Why You Should Trek Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains

If you’ve already trekked to Everest Base Camp or climbed Kilimanjaro, you may be wondering: what’s next?

Enter the Rwenzori Mountains trek - a challenging, remote and utterly unique expedition through some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes in Africa. Tucked away in western Uganda, this multi-day adventure takes you through jungle, bog, alpine valleys and glaciers to the top of Margherita Peak (5109m), the third-highest summit on the continent.

Unlike more popular trails like the Inca Trail or Nepal’s classic circuits, the Rwenzori Mountains trek offers a rare combination of solitude, technical challenge and astonishing biodiversity - with a fraction of the foot traffic.

A summit with substance

The Margherita Peak climb is a true achievement. You’ll use ropes, harnesses and crampons to cross the glacier and navigate rocky ridgelines - all with expert local guides by your side. It’s physically demanding, but with our carefully structured itinerary and acclimatisation, it’s a realistic and highly rewarding goal for fit trekkers.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching into the Congo and across the cloud-capped Rwenzori range - an unforgettable moment that few others ever experience.

Trekking through five distinct ecological zones

Part of what makes this trekking in Uganda experience so special is the sheer variety of terrain. You’ll begin in rainforest filled with birds and primates, move through bamboo and moss-draped cloud forest, and emerge into otherworldly alpine bogs where giant lobelias and groundsel dominate the landscape.

Each day of the Rwenzori Mountains hike feels like entering a new world – all within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Fewer crowds, more wilderness

While thousands tackle Everest and Kilimanjaro each year, the Mountains of the Moon Uganda remain blissfully off the beaten path. Just a few hundred trekkers summit Margherita Peak annually, meaning you’ll often have the trail – and the views – to yourself.

This is real wilderness trekking, with remote campsites, wild scenery, and a deep sense of solitude that’s increasingly rare in high-altitude trekking.

Safe, supported and all-inclusive

This is not a tourist trail – it’s a physically demanding trek that includes glacier travel, steep climbs and unpredictable weather. But with World Expeditions, you’re never alone. Our experienced mountain crew, park rangers and porters ensure a safe, well-supported journey.

We include all technical gear, meals on trek, and logistics, and we’ve carefully planned each day to help you acclimatise and achieve your goal. Our focus on responsible travel and safety means you can focus on the adventure.

Is the Rwenzori Mountains trek right for you?

If you’ve ticked off some of the big names and are looking for a more remote, challenging, and authentic mountain experience – this is it. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a fit adventurer seeking your first technical climb, this journey will push you, inspire you, and stay with you long after you descend.

Ready to take on the Rwenzori Mountains trek?
Step into one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring alpine regions and climb a summit that few will ever reach.

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