At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Uganda
From Price
$3,534 pp
Accommodation
Mid-Range
Meals
All meals included
Overview
Margherita Peak is Africa's third highest peak, however the real beauty is in the climb up the Kilembe route where the forest flora is diverse and the valleys a mass of ferns. The trees are alive with many species of birds and primates and, as you walk up the trail, you will see chimp nests high up in the tall trees. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the resident chimpanzee as they scamper away. Climbing Margherita Peak is more of a hard scramble than a climb, except for a few difficult moves and when it snows it is more difficult. However, the reward and exhilaration of reaching the top is enormous as you look across Albert Peak to the DRC (Congo) then east across the spectra of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Your Route
Parks & Reserves
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Uganda
The "Mountains of the Moon" — Africa's highest range of peaks outside the Rift
Hover over a card to locate on map
Signature Experiences
Highlights of This Journey
Summit Africa's Third Highest Peak
Challenge yourself to reach Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters on Mount Stanley, following the historic route of the Duke of Abruzzi from 1906 while navigating glaciers and alpine terrain.
Mystical "Mountains of the Moon" Experience
Trek through the legendary Rwenzori range with its otherworldly Afro-alpine vegetation, giant lobelias, groundsels, and moss-covered landscapes shrouded in mist and ancient mystery.
Diverse Ecosystem Exploration
Journey through five distinct vegetation zones from Afro-montane forest to alpine desert, encountering blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, rare L'Hoest monkeys, and possibly wild chimpanzees.
Stunning High
Altitude Lakes & Waterfalls - Discover pristine alpine Lake Kitendara, spectacular Enock's Falls, countless cascading waterfalls, and the breathtaking Nyamwamba Valley with its moss-covered rocks and deep gorges.
Glacial Adventure & Mountain Views
Experience equatorial glaciers on Stanley Glacier, cross high-altitude passes like Scott Elliott's and Oliver's Pass, and enjoy panoramic views across the Congo rainforests and Uganda's national parks.
Cultural Connection with Bukonzo Heritage
Learn about the sacred relationship between the Rwenzori Mountains and the Bukonzo people, including their cultural emblems and traditional reverence for these mystical peaks under their King Omusinga.
Wildlife
What You Might Encounter
Rwenzori Turaco
This endemic bird — found nowhere else — flashes brilliant crimson wings as it moves through the afromontane forest zones.
Black-and-White Colobus
Long-haired colobus monkeys are found at lower forest elevations, their dramatic capes visible in the canopy.
African Forest Buffalo
Small herds of forest buffalo graze the high-altitude moorlands between the tree heather zone and the glaciers.
Giant Lobelia & Groundsel
Not fauna, but unmissable — the Rwenzoris' alien landscape of giant lobelias and senecio trees is one of Africa's most otherworldly sights.
Ready to start planning your safari?
Rwenzori Hiking