Uganda's wild and rugged Rwenzori mountain range

Climber ascencding Margherita Peak

Hunwick's Camp hut, Rwenzoris, Uganda

Summit of Margherita Peak

Landscape views as we approach our Bugata Campsite - Mountains of the Moon, Uganda

Landscape views as we approach our Bugata Campsite | Kenneth and David Morrison

Mountains of the Moon

Experience the wild beauty of the Rwenzori and stand atop one of Africa’s great peaks.

Uganda



5 reviews

13 Days from

Trip Code: RWE

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

13 Days

Activities

10 day trek

Accommodation

3 nights hotel
9 nights permanent camp

Meals

10 Dinners
11 Lunches
12 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks
This adventure is classed as an expedition. It involves extreme trekking and/or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is essential before choosing this trek, and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Trekking up to the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains, which is Margherita Peak at 5109 metres, is tough and challenging and will require peak physical fitness. Climbing this peak is more technical due to the ever increasing number of crevasses and exposed slippery rocks, and the more difficult terrain covered in snow and ice, making summiting a challenge. However the final ascent to the actual peak is more of a hard scramble than a climb. Whilst prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary, you should have technical climbing experience to prepare for the Summit Day; i.e knowledge of ropes and use of crampons, ascenders and figure 8's to belay, and knowledge of how to use an ice axe is advisable as there are sections of 60% steepness of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic instruction is given by our mountaineering guides. The rewards and exhilaration of reaching the summit is next to none, and our trained competent guides will guide you safely to Margherita Peak.
8 / 10
Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks

Technical Grading: Basic

Carbon Footprint

40kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(476kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Summit Africa’s third-highest peak, Margherita (5109m/16,763ft), for jaw-dropping views across Uganda and the Congo
Trek through the UNESCO-listed Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary source of the Nile
Journey along the scenic Kilembe Trail, crossing remote alpine valleys and glaciers
Stay in remote high camps surrounded by misty ridges, alpine lakes and moss covered rock formations
Discover rare alpine plant life - giant lobelia, groundsels and lichen draped heather trees

Overview

Venture deep into Uganda’s remote Rwenzori Mountains, one of Africa’s most captivating and little-visited high altitude regions. Known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzoris are home to Africa’s third highest peak, mist-filled valleys and a dazzling variety of plant life found nowhere else on the continent.

This challenging ascent takes you through the contrasts of tropical rainforest, boggy moorlands and craggy summits. Our route follows the Kilembe Trail, widely regarded as the most scenic and ecologically rich path through the range. Along the way, you'll pass groves of giant lobelia and cactus-like groundsels, forests of lichen-draped heather trees, and moss-covered ridgelines.

The highlight of the expedition is the summit of Margherita Peak (5,109m/16,763ft), the highest point on Mount Stanley and the third highest peak in Africa. Named in honour of Queen Margherita of Italy after the 1906 expedition led by Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of the Abruzzi, the first European to reach the summit, this glacier-capped peak is a rare achievement. The final summit push involves crossing the Stanley Glacier using ropes, harnesses and crampons. While technically moderate, the terrain is demanding and the conditions are variable - but the reward is immense: sweeping views across the Congo, Lake George and the surrounding Rwenzori range.

This is more than just a climb, it’s a journey through a mountain ecosystem unlike any other, passing high altitude lakes and staying in remote camps nestled in otherworldly landscapes. Throughout the journey, you’ll be guided by experienced Rwenzori mountain guides and rangers, and supported by a dedicated team committed to safety, service and sustainable travel.

A rare opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Rwenzori and stand atop one of Africa’s great peaks.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel in Kampala (approx 40 mins) for overnight accommodation. There will be a briefing with our guide before dinner. (Please note: there will be one guide for Kampala and Fort Portal, who does not trek with us. We will meet our mountain guide on Day 3 at the trek start point). Overnight: Latitude 0 Degrees (or similar)

Meals: D

This morning we will meet our local guide at the hotel for the transfer to Fort Portal (about 5-6 hrs drive, depending on road conditions). The remainder of today is for relaxing and making final preparations. Overnight: Fort Motel (or similar)

Meals: B,L

This morning at approx 7.00am, we will transfer (approx 2 hrs drive) from Fort Portal to the trek start point at Kyanjuki (1450m), near the town of Kilembe. Here we will meet our mountain guide and have a full trek briefing. After a short walk of 2.2km (about 1 hr) we will reach the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger post (1727m). There are some more formalities here before we really commence our trek. It is mandatory to be accompanied by a park ranger as well as a mountain guide for the duration of the trek. As we leave the ranger post the path winds through tall grassland and ferns, giving way to magnificent pristine forests. The forests are pristine and harbour a wide variety of trees and plants. Many species of birds can be heard and seen in this rich environment. The first few kilometres climb steadily, crossing several small streams and rivers. There are then a couple of trail options to reach tonight's camp and our trek guide will advise which is best, depending on local conditions on the day. One option is to start climbing and go up along a ridge. The trees here become taller and straighter and are home to many types of primates. It may be possible to see chimpanzee, troupes of black and white Colobus Monkeys and Blue Monkeys as they dash through the trees. The other option stays a bit lower, also through the same pristine forest with lichen-covered vines, and skirts the contours before a final steep pinch to the camp. For either option we will stop for lunch along the way. Sine Camp is our overnight stop (2596m) and the wooden hut here is set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge. It has a large verandah where we can sit and enjoy the beauty of the Afro Montane forest while overlooking the fantastic Enock's Falls just 200m from the hut. Sine is just below the Bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species. (NOTE: trek times throughout this document are approximate only; actual times will vary according to trail and weather conditions and group fitness)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast today's trek begins with a steep climb and many high steps into the Bamboo Zone. In the wet season the bamboo area is muddy and slippery making the going slow. Your gaiters will come in handy here or you may even like to wear your rubber/gum boots. Occasionally unwary trekkers have sunk up to their knees. The atmosphere of the forest is beautiful as we climb 551m and approx 1.8km to Kalalama Camp (3147m). In the Heather-Rapanea Zone we can take a rest and a quick hot drink here before continuing towards Mutinda Camp, which is our final destination today. The trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge then drops down the side of a valley before climbing again, crossing several small streams and passing close to moss covered waterfalls. We then climb steadily beside a beautiful mossy river which tumbles over rocks under Giant Heather trees whose branches are covered in "old man beards" (Usnea Lichen). The trail twists and turns as we climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. Finally we reach Mutinda Camp (3688m) which is set near a small river flowing over a waterfall. There is a chance to wash and refresh in the river (warning - it's cold) and then relax or alternatively climb to the top of Mutinda Lookout (one and a half hours up; one hour down) The view is amazing at 3975m with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town and Lake George.

Meals: B,L,D

Today, as we climb steadily higher, we will enter the Alpine Zone. The trail this morning is again boggy, but with a little skill we can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We cross the Mutinda Valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interpersed with many Giant Lobelias before we climb a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840m), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is a wide valley with many ups and downs and several peat sections. The trail then climbs steadily to Bugata Camp (formerly known as Camp 3) at 4,062m. Bugata Camp is situated part way up Bamwanjara Pass, high above Bugata Lake, with views across Lake Kopello to the often snow-covered Weismann's Peak. There are also spectacular views down the valley over Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp from whence we came. There are a many Red Forest Duiker which are endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. In the past they have been very hard to see due to the thick vegetation but since a wild fire that burnt a large section of the Alpine Zone, they are now more easily seen in the new shorter growth. Bugata Camp has good facilities with solar lights, toilets and bathrooms (cold water). Bugata also has a heli pad for emergencies only.

Meals: B,L,D

Going steadily up again to start the day, we climb towards Bamwanjara Pass. The area is covered by everlasting flowers and Giant groundsel with tussock marshland typical of the region. Giant Lobelia are again seen here, its nectar being the main food source of the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, another species endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. As we climb we can look back to see many glacial lakes far below. At the top of Bamwanjara Pass (4450m) there is a small shelter where we can rest while enjoying the superb views of all the main peaks: Mt Stanley, Mt Speke and Mt Baker. We can also see McConnell’s Prong named after a British explorer and geologist. The view is truly spectacular. From the Pass we descend steeply to Kachope Lakes. The trail is often very muddy but affords fantastic views of the lakes and McConnell's Prong. The Kachope Lakes area is one of only three areas where, on a misty day, it is possible to catch a rare glimpse of the Rwenzori leopard. Little research has been done on this animal and it is rarer than the snow leopard of the Himalaya. After passing Kachope Lakes we climb to Hunwick's Camp (formerly Camp 4) at 3974m where we overnight. The camp is set on a ridge high above Butawu River and has excellent views of the snow capped Mt Baker.

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a relatively easy walk past Kitandara Lakes with an enjoyable climb through Scott Elliott Pass (4335m) to our base at Margherita Camp (formerly Camp 5) (4460m). The camp is below historic Elena Hut and is sheltered with a ring of high rocks from the original camp used by the Italian Prince Luigi Amadeo di Savoia, Duke of the Abruzzi, who lead an expedition in 1906 of biologists, surveyors, a geologist and a photographer. The team opened a new chapter in mountaineering and exploration in Africa and some of the peaks still have the names, which the Duke chose to honor the Italian Kingdom and Queen Margherita. The camp is in a flat sheltered position suited to attempting a good sleep before climbing any of the peaks on the Mt Stanley range including Margherita Peak. There are more great views, this time of Mt Baker, Scott Elliot Pass and some of the high glaciers on Mt Stanley.

Meals: B,L,D

We wake very early (between 1:00 - 2:00 am), have a hot drink and a light, high energy snack before setting off. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Elena Hut (4540m) which we bypass on the way to the peaks. After Elena the climb is steep and can be tricky if covered in ice but is firm underfoot as the trail is on hard rock. Margherita Peak is a technical summit and we will use ropes, harnesses, carabiners, ice axe, helmets, ice screws, figure 8's, ascenders and slings. At the edge of the glacier (4765m) we will need to put on crampons and harnesses and walk at set distances apart. There are not many crevices but it is important here to follow instructions from the guide closely. The scenery is spectacular as the sun begins to peep over the horizon near the upper areas of the glacier, affording fabulous photographs of the sun-tipped main peaks - Alexandra and Margherita. The climb down to Margherita glacier can be challenging. A new fixed static rope has recently been installed with bolts every two metres leading down a ledge to the top of a six-metre aluminum ladder. This route is much safer than the original ladders and we can attach to the fixed static rope with twin lanyards from our harness. It is not classed as a technical climb and it is straightforward in dry conditions. The climb up Margherita glacier is steep with the first part around 30 degrees gradient. The toe of the glacier is much steeper and does require some effort. Generally we walk across the newly exposed rocks to the other side of the glacier where it is less steep. Near the top of the glacier we then need to climb around an exposed section, which is also bolted and roped, before following the ridge running to the top of Margherita Peak. The exhilaration of reaching the top (5109m) is enormous as we look across Albert Peak to the Democratic Republic of Congo then east across a huge expanse of the Rwenzori Mountains. After enjoying the scenery we then descend directly to Hunwick's Camp. Approx Walking Distance/Time: 12.7 km; Ascent 624m / Descent 1134m; 11-13 hrs. (Note that in the case of bad weather, it may be necessary to stay in Margherita Camp again instead of going lower to Hunwick's Camp. On the following day it will then be necessary to pass Hunwick's Camp and continue to Bugata Camp).

Meals: B,L,D

After a big day yesterday, a late breakfast (8.30am) is in order before starting on the trail by 9:00am. We retrace our steps over Bamwanjara Pass - a steep pinch at this stage of the trek. While crossing the pass we may see hyrax warming themselves on the rocks in the midday sun. Their main predator is the Rwenzori Leopard which is rarely seen, especially on a sunny day. The leopard has been heavily poached in the past and there are few left however, on a rare occasion on a misty or overcast day, we may be lucky to catch a fleeting glimpse as they move between the rocks. Once over the pass, we drop down to Bugata Camp again (4062m) for overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

We will take a different route to that of our ascent, from Bugata to the base of the mountain which will make for some variety on our return walk. We will set off around Lake Bugata and the tributary of Kopello Lake then climb 200 metres to the confluence of the Namusangi and Nyamwamba Valleys. As we descend the upper areas of the Nyamwamba Valley, beneath the rocky Observation Peak and others, there is a large area of thick Giant Groundsel with dense evergreen undergrowth and moss. The terrain in the valley is made up of several flat, boggy areas where millions of years ago glaciers melted, leaving a wall of big rocks as a reminder of the power of Nature. The valley is home to many Red Forest Duiker and we may be see some as we pass through. Tonight we will stay at Kiharo Camp (3518m), an area rich in evergreen plants and babbling streams. At night the air is filled with the calls of the rock hyrax as they sit in the cliffs high above.

Meals: B,L,D

We wake this morning to the shrill calls of the Rwenzori Turaco and other birds. After a hearty breakfast we commence walking down the valley accompanied by many species of birds diving in and out of the thick vegetation. Chameleons are a common sight as they crawl along the branches feeding on insects. In the clearer areas we may catch a glimpse of a Duiker quietly feeding amongst the Giant Lobellias and a variety of flowering plants. After descending a short way we climb two hundred metres to a ridge overlooking the valley before crossing several smaller valleys and streams to Kyalavula, which means "view or lookout' in the local Bakonzo language. From here there are beautiful views across to Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is not too far from here to Samalira Camp (3170m) where we stay tonight. The camp is situated in a closed valley at the top of several waterfalls and is a lovely place to spend our last night on the mountain.

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day of trekking takes us down a long ridge through the bamboo forests and the afro montane forests back to the UWA Ranger Post. Some fast walkers have descended to the rangers post by midday however the majority of people arrive at the rangers post around 1pm. After debriefing, we sign off and walk the remaining 2.2km to our start point, weary but exhilarated. We can rest and reflect on our achievements as our vehicle transfers us to Fort Portal for a welcome shower, bed and clean clothes. Overnight: Fort Motel (or similar)

Meals: B,L

Today we will return to Kampala by road where our trip concludes on arrival at Entebbe airport late in the afternoon. There is no accommodation booked for tonight. Please ask your consultant if you would like post-tour accommodation and we will be happy to arrange it (additional cost applies). There are many options near the airport in the Entebbe suburb or in Kampala city proper. Please do not book departure flights before 5:00pm as it may not be possible to transfer you to Entebbe Airport in time to meet flights prior to this, alternately an internal morning flight (additional cost applies) may allow for departure flights before this time.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

18 scheduled departures between 5 Dec 2026 and 18 Dec 2027.

Departs 5 Dec 2026 – ends 17 Dec 2026 (13 days)
Departs 19 Dec 2026 – ends 31 Dec 2026 (13 days)
Departs 2 Jan 2027 – ends 14 Jan 2027 (13 days)
Departs 16 Jan 2027 – ends 28 Jan 2027 (13 days)
Departs 7 Feb 2027 – ends 19 Feb 2027 (13 days)
Departs 20 Feb 2027 – ends 4 Mar 2027 (13 days)
… and 12 more departures.

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners
3 nights in good quality hotels on a twinshare basis
9 nights fully supported camping in permanent camps on a multishare basis with camp bed and mattress
Group camping equipment (sleeping bag not included)
Group climbing gear (includes ropes, crampons, harness and ice axe)
Airport transfers (day 1 and 13 only)
English speaking local guide *Rwenzori Mountain Guide and park ranger
Experienced local guides, cook and camp crew
Porters to carry personal and group equipment
Rwenzori trekking permits and mountain rescue fees valued at US$350
Private transport

Not included

Flights
travel insurance (compulsory and must include mountaineering insurance for summit day)
Visa
Sleeping bags
Drinks including bottled water and alcohol
Items of a personal nature
Tips

Video

Mountains of the Moon, Uganda | Webinar Replay with Tim Macartney-Snape | World Expeditions

Reviews (5)



Excellent adventure tour in Uganda, great tour guides and great experience. Tough hike with spectacular scenery, well worth it!

Lachlan Baird|Carnegie, VIC Australia

7 Jun 2023



Mountains of the Moon was an unforgettable trek with spectacular scenery. We virtually had the whole Rwenzori Mountains to ourselves - an undiscovered gem, particularly while the glaciers are still there. Everyone found it very challenging, but the guides and porters were superb. Excellent organisation locally. A lot of driving to see the gorillas afterwards, but well worth it.

John Forwood|Surrey Hills, VIC Australia

30 May 2023



The Rwenzori Mountains are a deeply surreal place, home to the highest mountain range and only year round snow in Africa, despite lying close to the equator on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a tough but rewarding place to hike, with the seemingly endless mud and high altitude (often over 4,000m above sea level) offset by incredibly diverse landscapes and flora. They are one of the best kept secrets in hiking, with less than 1,000 people a year exploring one of the most varied environments on the planet, with rainforest, bamboo forest, surreal sub-alpine and alpine zones, lakes, glaciers, and the third highest peak in Africa, Mt Stanley, at 5,109m. While the hiking may be tough, the organisation wasn't, with World Expeditions providing great support, and they have an excellent local partner. This ten day itinerary is better than the usual seven day itinerary as it allows for a rest after climbing Margherita Peak, and a longer, more enjoyable return to camp at the end of the trip.

J. Crane|Auckland NZ

2 Mar 2020



In a word it was fantastic and totally successful. David and I joined with three other clients at Entebbe where we were met by Remi as planned and everything continued to run smoothly from there on. The five of us got on well together and being a small group with similar levels of fitness and lack of mountaineering experience was a definite advantage, especially on summit day when it was handy having four guides to coach the five of us on the ice sections. The nine days of trekking and the summit day were all great and as tough as I expected. Lots of mud, steep, slippery terrain and some rain every day (but much of it at night, so not a huge problem). Summit day was a great adventure and pretty strenuous, but with the help of the guides on the tricky parts (icy rock scree before daylight and Margherita Glacier mainly) we all got to the summit and back to Margherita Hut within 10 hours. I always enjoy a cup of tea but the first one back at the hut was special! So was the snooze that followed shortly. There was no way any of us were going to pack up and walk out to Camp 4 that day, so we negotiated a change to the program which worked out really well. For me, the landscape, geology and vegetation within the National Park were almost, well almost, as impressive as the summit experience. The guides; Enoch, Jack, Richard and Ezeah were brilliant, as were the camp crew and porters. The stamina, skill and friendly but professional attitude under all conditions of the guides was humbling really, and they must have thought at times what a bunch of soft weaklings we were. We had no complaints, no clashes amongst ourselves and no mood swings etc, and we paid them a good tip. A few of the usual gastro and altitude problems but they were all kept under control with various pills. Fortunately we were all able to keep smiling when feeling uncomfortable or slipping in the mud and I think that makes a lot of difference as people become tired and stressed. The camp huts and food and hotels at Kampala and Kasese were all good and the flight back from Kasese to Entebbe was a great way to see Uganda from above, and took the stress out of the departure timing. Thank you and WEX for the thorough pre-departure organisation and communication which went a long way towards making our trip successful.

K. Morrison|Tasmania

5 Sep 2017



Sam Kyriacou|Malvern, VIC Australia

30 May 2023

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With Us Wildlife Safari Safety

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

We've been guiding people along the paths less travelled since 1975.
Cook and full camp crew and porters for fresh meals and daily support.
All trekking permits and park fees included.
Expert Rwenzori mountain guides and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Guaranteeing A Great Uganda Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Mountains of the Moon

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?