8 Days Margherita Peak Trek : The 8 Days Margherita Peak Trek is elevated at (5,109 meters). Get on a journey to Margherita Peak, the third highest point in Africa through the Kilembe route, full of lush forests, valleys, and diverse flora. As you walk through this trail, you will encounter a variety of species of birdlife and primates. The trail offers a chance to observe chimp nests high in the trees.
Climbing Margherita Peak involves challenges, encountered on trails and when snow covers the landscape, the climb becomes even more difficult . Yet, the rewards of exhilaration upon conquering the summit are imaginable. At the top, get a glimpse of Albert Peak to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and eastward over the mesmerizing spectrum of the Rwenzori Mountains provides an exciting glimpse.
We provide all the necessary climbing equipment, including crampons, ropes, harnesses, carabiners, helmets, ice axes, ice screws, and ascenders. Your part involves bringing appropriate gear such as sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a snug sleeping bag, crampons, warm gear, and rain protection.
Important Notes on Climbing Margherita Peak:
Climbing Margherita Peak now requires technical skills due to the presence of icy sections caused by the impact of climate change and glacier melting. Knowledge of rope work, the use of crampons, ascenders, figure 8s for belaying, and ice axe handling is strongly recommended. While our guides are trained in ice climbing and rescue techniques, climbers should be prepared to learn on the ascent. Basic skills like fitting crampons, tying knots, and using ascenders and figure 8s are essential. Similar technical challenges are also posed by Mt. Baker and Mt. Speke. To ensure your safety, we suggest bringing your own crampons.
Day 1: Hike to Sine Camp (2,596 meters)
Begin the journey at Trekkers (1,450 meters) and advance to Sine Hut (2,596 meters), a 1,146-meter altitude . Alternatively, for the fit and motivated, continue to Kalalama Camp (3,134 meters), giving more time to explore Mutinda Camp and the Mutinda (3,975 meters). The walk involves ascending through the Afro Montane Forest Zone, where tall trees create a canopy home to an array of birds and primates. Catch sight of troupes of black and white Colobus monkeys in the treetops, and might even spot the L’Hoest monkey. The beautiful flora varies from forest trees to bamboo thickets, shrubs, flowers, and moss-covered vines. Enock’s Falls, a mere 200 meters from Sine Hut, offers a visual glimpse.
Day 2: Trek to Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters)
Get a head of your journey at 8:30 am, immediately entering the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, made up by steep climbs. In wet conditions, this zone can be muddy and slippery one lights to be careful. Climbing 551 meters in altitude and traversing 1.8 kilometers to Kalalama Camp (3,147 meters) in the Heather-Rapanea Zone provides an opportunity to refresher up. The trail meanders along a ridge, crossing streams and passing moss-covered waterfalls. Climb beside a mossy river, flanked by Giant Heather trees draped in green moss and Usnea lichen. Cross the valley, home to a variety of plants and flowers. The unique presence of Giant Heather trees in the misty valley creates a captivating atmosphere.
In the afternoon, consider scaling the Mutinda Lookout (one to two hours uphill and one hour downhill), offering panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George. Climbing Mutinda (3,975 meters) aids acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Overnight at Mutinda Camp (3,582 meters).
Day 3: Summit to Bugata Camp (4,100 meters)
The trail to Bugata Camp has challenges, more so during wet seasons when it becomes muddy. Move through the Mutinda valley, crossing tussock grass and everlasting flowers with Giant Lobelias. Climb a steep section to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), offering breathtaking views of Mutinda Peaks. This wide valley, includes by ups and downs, leads to Bugata Camp (4,100 meters).
Day 4: Trek to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 meters) via Bamwanjarra Pass
Get on a trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. From Bugata Camp, climb a ridge before reaching Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450 meters), equipped with a hut for unpredictable weather. The pass provides stunning views of the main peaks. Cross the valley, observing abundant vegetation, including moss, giant groundsel, and lobelia. This region is a great location for encounters with the Malachite Sunbird amidst lobelia flowers. After moving through steep sections, arrive at Hunwick’s Camp, perched atop a deep valley, offering beautiful views of nearby peaks.
Day 5: Summit to Margherita Camp (4,485 meters)
Proceed to Lake Kitendara, a beautiful location with deep water and vegetation. Climb to Scott Elliott’s pass, leading to Margherita Camp (4,485 meters). Located among huge rock formations, the camp offers respite from strong winds. This very spot is where the Duke of Abruzzi camped during his 1906 climb to Margherita Peak.
Day 6: Hike Margherita Peak (5,109 meters)
Begin your summit ascent at 2 am, following an early breakfast. The 2:30 am start for climbing Mt. Stanley is crucial due to evolving weather patterns. Even in drier seasons, the mountain often becomes harder being enclosed with snow that takes place in a range of 15-30 minutes. Therefore, there was establishment of strict rules to ensure safety. At exactly 10am, all climbers ought to get back down regardless of whether they have reached the peak or not.
Day 7: Descend to Kiharo Camp 3640 meters
Ascend to McConnell’s Prong from Hunwick’s camp here you will get sites of the three beautiful peaks before Olivers Pass which is at an elevation of 4505m, affording panoramic views. The path then descends to Kiharo Camp through a stunning valley, a tale to the beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains. Though there is an option of $20 pay for one who wishes to climb Weismanns peak at 4620m from Olivers trail which gives sites of Magherita, Stanley, Baker and Speke mountains. This trail meanders up to Kiharo camp. On your way, you will encounter exciting scenaries of nature’s wonders.
Day 8: Descend to the Basecamp (1,450 meters)
Descent 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 takes 5 to 8 hours thus concluding your summit.