Explore the beauty of western Uganda on this 7-Day Mt Stanley Trek in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This Adventure is designed to showcase the best of the mystical Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site.

Please note that the total trip length is 11 Days / 10 Nights

You'll have 7 Days / 6 Nights trekking through the 5 distinct climatic zones of the Rwenzori, taking in the epic scenery and challenging yourself with a summit of Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mt Stanley, the highest peak in Uganda and the third highest peak on the African continent.

Adventure Highlights include:

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe - meet the team. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2 – Drive to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 3 – Relaxation, acclimatisation and kit check in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 4 – Begin Trek from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp

Day 5 – Trek from Nyabitaba Camp to John Matte Camp

Day 6 – Trek from John Matte Camp to Bujuku Camp

Day 7 – Trek from Bujuku Camp to Elena Camp

Day 8 – Trek from Elena Camp to Summit of Margherita Peak and back to Elena Camp

Day 9 – Trek from Elena Camp to Guy Yeoman Camp

Day 10 – Finish Trek from Guy Yeoman Camp via Nyabitaba Camp to Nyakalengija

Day 11 – Return drive to Entebbe for onward journey and/or accommodation.

This Adventure requires a high level of physical fitness and mental resilience. It's open to individuals in very good physical condition and with some previous high-altitude trekking experience, ideally above 4,000m asl.

This is a Full-Board Adventure, which means you don't need to worry about your daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), your lodge accommodation before or after the trek, hut accommodation whilst in the National Park, transportation or National Park permits - we'll handle it all. 

More details on our website: Wildlife Adventure Safaris

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), you'll be warmly greeted by your Wildlife Adventure Safaris Team.

From here you'll be transferred to your local hotel accommodation to rest, relax and get the chance to chat to your fellow Adventurers about the upcoming days.

Meal Plan: 

Dinner at the lodge

Accommodation: 

2 Friends Beach Hotel - Entebbe

After breakfast you'll make the scenic drive west from Entebbe to Rwenzori Mountains National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's quite a long drive (8.5 hrs) but you'll be very comfortable and you'll stop for lunch on the way - make sure you pack a good book!

On arrival at the lodge, you'll have time to settle in, relax and take in your new surroundings. Take a walk down to the mighty Mubuku River or kick-back on a hammock in the bar area. You'll be in your own private room for the next two nights, so make the most of it!

Meal Plan: 

Breakfast at the lodge

Lunch en route

Dinner at the lodge

Accommodation: 

Snow Heights Lodge

After your breakfast, you'll receive a quick brief from the guide team about what to expect from the day. Relaxing and hydrating are your top priorities!

You'll have the opportunity for a short walk down to Tom's Green Coffee to learn more about how coffee makes it from being a seed into being in your cup or you can choose to relax around the grounds of the lodge.

After lunch there'll be a brief individual kit check to ensure that everyone has the correct items for the upcoming 7 Days. After that, you'll have yet more time to hydrate and acclimatise to being at approx 1,600m.

A delicious dinner will be served by the wonderful staff at Snow Heights Lodge and then you'll have the rest of the evening at your leisure ahead of an early start on Day 4 - the first day of the trek!

Meal Plan:

Breakfast at the lodge

Lunch at the lodge

Dinner at the lodge

Accommodation: 

Snow Heights Lodge

After a relatively early breakfast, you'll be transported to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) headquarters, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing, meet your local team of guides, cook, and porters.

After a final kit check, you'll be transferred to the Main Gate of the National Park at Nyakalengija (1,650m) to start your trek.

The trail initially ascends through lush rainforest along the Mahoma River, leading you to your first mountain camp - Nyabitaba (2,650m). Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, the vibrant Rwenzori turaco and the three-horned chameleon!

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: ~1,000m

• Approx. Distance: 6.5 km

• Hiking Time: 4-6 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Huts - Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m)

From Nyabitaba (2,650m), the trail descends to cross the Kurt-Shafer Bridge at the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. The path then climbs through a bamboo forest before presenting a challenging scramble over moss-covered rocks.

From the Nyamileju rock shelter, you may get your first views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke before entering the otherworldly zone of giant heather, lobelias, and groundsels. After a final push through a bog, you'll reach John Matte Camp (3,505m).

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: ~905m

• Approx. Distance: 8.5 km

• Hiking Time: ~5.5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Huts - John Matte Camp (3,505m)

Today's trail leads down to the Bujuku River and into the Lower Bigo Bog, home to giant lobelias. Crossing the bog is a classic Rwenzori experience - we'll aim to keep our feet dry but be prepared for a slight sample of the cool water as you navigate this unique landscape.

The trail continues along the Bujuku River, offering incredible views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. Bujuku Camp (3,900m) is wonderfully situated in a valley shadowed by these magnificent peaks. A stunning location to rest and take on some well-earned food!

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: ~495m

• Approx. Distance: 6.5 km

• Hiking Time: ~4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Huts - Bujuku Camp (3,900m)

A short but steep hiking day takes you up the slopes west of Lake Bujuku and through the mystical "Groundsel Gully." The trail involves scrambling over large boulders as you ascend towards Elena Camp (4,541m), your base camp for the summit attempt on Margherita Peak.

You'll arrive around noon, leaving the afternoon to have a hardy lunch, to rest and to prepare for the upcoming summit attempt.

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: ~641m

• Approx. Distance: 3 km

• Hiking Time: ~3 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Huts - Elena Camp (4,541m)

You'll begin your ascent to Margherita Glacier pre-dawn. The route will take you up fixed ropes and across exposed boulders and various snow fields. Once at the base of the glacier you'll put on your technical equipment (crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe) - ready for the final push to the summit.

Roped together with your guides, you will cross the glacier. The final push involves a short, exposed rock scramble to reach the summit of Margherita Peak (5,109m) - the highest point in Uganda and the 3rd highest summit in Africa.

After celebrating this incredible achievement, you will carefully descend via the same route back to Elena Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: 568m

• Total Descent: 568m

• Approx. Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: ~8-10 hrs (round trip)

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Huts - Elena Camp (4,541m)

The day begins with a descent through the scenic Scott-Elliot Pass to the Kitandara Lakes. After a short snack/water break, you'll climb a steep rock wall on the southern side of Mount Baker to reach Freshfield Pass (4,280m).

From here, enjoy stunning views in to the Democratic Republic of Congo. A long descent follows, passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter, before navigating muddy sections to reach the beautiful Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m).

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: ~255m

• Total Descent: ~1,290m

• Approx. Distance: 8 km

• Hiking Time: ~7 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Huts - Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m)

After an early breakfast, you'll begin the final, long descent. Starting your day as the sun rises over the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, you'll long remember the magical feeling of this hike to the National Park gate.

The trail drops steeply from Guy Yeoman Camp through bamboo forests and past the Kichuchu cliffs. You'll stop for lunch at Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m) before continuing down to the National Park gate at Nyakalengija (1,650m).

Once back at the National Park gate you'll have an opportunity to thank your team and then be met by your transportation which will transfer you back to the Snow Heights Lodge. With spirits high, there'll be a debrief and a celebratory drink with your trekking team, followed by a delicious dinner.

Hike Details:

• Total Ascent: Minimal

• Total Descent: ~1,855m

• Approx. Distance: 15 km

• Hiking Time: ~7 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on the trail. Dinner at the Lodge.

Accommodation: Private Room - Snow Heights Lodge

Today, you will be driven back to Entebbe for your departing flight or to continue your time in Uganda. The drive from Rwenzori Mountains National Park to Entebbe will take approx 8.5 hrs.

On arrival in Entebbe and depending on the timing of your international flight, there will be an opportunity for a final dinner (at your own expense) before you are transferred to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your departing flight.

Optional Extension: Your journey can be extended to include a Wildlife Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park and/or Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Please inquire if interested.

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner is Own Arrangement.