subtly foraging in small clearings while navigating the riverside. This site probably contains the largest population of Rwenzori Red Duikers in the National Park. Several kilometers downhill, the landscape gets very steep, showcasing numerous stunning waterfalls. After the waterfalls, we climb a steep incline and thereafter drop through the thick foliage, providing stunning views of the valley below. We halt at Forest View Camp for lunch before to our return to Base Camp. A remarkable event and culmination of an unbelievable journey.
Conclusion of the 8–Day Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak
Kindly be advised:
Individuals ascending Margherita Peak have the option to scale Mt. Baker, a demanding scramble, on the day of the walk from Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp, or to ascend Weismann’s Peak during the descent.