Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

8-Day Margherita Peak Technical Expedition

Conquer the Third Roof of Africa. A technical glacial ascent through the mythical Mountains of the Moon with Uganda’s premier climbing guides.

Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
Max Altitude5,109m (Summit)
DifficultyTechnical Glacial

Expedition Overview

The 8-Day Margherita Peak Expedition is the flagship route of Rwenzori Hantravel Safaris. Sitting at 5,109 meters above sea level, Margherita Peak is the highest point of Mount Stanley and the third-highest peak in all of Africa.

Unlike Kilimanjaro, this is a true mountaineering challenge. Guided by our UMGA-certified local Bakonzo experts, you will navigate through five incredibly biodiverse ecological zones. You will trek through pristine Afromontane forests, cross the infamous Bigo Bogs surrounded by giant lobelias, and ultimately don crampons and ropes to traverse the Stanley Plateau glaciers to reach the summit.

Interactive Elevation Profile

Camp
Summit

Daily Itinerary

01 Nyakalengija Basecamp →
02 Nyabitaba Hut →
03 John Matte Hut →
04 Bujuku Hut →
05 Elena Hut →
06 Kitandara Hut →
07 Guy Yeoman Hut →
08 Nyabitaba Hut →

Nyakalengija Basecamp to Nyabitaba Hut

Day 1
Start Altitude1,646m
End Altitude2,651m
Elevation Gain+1,005m
Trek Distance10 km
Duration5-6 hrs
TerrainMontane forest trail
AccommodationNyabitaba Stone Hut
MealsLunch, Dinner

A solid stone shelter perched above the Mubuku Valley in the Afromontane forest.

Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut

Day 2
Start Altitude2,651m
End Altitude3,414m
Elevation Gain+763m
Trek Distance9 km
Duration6-7 hrs
TerrainForest, roots, steep climbs
AccommodationJohn Matte Hut
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Located in the heath zone among giant heather trees, overlooking the Bujuku River.

John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut

Day 3
Start Altitude3,414m
End Altitude3,962m
Elevation Gain+548m
Trek Distance7 km
Duration5-6 hrs
TerrainHeather, moorland, rocky
AccommodationBujuku Hut
MealsB, L, D

Set in a deep glacier-carved valley near Lake Bujuku. Surrounded by giant lobelias.

Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut

Day 4
Start Altitude3,962m
End Altitude4,541m
Elevation Gain+579m
Trek Distance5 km
Duration4-5 hrs
TerrainBigo Bogs, boardwalks
AccommodationElena Hut (Sub-zero)
MealsB, L, D

The icy, rocky basecamp positioned directly beneath the Stanley Plateau glaciers.

Elena Hut to Margherita Peak

Day 5
Start Altitude4,541m
End Altitude5,109m
Elevation Gain+568m
Trek Distance6 km
Duration9-11 hrs
TerrainSteep rock, scree
AccommodationKitandara Hut
MealsSnack, Lunch, Dinner

The Third Roof of Africa. A technical glacial summit offering views over the Congo.

Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut

Day 6
Start Altitude4,023m
End Altitude3,261m
Elevation Gain-762m
Trek Distance9 km
Duration5-6 hrs
TerrainAlpine descent
AccommodationGuy Yeoman Hut
MealsB, L, D

A beautiful camp set among alpine meadows and waterfalls along the southern circuit.

Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba Hut

Day 7
Start Altitude3,261m
End Altitude2,651m
Elevation Gain-610m
Trek Distance11 km
Duration6-7 hrs
TerrainMoorland, rocky descent
AccommodationNyabitaba Stone Hut
MealsB, L, D

A solid stone shelter perched above the Mubuku Valley in the Afromontane forest.

Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija Basecamp

Day 8
Start Altitude2,651m
End Altitude1,646m
Elevation Gain-1,005m
Trek Distance10 km
Duration3-4 hrs
TerrainForest, roots, steep climbs
AccommodationBasecamp Lodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch

The official gateway into Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Lush montane forest.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What is Included

  • UWA Park Entrance & Hiking Permits
  • UMGA Certified Mountain Guides
  • Mountain Hut Accommodations
  • Standard Porter Support (15kg per climber)
  • All Hot Meals on the Mountain
  • Rescue & Emergency Evacuation Fees

Not Included

  • International Flights & Tourist Visas
  • Personal Climbing Gear (Available for rent)
  • Guide & Porter Gratuities
  • Mandatory Mountaineering Insurance

Interactive Gear Checklist

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Technical Gear

Clothing

Essentials

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The Hantravel Difference

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Here is how our expeditions compare to standard operators in the region.

Feature Hantravel Safaris Standard Operators
Guide Certification UMGA Certified Experts Basic / Uncertified
Technical Gear Included Yes (Full Glacier Kit) Hire Extra
Client-to-Guide Ratio 1 : 4 Maximum 1 : 8
Summit Success Rate 92% ~60%
1. Tour
2. Details

Booking Summary

Tour: 8-Day Margherita Peak Expedition
Date: TBD
Guests: 1 Adult
Tier: Standard
Gear: $0
$1,565

PRO-FORMA QUOTE

Rwenzori Hantravel Safaris | bookings@rwenzorihantravel.com

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8-Day Margherita Peak Expedition

Date:
1 $1,565
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