To the roof of Uganda Journey of this 7-day trek, summiting Margherita Peak (5,109m) on day 5. An epic trek across lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain passes; climbing ever-skyward towards the Rwenzori’s icy peaks. Allied car safaris are read to guide through magnificent adventure.
Day 1: The Adventure Begins!
Start the adventure walking up the valley and through the lush Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is to look for a steady climb teeming including groups of Colobus and L’Hoest monkeys.
Immerse yourself among the flora in the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone and begin to navigate the much steeper climb that reaches Kalalama Camp (3,147 metres). Now in the serene forest of the Heather-Rapanea Zone, keep an eye out for the beautifully vibrant Rwenzori Turaco bird – a must-spot for avid birdwatchers!
Day 2: Kalalama Camp to Bugata Camp
Bypassing Mutinda Camp and continuing up to Bugata Camp (4,100 metres), the trail goes through the grassy knolls of the ridge, down via the serene valley before climbing back up again. This route takes us over the trickling streams and closer to the beautiful photo opportunity of beautiful moss-covered waterfalls.
Step over boardwalks in the boggier areas among the Heather trees, cross the Mutinda Valley – rich with fantastic flowers and Giant Lobelias – before the steep climb up to Namusangi Valley (3,840 metres). This vantage point offers stunning views of the Mutinda Peaks and reaches up steadily to Bugata Camp (4,062 metres), situated high up in Bamwanjara Pass overlooking Bugata Lake and Lake Kopello.
The camp also offers views of Weismann’s Peak which is often covered with snow and the chance to spot the Red Forest Duiker, a sub-species of antelope is only found here in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 3: Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp
Depart from Bugata Camp and pass through a ridge before ascending to Bamwanjarra (4,450 metres). There are excellent views of the three main peaks of the mountains on a clear day.
The trail navigates through some steep sections before a steady climb up and over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp, situated on the top of a deep valley. This spot boasts views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 4: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp.
From Hunwick’s Camp, cross the valley floor to Lake Kitendara, with stunning deep waters and beautiful flora.
From here you’ll climb up Scott Elliott’s then along the ridge to Margherita Camp (4,485 metres), situated between impressive rock formations that offer some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.
Day 5: Mt. Stanley
Start the day off early by climbing Mt. Stanley, For those clients with less mountaineering experience, The allied car safaris suggest that you stay on Stanley glacier and climb up to a good vantage point on a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak and enjoy the fantastic views over Congo and the lower mountain ridges.
After ascending the peak (5,109 metres) pass directly back downwards to Hunwick’s Camp at (3,874 metres).
Day 6: Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp
After Hunwick’s Camp, start the day by climbing up towards McConnell’s Prong where the best views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass before reaching Oliver’s Pass (4,505 metres). The trail then cuts back below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River which flows down through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Those who wish to climb Weismann’s Peak (4,620 metres) from Oliver’s pass have the chance to do so here, if the day id clear, the impressive views of the surrounding mountains that are not to be missed are there!
After crossing the confluence of the river, the trail leads down to Kiharo Camp, situated in a deep and serene valley with high cliffs and lush vegetation.
Day 7: DEPARTURE
Take the drow downhill to the Nyamwamba Valley, having in the beautiful and unique views of the wildlife. The cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and rich forests are among the best the Rwenzori Mountains has to offer.
A few kilometers from Kiharo Camp, the path turns to pass along the river. In some areas, visitors may get the chance to catch another glimpse of the Duiker quietly feeding in small clearings.
Following a narrow ridge to bypass steep sections, meet the river again and rest a while beneath natural rock shelter. After crossing a small stream, climb up a gentle slope before coming back down to the river to avoid the impassable waterfalls. This section of forest at the end of the trail are magnificent and full of life – overflowing with birds, primates, Duikers and Hyrax.
