8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita via Kilembe Trail

Explore the 8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita via Kilembe Trail the very highest point on this mountain and boasting as the third highest peak in Africa making it a prime destination for all trekkers all over the world . The trek commences from the park gate in Kilembe at 1450m ascending through lush forests of the montane forest zone till the first camp sine camp that welcomes you amidst the canopy trees. Here you will have views of Enocks‘s falls , following he ascent you will hike through the bamboo zone to Mutinda camp at 3588m encountering the views of the Mutinda lookout. Walking through the boggy trails you will continue with the journey to Bugata camp where you will also spend a night after the adventure walk through the boggy trails. From Bugata camp the trail leads you to Hunwick’s camp in the alpine zone a steep ascent will draw you the Bamwanjarra pass until you find yourself at Hunwicks camp with very unique views and varying vegetation. The last camp is ascending further to Margherita Camp the hut where your summit commences from and finally after the summit of Margherita 5109m you will start on the descent completing your 8 Days Rwenzori Mountains Hike to Margherita summit. The 8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita via Kilembe offers diverse landscapes promising unique flora and fauna with captivating scenery of waterfalls and lakes creating an unforgettable adventure. The 8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita via Kilembe promises high success rate for summit offering trekkers with a relaxed yet rewarding on this trail.

Rwenzori – Mountains of the Moon (Kilembe Trail)

Detailed 8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita via Kilembe Itinerary

Day 1 : Hike to Sine camp 2596m

The 8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita via Kilembe Itinerary commences from trekkers point which is at 1450m above sea level. You will walk through the dense forest of the valley floor through the tall trees of the montane zone in the Rwenzori mountains. The steady climb allows hikers spot a numerous bird species among which is the notable Rwenzori turaco that is endemic to the Rwenzori mountains. Several other wildlife can be spotted like the colobus monkeys of every kind including the blue moneys, L’Hoest’s Monkey among the many, the three horned chameleon can be spotted with this part of the mountain. After some hours of walking you will be welcomed at sine camp your very first camp on your 8 Days Rwenzori Hike Challenge to Margherita. Sine camp allows hikers to view the cascading Enock falls which are only about 200meters away from the camp. The camp is wooden with cozy bed spaces offering hikers with a comfortable rest at the end of the day’s hike. Its located within a narrow ridge where hikers

can sit to view the beauty of the Montane forest zone. Dinner and overnight at Sine camp.

Height gain: 1,146m
Distance: 9.5km
Approximate hours: 5 to 7 hours

Day 2: Hike To Mutinda camp (3588m)

Embark on an early hot breakfast that will energize you ahead of today’s walk, where you will be traversing to a totally unique zone in the Rwenzori mountains the bamboo zone. With the help of many steep steps you will enter into the bamboo trees this place can be muddy and wet during the wet season making the walking slow however in the dry season its very easy to walk through. You can walk via Kalalama camp and have a rest and this is in the heather zone the vegetation here is totally unique .Continue with the ascend with the meandering trek that takes you through small knolls along a ridge top thereafter to a valley before ascending yet again. Here you will then walk through several small streams passing via the moss covered waterfalls that offer incredible views. Climbing along the mossy river which forms a beautiful view as it meanders over a rock under the giant heather trees that have their trunks covered in green moss having Oldman’s beards trees hanging over. Finally you will reach Mutinda Camp after about 6-7hours of walking , the camp which is a perfect spot for acclimatization allowing hikers take a steady hike .

Height gain: 992m
Distance: 6.1km
Approximate hours: 5 to 7

Day 3: Hike to Bugata camp

Todays we head further to Bugata camp in the Alpine zone of the Rwenzori mountains, the camp is associated with bog especially during the wet season. After crossing the Mutinda valley via the tussock grass thy will encounter the everlasting flowers and well as the giant lobelias. Hikers will walk through various terrains and then encounter tussocks here they will be jumping from one tussock to another. After this they well hike to the Namusangi valley with views of sheer waterfalls and looking back are fantastic views of the Mutinda peaks. The Namusangi valley is wide and involves walking up and forth and finally the trail leads you steadily to Bugata camp at 4100m.

Height gain: 474m
Distance: 8.6km
Approximate hours: 4 to 6

Day 4: Hike to Hunwicks’s camp 3974m

Leaving Bugata camp behind, you will use Bamwanjarra pass to head to your next destination which is Hunwicks camp. Descend passing a ridge then drop slightly before ascending the Bamwanjarra pass at 4450m where there is hut that shelters hikers incase of bad whether. At this point on a clear days you will spot the three main peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Luigi di savor. Continue downwards in the valley walking along some bogs and thick vegetation covered covered in moss, you will also see the giant groundsels, and giant lobelias. At this point you can spot the malachite sunbird feeding on the nectar in the lobelia flowers which is also its breeding site. After the steep ascent you will the reach Hunwick’s camp located on top of a deep valley above the Kitandara twin lakes. With clear whether Congo homesteads and the view of three peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Weissmann can be spotted.

Height gain: 457m then sleep 87m lower.
Distance:8.3km
Approximate hours: 7 to 9

Day 5: Hike to Margherita Peak 4485m

Bidding farewell to Hunwicks camp , we pass across the valley to lake Kitandara walking through amazing vegetation of groundsels and everlasting flowers. Hiking through bouldering rocks , you will come to scott Elliot pass then hike to the ridge of Margherita camp located witching huge rocks that also act as shelter from the harsh whether associated with the altitude of strong winds. Margherita camp is also known to be the very spot that the Duke of Abruzzi camped before summiting the peak during his expedition to the Rwenzori mountains in 1906.

Height gain: 510m
Distance: 5.1km
Approximate hours: 4 to 6

Day 6: Summit peak and head back to Hunwicks camp.

The summit night starts at 2am with a hot small meal before heading off to climb Mount Stanley. Setting out with you guide taking the lead , you will walk out during this hour this is done at night to ensure incase the whether changes you have already summited because the mountain can attract rain any time. Walk through the rocks then onto the Mount Stanley plateau in an open exposed area of rock. Continue with the ascent till you reach the glacier after which you will the use the technical gears . Having crampons on your shoes, then together joined with ropes you will walk on the glacier lead by your experienced guides. After reaching the peak you will take several photos and celebrate the achievement the way you best like, you can raise the flags of Uganda and your country or take a bear. After the summit you will descend done relaxed till you reach Hunwicks camp for diner and overnight.

Height gain: 624m then descend 1,134m
Distance: 3.8km to the top then 8.9km descent
Approximate hours: 4 to 6 top, 3 to 5 back to margherita and 3 to 4 to hunwicks

Day 7: Descend down to Kiharo camp (3430m)

Following n early breakfast , you will check out of Hunwick’s camp and embark on your descend climbing up the ridge towards McConnell’s Prong where you can have good views of all the the Scott Elliot pass . Walk further through Oliver’s camp below Weismann’s Peak where you will meet the confluence of the Nyamwaba river through Kilembe to Kasese and finally pours its water into the George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Height gain: climb 530m then descend 1075m
Distance: 15.8km
Approximate hours: 9 to 12

Day 8: Descend to the base camp

Descend from Kiharo camp to the park gate and finally you will find your way out of the mountains via the trekkers hostel . Walking via Nyamwamba valley a incredible atmosphere with beautiful views of the moss covered rocks along the river , you will also see incredible waterfalls as you continue with your journey ending the 8days margherita peak in Rwenzori mountains . Further down you will encounter a huge rock shelter near the river and then walk passed the river through a narrow ridge to avoid the steep ascent associated with that path. Trekking through the lush forests finally you will get out through the park gate finally say goodbye to the mountains to embark on your next destination .

Height loss: 1,980m
Distance: 16km
Approximate hours: 7 to 8