Mount Stanley's Margherita Peak (5109 m)

Flights are not included in this trip, so you are responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from Uganda. The first day is unscheduled, allowing you to arrive at Entebbe Airport at your convenience. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be picked up and taken to our comfortable hotel, where we can relax after the long journey. Later, we will have a briefing with the local Norrøna Adventure guides to learn more about what lies ahead. In the evening, we will enjoy a group dinner and get to know each other better.

Our journey kicks off with an early morning departure from Entebbe, heading westward through Uganda’s vibrant capital, Kampala. As we leave the bustling city behind, we transition into the scenic countryside, passing rolling green hills, traditional villages, and vast tea and banana plantations. Along the way, we may make a few stops to stretch our legs, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ugandan coffee, and take in the beauty of the landscape. As we approach Kasese, the gateway to the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, the towering peaks begin to dominate the horizon, signaling the incredible adventure ahead. We settle into our comfortable lodge for the evening, where we can relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and prepare for the trekking experience to come. With the excitement building, we rest up for the challenges and breathtaking moments that await us in the Mountains of the Moon.

We start early from Kasese town, after going over the equipment we need for the hike. We travel to Mukorokumi (1560m) which is the starting point of the trek, and here we meet the mountain guides and porters who will be joining us on the trek towards Margherita Peak. Today we walk through coffee plantations, homesteads and schools, and meet the Bakonzo people who inhabit the Rwenzori Mountains. The trail heads west on a ridge overlooking the Kasuka and Isule valleys, then passes through rainforest overlooking bamboo forest-clad valleys. Along the way, we'll see rare and impressive plant species, and we might even see traces of chimpanzees. In the background we can hear the calls of black and white colubus monkeys and several exciting bird species.

After breakfast, the journey continues past heather trees with moss hanging from the branches, giving the forest a mystical feel. Today, we will also see, among other things, giant St. John’s wort, giant lobelia, and giant senecio – in general, the plant life in Rwenzori is often referred to as Africa's botanical big game. Along the way, we will have a warm lunch, and in the afternoon, we will arrive at Kambeho Camp, where we will overnight.

After breakfast, we begin our hike along the Lhume River, starting early in the morning when we're fresh and full of energy. The trail takes us to the steep Mughuli bypass, the only challenging section of the day. As we ascend, we’ll pass by Lake Mughuli. Along the way, there are several smaller peaks to explore, depending on your energy and timing. The lush vegetation surrounding the lake is truly captivating, offering stunning views. Keep an eye out for wildlife like the Rwenzori red-duiker, rock and tree hyrax, and wild pigs. Upon reaching Lamia Camp, you’ll have the option for a self-guided walk to explore nearby waterfalls. The trek from Kambeho to Lamia Camp takes approximately 6-7 hours, with a stop for a delicious hot lunch at the Mulhalhama resting viewpoint.

Today, we embark on a scenic hike toward Bukurungu Camp, located between the impressive Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi. This camp serves as an ideal place for us to acclimatize if we plan to tackle these majestic peaks. The trek from Lamia Camp takes approximately 5 hours, offering us a gentle and picturesque route through lush vegetation, including alchemilla, giant lobelias, and the unique human palm-like leaves. If the weather is clear, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding peaks—Edward Peak on Mount Baker, Margherita and Alexandra on Mount Stanley, Vittorio Emanuele on Mount Speke, Kihuma on the Portal Peaks, and Mount Gessi. For those of us planning to summit Margherita Peak, we will spend the night at Bigo Camp, ready for the next day’s adventure. The entire hike will take around 3 to 6 hours, depending on our pace and the conditions.

We begin our day with a cup of coffee before setting off through a breathtaking valley, surrounded by giant lobelias, towering heather trees, and vibrant groundsels and helichrysum. Along the way, we'll be treated to stunning waterfalls, making this hike even more picturesque. As we continue, we’ll find ourselves alongside Lake Bujuku, which collects its waters from the melting glaciers of Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and Mount Baker. After taking in the beauty of the lake, we’ll hike for an additional 1.5 hours to reach Irene Lakes Camp, where we'll rest and enjoy the serenity of this stunning location.

We wake up at 4:30 AM for an energizing cup of coffee before starting our challenging climb to Margherita Peak, standing at 5109 meters – the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest mountain in Africa. As we ascend, the climb may feel long due to the fog and mist, but the breathtaking views from the top are worth every step. If the weather is clear, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Vittorio Emanuele on Mount Speke, Edward on Mount Baker, and Mount Albert. For those feeling adventurous, there’s an option to tackle the twin peaks of Margherita and Alexandra on Mount Stanley. Once at the summit, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the nearby DR Congo and take in the feeling of standing on top of the "Mountains of the Moon." After this unforgettable experience and photo session, we’ll descend back to Bujuku Camp to rest and reflect on our achievement.

We start the morning with a relaxing cup of coffee before continuing our descent. As we make our way down through the scenic Bujuku Valley, we pass through marshland, giving life to the lush surroundings. The trail leads us towards Nyabitaba Camp, where we’ll spend the night at our camp in this enchanting mountain valley.

After breakfast, we descend through the "heather zone," enjoying stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountain range. The walk is short, ending at Mihunga Park Gate, where our driver meets us. We’ll then head to the next part of our journey – Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, we check into our safari lodge, where we can unwind with a hot shower and a delicious dinner. We’ll spend two nights here, surrounded by comfort and wildlife.

In the morning, we embark on a thrilling game drive, the perfect time to spot animals emerging from their nocturnal rest and searching for food. Expect to see wart hogs, elephants, lions, antelopes, impalas, leopards, and various bird species. Afterward, we return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, we set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, an incredible experience teeming with wildlife both on land and in the water, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo. In the evening, we gather for our final farewell dinner together.

We check out of the lodge after breakfast and drive across the country once gain back towards Entebbe for our last night in Uganda.

Today marks the end of the adventure. Participants are free to arrange their onward travel either homeward bound or on another adventure. Just let us know if you would like assistance with transportation to the airport or to another new exotic destination, we are always hear to help you along your journey.