8 Days Rwenzori Trekking via Kilembe Trail | Climb Margherita Peak in Uganda.

Day 1: Transfer from Basecamp & Trek to Sine Camp (2,596m)

Commence your trek at an elevation of 1,450 meters, and conclude your day at Sine Hut, positioned at 2,596 meters, resulting in a total ascent of 1,146 meters. If you are in excellent physical condition, you may proceed to Kalalama Camp at an elevation of 3,134 meters. This itinerary will provide you with additional time at Mutinda Camp, where you can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters, along with exceptional views.

Initially, we proceed along the valley floor, navigating through the impressive trees of the Afro-Montane Forest Zone. The gradual ascent is home to numerous birds, and one may also observe blue monkeys moving through the jungle. Occasionally, visitors may observe a group of 15-20 black and white Colobus monkeys gracefully moving through the treetops. The distant call of chimpanzees may reach your ears, or you may catch a glimpse of the elusive L’Hoest monkey, a cultural emblem of the Bukonzo people safeguarded by the legacy of King Omusinga. This forest features a diverse range of plant life, including towering trees, bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and numerous vines embellished with moss and lichen, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Located merely 200 meters from Sine Hut, Enock’s Falls offers a picturesque setting that is truly worthy of a screensaver.

Day 2: Sine Camp to Mutinda Camp (3,588m)

Soon after 8:30 a.m., you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, a steep ascent with numerous high stairs. Bamboo grows slowly during the wet season because it is muddy and slippery. The vegetation and surroundings are beautiful as you climb 551 meters and 1.8 kilometers to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you can rest and have tea or coffee before going on to Mutinda. The trail climbs multiple little knolls on a ridge, then descends the valley side, crossing several small creeks and passing moss-covered waterfalls before ascending again. You then climb steadily along a wonderful mossy river that cascades over the rocks beneath the giant heather trees, whose trunks are covered in green moss and with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from them. The trail twists and turns as you climb the deep valley, which is filled with plants and flowers. This valley is lovely and misty thanks to its abundance of giant heather plants.

Climb to the Mutinda Lookout (3,925 meters) for views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George from moss-covered rocks. Mutinda, at 3,975 meters, is an excellent way to adapt and reduce the risk of high altitude sickness for clients trekking Margherita or other key summits.

Day 3: Mutinda to Bugata Camp (4,062m)

Ascend to the alpine zone while passing by waterfalls, mossy ridges, and massive lobelias. Spend the night at Bugata Camp, which is located above the Nyamwamba Valley.

During the rainy season, the path to Bugata Camp becomes very marshy, but if you are competent enough, you can negotiate among the tussocks to make the journey simpler. Ascending a difficult part to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), you’ll discover vertical waterfalls and, looking back, stunning views of the Mutinda Peaks. You’ll pass through tussock grass, everlasting flowers, and a plethora of giant lobelias as you make your way over the Mutinda Valley. The trail steadily ascends to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters across the broad Namusangi Valley, which features various inclines and declines.

Day 4: Bugata to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)

Crossing Bamwanjara Pass provides epic views of Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and Margherita Peak. Reach Hunwick’s Camp by hiking across the Bamwanjarra Pass. There’s a shelter at 4,450 meters at Bamwanjarra Pass, so if the weather becomes awful, you may always climb back up after a short descent from Bugata Camp. Views of the three main peaks are breathtaking from the pass on a clear day. The trail descends the valley, weaving through evergreen thickets, lobelia, moss, and enormous groundsel, before reaching a swamp. This area of the Rwenzori is perfect for seeing the Malachite Sunbird because of the abundance of lobelia flowers and since it is a known nesting site.

Beginning from this point, you will ascend a ridge gradually until you reach Hunwick’s Camp. This camp sits on the edge of a big valley and offers breathtaking views of Stanley, Baker, Weismanns Peak, and McConnell’s Prong. Nevertheless, there are obstacles on the way up.

Day 5: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp (4,485m)

This hike involves a challenging yet brief ascent to your final base before reaching the summit. Prepare your gear and rest for the summit day. Lake Kitandara, with its deep water and beautiful greenery, is a stunning spot that we arrive at after making our way down and crossing the valley floor from Hunwick’s.

Margherita Camp, sitting at 4,485 meters, finds a cozy spot nestled between some huge boulders, keeping it safe from the harsh winds. To reach your destination, just climb Scott Elliott’s Pass and then keep going up the ridge. Back in 1906, the Duke of Abruzzi set up camp right here after climbing Margherita Peak.

Day 6: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m)

Wake up at 2 a.m., have a quick breakfast, and then leave for Mount Stanley at 2:30 a.m. The weather has moved significantly, and even during the dry season, the peak can be blanketed in thick clouds, resulting in snowfall between 1 and 4 p.m. This entire process takes about 10-15 minutes, as clouds drift in from the vast forests of the Congo.

Staying on Stanley Glacier and climbing to a rocky ledge on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak provides a fantastic vantage for individuals with limited mountaineering skill, letting them take in the beautiful views of the lower mountain ranges and Congo.

After the summit at 5,109 meters, you will descend immediately to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 meters.

Day 7: Descend to Kiharo Camp (3,460m)

You will start the day by trekking from Hunwick’s Camp along a ridge toward McConnell’s Prong. From that vantage point, the Three Peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass reveal themselves in all their splendor. At last, you will arrive at Oliver’s Pass, standing at an impressive elevation of 4,505 meters. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the peak of Olivers Pass is three kilometers. Following a brief diversion around Weismann’s Peak, hikers arrive at the confluence of the Nyamwamba and Kilembe rivers; from this point, the river proceeds downward through Kasese and Kilembe, ultimately leading to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

A trail that meanders down the valley from the confluence provides access to Kiharo Camp, which is nestled in a secluded valley embraced by majestic cliffs and lush greenery. You will navigate past each bog by ascending a seemingly arbitrary ridge of stones and soil as you make your way down the valley. This ridge was created by glaciers that gradually moved, melted, and deposited a mound of boulders and debris.

Day 8: Return to Kasese via Kilembe Trailhead

The distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 16 kilometers, with an additional 2.8 kilometers to the Trekkers Hostel for an overnight stay.

Beyond Kiharo Camp, the trail diverges to the right to follow the river for a brief period. If you are fortunate, you may observe a duiker quietly grazing in a clearing as you descend the river. Of all the regions in the park, this one may have the highest concentration of Rwenzori red duikers. A few kilometers downstream, the river becomes steeper, and a multitude of stunning cascades are present. Ascending to a high ridge after passing the cascades rewards us with breathtaking vistas of the valley below. From that point, we descend through dense woodlands. We will eat lunch at Forest View Camp before heading back to Base Camp. This is the perfect way to cap off an incredible journey.