Day 1: Hike to Sine Camp 2596metres
The trek begins at Trekkers (1,450m), ascending through the Afro-Montane Forest to Sine Hut (2,596m), with a height gain of 1,146m. Fit hikers can continue to Kalalama Camp (3,134m) for more time at Mutinda Camp (3,975m). The trail passes through lush forests filled with diverse plant life, colorful fungi, and moss-covered vines, offering chances to spot blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and even hear wild chimpanzees.
Sine Camp, set among tall trees, offers stunning views of a waterfall crashing below, while nearby Enock’s Falls provides a perfect photo opportunity. Hikers can relax by a campfire, enjoy birdwatching, or chat with guides about local culture and the mountains.
Height gain: 1,146m
Distance: 9.5km
Approximate hours: 5 to 7 hours
Day 2: Hike to Mutinda Camp 3588meters.
The trek starts at 8:30 AM, immediately entering the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, a steep and sometimes muddy climb, especially in the wet season. After ascending 551m over 1.8km, hikers reach Kalalama Camp (3,147m) in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where they can take a short break with tea or coffee.
The trail then winds over ridges, crosses small streams, and passes moss-covered waterfalls before following a scenic mossy river beneath Giant Heather trees draped in Usnea lichen. The valley, often misty, is filled with unique plant life, creating a magical atmosphere.
In the afternoon, hikers can climb Mutinda Lookout (3,925m) for breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George. This climb is also great for acclimatization before summiting Margherita Peak. The day ends at Mutinda Camp (3,582m) for an overnight stay.
Height gain:992m
Distance:6.1km
Approximate hours: 5 to 7
Day 3: Hike to Bugata Camp 4100meters.
The trail to Bugata Camp (4,100m) is boggy, especially in the wet season, but skilled trekkers can navigate it by stepping on tussocks. The route crosses Mutinda Valley, passing through tussock grass, everlasting flowers, and Giant Lobelias, before a steep climb to Namusangi Valley (3,840m). This valley features sheer waterfalls and stunning views of Mutinda Peaks. The trek continues through rolling terrain with steady climbs, leading to Bugata Camp for the night.
Height gain: 474m
Distance: 8.6km
Approximate hours: 4 to 6
Day 4. Hike to Hunwicks Camp 3974metres.
The trek to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m) passes through Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450m), where a hut offers shelter in bad weather. On clear days, the pass provides stunning views of the three main Rwenzori peaks. The trail then descends through bogs, evergreen vegetation, and giant lobelias, a prime spot to observe the Malachite Sunbird. After some steep sections and a steady climb, hikers reach Hunwick’s Camp, perched above a deep valley with breathtaking views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Height gain:457m then sleep 87m lower.
Distance:8.3km
Approximate hours: 7 to 9
Day 5. Hike to Margherita camp 4485 metres.
From Hunwick’s Camp, the trail descends across the valley floor to the stunning Lake Kitandara, known for its deep waters and lush vegetation. Hikers then ascend Scott Elliott’s Pass before climbing up the ridge to Margherita Camp (4,485m), nestled among huge rocks that provide shelter from strong winds. This historic site was the camping spot of the Duke of Abruzzi during his 1906 ascent of Margherita Peak.
Height gain: 510m
Distance: 5.1km
Approximate hours: 4 to 6
Day 6. Summit Margherita peak 5109 metres.
Trekking to Mt. Stanley begins early at 2:30 AM after a quick breakfast, as weather conditions are unpredictable. Heavy clouds and snow often develop between 1 PM and 4 PM, and storms can arrive suddenly, especially in January and February. Due to these changing conditions, there’s a strict turnaround time of 10 AM for safety—if the peak isn’t reached by then, climbers must turn back.
Margherita Glacier has also been impacted by global warming, with receding edges and steep, dangerous sections, including a 200-meter stretch at a 60% grade. Caves have formed under the glacier ice, adding to the risk, so climbers must heed the guide’s advice on safe routes.
For those with less mountaineering experience, an alternative is to climb the Stanley Glacier and enjoy panoramic views from a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak. After reaching Margherita Peak (5,109m), the descent is directly to Hunwick’s Camp (3,874m).
Height gain: 624m then descend 1,134m
Distance: 3.8km to the top then 8.9km descent
Approximate hours: 4 to 6 top, 3 to 5 back to margherita and 3 to 4 to hunwicks
Day 7. Descend down to Kiharo Camp 3430metres.
The trek from Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp (11km) takes 4 to 7 hours, starting with a climb up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, offering the best views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass. The trail then ascends to Oliver’s Pass (4,505m), a 3km stretch from Hunwick’s Camp. After passing Weismann’s Peak and reaching the confluence of the Nyamwamba River, trekkers can opt to climb Weismann’s Peak (4,620m) for an additional $20, with stunning views of Margherita Peak, Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, and Mt. Baker.
The trail then descends through a valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation. Along the way, hikers will cross glacial moraines—ridges of rocks and debris left behind by slowly retreating glaciers. The journey ends at Kiharo Camp, nestled in the deep valley.
Height gain: climb 530m then descend 1075mDistance: 15.8km
Approximate hours: 9 to 12
Day 8. Descend down to the Basecamp 1450metres.
The trek from Kiharo Camp to the park gate (12.2km) and then to Trekkers Hostel (2.8km) takes 5 to 8 hours, so those with flight connections or onward travel need to depart early. The trail descends through the Nyamwamba Valley, offering stunning views of moss-covered rocks, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and forests, considered some of the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This route took six years to establish, and explorers like McConnell failed to find it in 1937.
A few kilometers from Kiharo Camp, the path veers right, following the river, where you might spot a Duiker feeding in clearings. In some sections, hikers can cross the river by hopping on rocks. As the trail steepens with multiple waterfalls, a narrow ridge bypasses these obstacles. After a rest at a rock shelter, the trail crosses a small stream, climbs a gentle slope, and descends again to avoid impassable waterfalls. The area is rich in wildlife, including birds, primates, duikers, and hyrax, offering a memorable and scenic end to the trek.
Height loss: 1,980m
Distance: 16km
Approximate hours: 7 to 8
WHAT TO PACK
In the day pack, take along water, camera, binoculars, rain pants and jacket at a
minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters until the end of your trek for that day