Mount Rwenzori’s highest peak

The highest summit of Mount Rwenzori, sometimes referred to as Margherita Peak, is 5109 meters high and covered in snow. Uganda’s highest mountain, Mount Rwenzori, also referred to as the “moon mountains,” is situated in the west of the nation. One of the activities accessible at the destination is hiking to the top of the mountain.

Visitors take day hikes near the summit and go on longer trips lasting nine to twelve days or longer to reach the summit of Mount Rwenzori via a variety of paths. These walks start in Kasese with an orientation at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park headquarters.

The climbs are guided by rangers, and along the way to the summit of Mount Rwenzori, one can witness a variety of sights, including different plant zones, animal and bird species, and more.

In addition to over 215 bird species, visitors can see primates such as olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys on excursions to the summit of Mount Rwenzori. Approximately seventy different species of animals call the mountain home; these can be observed during excursions of the region.

The treks from Margherita Top, which is atop Mount Stanley, wind through verdant woods and a variety of plant zones until arriving at the glaciers and the snow-capped summit of Mount Rwenzori, Africa’s third-highest peak.

On treks up Mount Rwenzori, hikers encounter glaciers, montane forest, moor, and bamboo as they near the summit. Although the journey to the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori is difficult, hikers with varying levels of skill can accomplish it while visiting Uganda. Situated on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is this summit atop Mount Rwenzori.

Mount Speke (4890 meters), Mount Emin (4791 meters), Mount Gessi (4715 meters), and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4627 meters) are the other summits of Mount Rwenzori. When organizing trips to Margherita Peak, travelers have the option of going on solo hikes or joining a group to summit Mount Rwenzori.

Good hiking shoes, long shirts and pants, waterproof jackets, gaiters, ponchos, warm gloves, bug repellent, first aid kit, sleeping bags, day packs, cameras, and personal things are among the items you need pack for the ascent to Mount Rwenzori’s highest summit.

Fees for park entrance at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Park admission fees are paid by trekkers on Mount Rwenzori and are covered in the total trip cost. Foreign non-residents must pay USD 35 per person for park admission during climbs on Mount Rwenzori. East Africans must pay 15,000 Uganda Shillings to enter the national park, while foreign visitors must pay a price of $25.

Hiking trips to Mount Rwenzori are associated with numerous additional costs, including as guide fees, camping fees, porter fees, and chef or cook expenses. The operator that arranges the mountain trek sets the total cost of the trip.

Paths for hiking on Mount Rwenzori

The three hiking trails that go to the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori are the Central Circuit Trail, the Kilembe Trail, and the Bukurungu Trail.

The Central Circuit Trail 

A well-traveled route to the summit of Mount Rwenzori is the Central Circuit Trail.

Reaching the pinnacle of Mount Rwenzori and returning takes about 7 to 8 days if one climbs the core circuit way.

After receiving a briefing at Nyakalengija, tourists can hike to the Margherita top and back from Kasese. The journey begins at Nyakalengija and ends at Nyabitaba lodge on the first day. From Nyabitaba Hut, the walk continues to John Matte Hut.

The hikers go to Bujuku Hut, Elena Hut, Margherita Peak, Kitandara Hut, Guy Yeoman Hut, Nyabitaba Hut, and Nyakalengija after reaching John Matte Hut.

Kilembe Trail It takes around seven days to hike to and from the summit of Mount Rwenzori using the Kilembe trail.

The Kilembe trek starts from Kilembe Hut and goes to Kalalama Camp, Mutinda Camp, Bugata Camp, Hunwick’s Camp, Margherita Peak, Hunwick Camp, and back to the ranger station. It is situated on the southern route of Mount Rwenzori.

The Bukurungu Path

The Bukurungu trail returns to the park headquarters after connecting the campgrounds at Rwigho, Kambeho, Mughuli, and Lake Bukurungu.

It takes six to seven days to hike this path, making it one of the less well-known hikes on Mount Rwenzori.

In addition to climbing, other things to do in the vicinity of Mount Rwenzori include cultural excursions that involve meeting local tribes, including the Bakonzo, who live in the foothills of the highlands, and guided nature walks.

During Uganda tours, hiking to the top of Mount Rwenzori can be done at any time of year, but the best months to do so are June, July, August, September, and October, as well as December, January, and February during the dry season, when it is simpler to navigate the paths and reach the summit.

Hikers can ascend Mount Rwenzori and avoid the throng by using one of the many hiking pathways that lead to the summit during the wet season.

Directions to Mount Rwenzori

There are two routes to get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park: Kampala-FortPortal-Kasese and Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese.

Flying from Entebbe International Airport to the Kasese airstrip and then continuing to the park headquarters is another way for tourists to reach Mount Rwenzori.