5-Day Rwenzori Trek to Margherita Peak: Climb Uganda’s Highest Peak

Day 1: Nyakalengija (1,600m) to John Matte Hut (3,420m)

After a briefing and an introduction to your team, start your hike from Nyakalengija. Climb through thick tropical and bamboo forests, and stop for lunch at Nyabitaba Hut. To get to John Matte Hut, your alpine home for the night, cross the Kurt Schaffer Bridge and climb over rough ground.

Experience the Rwenzori Mountains over a 5-day trek. During the briefing at the Rwenzori Mountains gate, you will meet your guides and porters. Your journey into the lush tropical forests will commence once your porters and guides have equipped you to navigate through the village of Nyakalengeji. The trail continues through bamboo and montane forests. Lunch will be served at Nyabitaba Hut, which is approximately the halfway point of your journey to John Matte Camp. With a sense of revitalization and energy, you will traverse the Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers via the Kurt Schaffer Bridge. Exercise caution and address challenges presented by steep inclines and rocky terrain. Your arrival at John Matte Hut is scheduled for the late afternoon, providing an opportunity to enjoy supper and spend the night in a serene alpine environment.

Day 2: John Matte Hut to Elena Hut (4,563m)

A challenging hike in high and dangerous terrain, crossing many rivers and streams, will begin after breakfast at John Matte Hut. You may notice Margherita and Alexandra Peaks in the distance as you travel. Along the journey, you’ll come across boardwalks, which make navigating the lower Bigo Bog much simpler. While navigating Mount Stanley’s difficult terrain, the path promises to take you by regions of uncommon plants, such as giant lobelias, groundsels, and the gorgeous everlasting flowers found in the alpine zone.

After a grueling but ultimately satisfying day, you’ll arrive at the Ellena Hut, where you can unwind with a delicious dinner and plan for the next day’s summit push. Make sure to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can be low and winds may be strong.

Day 3: Summit Day – Elena Hut to Margherita Peak (5,109m) – Descend to Bujuku Hut (3,930m)

When you’ve got your gear and headlamps ready and probably the moon too, the summit day kicks off bright and early, at around 4 a.m. A friendly expert guide will assist you in starting your adventure up the rugged terrain, teaching you how to use the ropes properly as you journey across the Mount Stanley Glacier. You’ll want to bring your crampons to help you navigate the slippery section here. After you’ve crossed the glacier, feel free to remove your crampons and continue climbing rocky sections until you arrive at the Margherita Glacier.

At the end of this challenging route, you’ll reach Margherita Peak, the impressive 5109-meter summit of the Rwenzori Mountains. After celebrating your victory at the peak, you’ll head back to Elena Hut for lunch. Magheritah is known for being Uganda’s highest point and the third-highest in Africa. After lunch, you’ll carry on with your day’s trek down to Bujuku Hut, where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and reflect on all the incredible things you’ve achieved and overcome.

Day 4: Bujuku Hut to Nyabitaba Hut (2,660m)

The descent starts with breakfast at Bujuku Hut and ends with a descent into the upper Bigo Bog. After that, you’ll continue through the lower Bigo Bog to John Matte Hut, where you can stop and eat lunch. The trail you descend is the same as the one you climbed, but it’s easier and faster. The air is thicker and easier to breathe than the thin air in Elena camp. Ascend to Nyabitaba Hut, where you can spend your final night in the highlands with a dinner and a night’s sleep.

Day 5: Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija (1,600m)

Complete your trek with a descent through lush rainforest to the base. Return to Nyakalengija, reflecting on your powerful experience of conquering one of Africa’s highest and most legendary peaks.