10 Days 4 Peaks Trek : Conquering Margherita at 5109m, Speke 4890m, Baker 4844m, and Weismann’s 4620m Peaks
Day 1: Briefing and Summit to Sine Camp (2,596 meters)
Begin your expedition at Trekkers (1,450 meters) and ascend to Sine Hut (2,596 meters), at an elevation of 1,146 meters. The option of proceeding to Kalalama Camp (3,134 meters) is also available. This additional trek not only rewards with spectacular views but also allows for more time at Mutinda Camp, where the ascent Mutinda Lookout (3,975 meters) exists. Your journey kicks off through the Afro Montane Forest Zone, surrounded by a variety of wildlife sightings and a chance to view blue monkeys, winds upwards. Keep on the lookout for black and white Colobus monkeys, as well as the L’Hoest monkeys. It also has a variety of plant species, from towering forest trees to bamboo thickets, low shrubs, and flowers. Enjoy the beauty of moss and tall trees, and don’t miss the views of Enock’s Falls, a mere 200 meters from Sine Hut.
Day 2: Trek to Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters)
Embark on your trek at 8:30 am, delving into the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone. This segment features a steep ascent with high steps. In the wet season, the bamboo zone can become muddy and slippery, making progress deliberate. Despite these challenges, the allure of the atmosphere and the surrounding forest remains undeniable. Climbing 551 meters in altitude over 1.8 kilometers leads to Kalalama Camp (3,147 meters) in the Heather-Rapanea Zone. Take a rejuvenating pause here, indulging in a quick cup of tea or coffee before pressing on to Mutinda Camp. Traverse small knolls, navigate ridges, and cross-streams amidst moss-covered waterfalls. Ascend alongside a mossy river, its waters cascading over rocks beneath Giant Heather trees. The trail unfolds through a valley boasting an incredible diversity of plant life. The presence of numerous Giant Heather trees contributes to an atmosphere often veiled in mist. The afternoon offers the chance to ascend the Mutinda Lookout (a one- to two-hour climb up, followed by a one-hour descent). At 3,925 meters, the lookout presents mesmerizing views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George. This climb also aids acclimatization and mitigates altitude sickness risk. Retire for the night at Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters).
Day 3: Hike to Bugata Camp (4,062 meters)
Start your trail to Bugata Camp, though potentially boggy during wet seasons, can be walked through with safe steps between tussocks. Walk through the Mutinda valley, where tussock grass and everlasting flowers intersect with the grandeur of Giant Lobelias. Hike a steep section to reach the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), presenting waterfalls and spectacular views of Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi valley, made by its undulating terrain, leading to Bugata Camp (4,100 meters), a wide expanse with numerous undulations.
Day 4: Trek to Hunwicks Camp (3,974 meters)
Get on your trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. Depart Bugata Camp, ascend to the ridge before a slight descent, followed by an ascent to Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450 meters), offering shelter incase of weather changes . In clear conditions, the pass offers spectacular views of the three primary peaks. The trail winds down the valley, around bogs, and amidst thick evergreen vegetation. The area boasts moss, giant groundsel, and lobelia. This region is a home to the Malachite sun bird, this region is great for birding enthusiasts. The trail continues with occasional steep sections before a steady climb over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp. From this point one can enjoy views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismanns Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 5: Summit Mt. Baker (4,842 meters) and Rest at Hunwicks Camp
Ascend to Mt. Baker at 6:30 am, ensuring an early start to the day as it takes over 4 to 6 hours ascension and 2 to 3 hours descending covering over 4.3 kilometers . The climb has a steep rocky path, requiring a steady head for heights. While it is non-technical, the climb may become challenging in the snow season of April to May and September to October, necessitating safety ropes on steep sections. The rewarding views from the summit encompass Magherita, Alexandria, Stanley’s plateau, and the glaciers. Following this adventure, make your way back across the glacier to McConnell’s Camp (Camp 4) for the night.
Day 6: Trek to Margherita Camp (4,485 meters)
Descend via Lake Kitandara, a mesmerizing water body covered with captivating, thriving vegetation and beautiful scenery. Ascend through Scoot Elliot Pass to reach Margherita Camp, positioned at 4,485 meters and enjoy the breathtaking visuals along the way.
Day 7: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109 meters)
Get up at dawn and begin your ascent to Mt. Stanley. Unpredictable weather patterns make this early start essential, with heavy clouds and snowfall typically occurring between 1 pm and 4 pm. The peak’s challenging conditions require a strict turnaround time of 10 am for safety reasons. As the glacier’s edges recede due to global warming, the terrain becomes steeper, with some sections exceeding 60% grade. Climbers must respect guides’ advice for safe passage. Less experienced climbers can enjoy views from Stanley glacier’s view point. Following the summit at 5,109 meters, move down to Bujuku Caves for the night.
Day 8: Summit Mt. Speke (4,890 meters) and Rest at Hunwicks Camp
Summit Mt. Speke at 4,890 meters and retire for the night at Hunwicks Camp, where you can rest and refresh after your journey
Day 9: Summit Weismann’s Peak (4,620 meters) and Trek to Kiharo Camp (3,430 meters)
Set off to McConnell’s Prong for its spectacular views before reaching Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 meters. Cut across below Weismann’s Peak and descend to Nyamwamba River. For those with energy, an option to summit Weismann’s Peak presents . Continue to Kiharo Camp at 3,430 meters and settle in amidst its beauty.
Day 10: Descend to Base
Descend via the trail to the Nyamwamba valley offers stunning views of moss-covered rocks, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. This exhilarating descent ends the trek on a remarkable note. This is excitingly a new trail which took over 6 years to discover for the comfortability of toursists. Some explorers like MacConnell failed to find this trail but as of now this trail is available for tourists via Kiharo camp which is a 12.2 km distance from the park entrance it has the availability of connecting flights for those who are in need however those using road it will take 5 to 8hours thus concluding your summit.