10-Day Rwenzori Trek 4 Peaks Expedition via Kilembe Trail

The trek begins in the Nyamwamba Valley, ascending steadily through the Afro-Montane Forest Zone, where towering trees are draped in moss, lichen, and hanging vines. Wildlife sightings are frequent in the lower elevations, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a wide variety of birdlife, such as the iconic Rwenzori turaco. Rare encounters with L’Hoest monkeys and distant chimpanzee calls are possible.

As altitude increases, the landscape transitions through bamboo and Mimulopsis zones, often steep and muddy, before opening into the Heather-Rapanea Zone, dominated by giant heather trees cloaked in Usnea lichen. Mist, waterfalls, and moss-covered river valleys create an otherworldly atmosphere unique to the Rwenzoris.

The route goes even higher, into the Afro-alpine zone, where massive lobelias, flowers that never die, glacial valleys, and boggy plateaus are the main features of the land. Camps like Mutinda, Bugata, Hunwick’s, and Margherita Camp are set up in such a way that climbers can become used to the altitude before trying to reach the top.

Day 1: Start the trek and hike to Sine Camp at 2,596 meters.

The expedition begins at the Kilembe Trailhead, where you meet your guiding team, complete park formalities, and receive a final briefing. The trek starts by following the Nyamwamba Valley into the heart of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

The trail ascends steadily through the Afro-Montane Forest Zone, a dense and ancient rainforest characterized by towering trees draped in moss, hanging lichens, and thick undergrowth. Birdlife is abundant, and sightings of blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and occasionally L’Hoest’s monkeys are possible. You may also hear chimpanzees calling deep within the forest.

After a sustained climb, you reach Sine Camp, set on a narrow forested ridge overlooking waterfalls and rapids far below. A short walk from camp leads to Enock’s Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls on the lower Kilembe Trail.

• You will spend the night at Sine Camp, which is located at an elevation of 2,596 m and offers accommodation in huts equipped with bunk beds and mattresses.
• Height gain: 1,146m
• Distance: 9.5km
• Approximate walking hours: 6 to 7
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Hike to Mutinda Camp at 3,588 m and summit Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 m in the afternoon.

Today’s trek climbs steeply into the Bamboo–Mimulopsis Zone, where tall bamboo stalks and muddy steps make progress slow but atmospheric. As you gain altitude, bamboo gives way to the Heather–Rapanea Zone, where giant heather trees rise up to 15 meters tall, their trunks thickly coated in moss and Usnea lichen.

After reaching Mutinda Camp, you rest briefly before an afternoon acclimatization climb to Mutinda Lookout. This steep ascent rewards you with wide views across the Rwenzori ranges, Kasese town, and Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The climb is an important acclimatization step before tackling higher summits.

Overnight: Mutinda Camp (3,588 m)

Day 3: Hike to Bugata camp at 4,100 meters.

The route now enters the Afro-Alpine Zone, where the landscape changes dramatically. The trail crosses open valleys filled with tussock grass, everlasting flowers, and towering giant lobelias.

Progress can be slow due to boggy ground, especially in wet seasons, as you move carefully from tussock to tussock. The trail climbs into the Namusangi Valley, offering striking views back toward the Mutinda Peaks and surrounding ridges, before continuing steadily to Bugata Camp.

This day is demanding but spectacular, as the environment becomes increasingly high-alpine and remote.

Overnight: Bugata Camp (4,100 m)

Day 4: Hike to Hunwick’s Camp at 3974 m, trekking via Bamwanjara Pass at 4450 m.

Today involves a long, challenging traverse across high-altitude terrain. The trail climbs steadily toward Bamwanjara Pass, one of the most scenic crossings in the Rwenzoris. From the pass, you enjoy exceptional views of the major peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys on both sides of the range.

After crossing the pass, the route descends carefully to Hunwick’s Camp, set on a high ridge beneath Mount Baker and Mount Stanley. This camp becomes a strategic base for several summit attempts.

Overnight: Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 m).

Day 5: Summit Mt. Baker (4,842 m) and sleep at Hunwicks camp (3,974 meters).

An early start sees you begin the ascent of Mount Baker, also known as Edward Peak. The climb is steep and rocky, with sections requiring careful footwork and a sturdy head for heights. In wet or icy conditions, safety ropes are used on exposed sections.

The route includes glacier travel and a short traverse to the summit. On clear days, the views are exceptional, offering panoramas of Margherita Peak, Mount Speke, Stanley Plateau, and the surrounding glaciers.

After summiting, you descend carefully back to Hunwick’s Camp.

Overnight: Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 m)

Day 6: Hike to Margherita camp at 4485 meters.

The trail descends briefly to cross a high valley before reaching Lake Kitandara, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Rwenzoris, surrounded by steep ridges and dramatic vegetation.

From the lake, you climb Scott Elliot’s Pass, then ascend along a rocky ridge to Margherita Camp, strategically positioned beneath Mount Stanley. The camp sits among massive boulders that provide partial shelter from strong alpine winds.

This afternoon is spent resting and preparing equipment for the summit push.

Overnight: Margherita Camp (4,485 m)

Day 7: Summit Margherita Peak at 5,109 m, and optional summit of Cheptegei Peak at 4,907 m

You wake around 2:00 am and begin the summit attempt under headlamp light. The climb involves glacier travel, steep ice sections, and exposed terrain. Due to increasingly unstable weather patterns and glacier conditions, a strict turnaround time is enforced for safety.

Reaching Margherita Peak, the highest point in Uganda and the Rwenzori Mountains, is a major achievement. If conditions allow, an optional ascent of Cheptegei Peak may be attempted.

After descending back to Margherita Camp for rest and lunch, you continue down to Bujuku Caves, located at the base of Mount Speke.

Overnight: Bujuku Caves (3,840 m)