11-Day Rwenzori Margherita Peak to Uganda Coffee Safari
Included
Porterage.
Park fees.
All activities (Unless labeled as optional).
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade).
A professional driver/guide.
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional).
Necessary for the climb like ropes, harnesses, and carabiners.
All Locals taxes/VAT applicable to tour.
Roundtrip airport transfer.
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section).
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section).
Coffee farm experience.
An all-inclusive mountain adventure to the Rwenzori Mountains - the Mountains of the Moon. Shroud in mist, and legend, the Rwenzoris, Africa's third-highest, after Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, remain largely unexplored. This allows your trek in this UN World Heritage Site of surreal plants, animals, and tropical glaciers, to leave a small environmental footprint. The trek will take you across tropical glaciers before you summit Margherita Peak at 5109 meters (16,762 feet) above sea level. After the trek, you will visit a local plantation for a farm to cup coffee experience.
Excluded
Entry Visa.
Personal Travel Insurance.
Domestic flights unless listed in final itinerary.
Rescue fee.
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (unless listed in itinerary).
Tips and Gratuities.
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.).
Crampons, Warm clothing, warm sleeping bag, and rain gear.
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees.
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day itinerary).
Laundry.
FROM US $2726
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda!
Your adventure begins today when you arrive into Uganda. Your guide from Nandi Adventures will warmly welcome you at the airport before you transfer to your accommodation tonight. Entebbe sits on the shores of Africa's largest (and the world's second-largest) fresh water body, Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you could explore some of the areas around the lake or the town before settling down for the night.
Day 2: Transfer to the Rwenzori Mountains
Transfer by road to the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. The mountains the locals call the rainmaker. Since ancient times, these mountain ranges and their permanent glaciers on the equator have enchanted travellers and explorers. Little wonder ancient and modern explorers have called them the Mountains of the Moon.
The Rwenzori Mountains are characterized by dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers, making them one of Africa's most stunning and unique mountain ranges. The highest peak is Mount Stanley, which reaches an elevation of 5,109 meters (16,763 feet) and is the third-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Compared to Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzoris are unexplored and there are no crowds so a minimal environmental footprint. More so, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of peaks.
Day 3: Trek to Sine Hut or Kalalama Camp
Start your adventure at Trekkers Hostel (1,450m) and hike to Sine Hut (2,596m), a climb of 1,146 meters. If you're feeling fit, you can continue on to Kalalama Camp (3,134m) for stunning views and extra time at Mutinda Camp the following day.
The trek begins through the lush Afro-Montane Forest, filled with towering trees and vibrant wildlife. Keep an eye out for blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and even hear wild chimpanzees in the distance. The forest is alive with a variety of plant species, including bamboo thickets, moss-covered vines, and colorful flowers. Just 200 meters from Sine Hut, Enock’s Falls provides the perfect photo opportunity.
At Sine Hut, relax in wooden huts surrounded by tall trees. Enjoy the view of a waterfall far below, or chat with guides around the campfire. If you prefer, you can continue on to Kalalama Camp for an extended hike.
Day 4: Trek to Mutinda Camp
Start trekking at 8:30 AM, immediately entering the steep Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone. While muddy and slippery during the wet season, the forest atmosphere makes the climb rewarding. After a 1.8km hike, take a break at Kalalama Camp (3,147m) in the Heather-Rapanea Zone.
The trail continues through valleys, streams, and waterfalls, with towering Giant Heather trees draped in moss. You’ll climb up a beautiful, misty valley rich in diverse plant life. In the afternoon, take an optional hike to Mutinda Lookout (3,925m) for breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George.
Sleep at Mutinda Camp (3,582m).
Day 5: Trek to Bugata Camp
The trail to Bugata Camp can be boggy, especially in the wet season, but with care, you can navigate through the tussock grass and Giant Lobelias. Climb steeply to the Namusangi Valley (3,840m), where you’ll be rewarded with views of waterfalls and the Mutinda Peaks.
The Namusangi Valley is wide and undulating, leading you steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.
Day 6: Trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass
From Bugata Camp, climb up a ridge before descending slightly and then ascending to Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450m). Here, on clear days, you’ll get magnificent views of the three main peaks. The trail descends through valleys filled with evergreen vegetation, moss, and Giant Lobelia. This area is perfect for spotting Malachite Sunbirds.
After a few steep sections, climb over a ridge to reach Hunwick’s Camp, offering spectacular views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 7: Trek to Margherita Camp
From Hunwick’s Camp, descend across the valley floor to Lake Kitendara, known for its deep waters and beautiful surroundings. From here, you’ll climb up Scott Elliott’s Pass and further ascend to Margherita Camp (4,485m), nestled among large rocks, providing shelter from strong winds. This spot was once used by the Duke of Abruzzi during his historic climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.
Day 8: Summit Margherita Peak
Start the day early with a 2:00 AM wake-up and breakfast. Begin your climb of Mt. Stanley by 2:30 AM. Due to the unpredictable weather, it’s important to reach the summit by 10:00 AM. If conditions are unfavorable, you may need to turn back for safety.
Margherita Glacier is challenging, with steep ice sections, and the effects of global warming have created unstable conditions. For those with less mountaineering experience, we recommend climbing a vantage point on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak for incredible views over Congo and the lower mountain ridges. After summiting Margherita Peak (5,109m), descend to Hunwick’s Camp (3,874m) for the night.
Day 9: Trek to Kiharo Camp
Today’s trek covers 11 kilometers and takes between 4 to 7 hours. Start by climbing up a ridge near McConnell’s Prong for panoramic views of the three main peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass. Continue to Oliver’s Pass (4,505m), and for an additional $20, you can climb Weismann’s Peak (4,620m) for incredible views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, and Mt. Baker.
After crossing the Nyamwamba River, the trail descends through a valley to Kiharo Camp, set in a deep, lush valley with high cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass ridges formed by slow-moving glaciers, creating a unique and dramatic landscape.
Day 10: Final Descent to Basecamp
From Kiharo Camp, you’ll trek 16 kilometers downhill to the park gate, plus an additional 2.8 kilometers to Trekkers Hostel. The trek takes between 5 to 8 hours, so an early start is essential for those with flights or further travel plans.
The Nyamwamba Valley offers stunning scenery, with cascading waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and some of the best forests in the Rwenzori Mountains. After passing several Duiker clearings and breathtaking waterfalls, you’ll climb up and over a ridge before descending through dense forest. Stop at Forest View Camp for lunch before completing the final leg of your adventure at Trekkers Hostel.
This trek is a true Rwenzori adventure, offering incredible views, rich wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re scaling peaks or hiking through valleys, each day brings new challenges and rewards in Uganda’s beautiful mountain range.
Day 11: Savor Uganda's fine organic coffee before your transfer
Savor a delicious breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Ugandan coffee. Embark on a comprehensive Coffee Tour at the farm, learning about the bean-to-cup journey. Enjoy a tasting of the farm's unique coffee. After a memorable safari experience, depart the coffee farm and transfer to Entebbe Airport for your departure to the next destination.
Optional activities like a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park; Chimpanzee Tracking or Gorilla Trekking can be arranged on request.
NOTE: Climbing to Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains (Uganda) has become increasingly technical. It requires knowledge of ropes, crampons, ascenders, figure-8 devices for belaying, and ice axe use. With sections of ice reaching 60% steepness and rapidly changing due to climate change and glacier melt, such skills are highly recommended. All our guides are extensively trained in ice climbing and rescue, and they can assist you even if you have minimal experience. However, you should be prepared to learn along the way, fit your own crampons, and know basic knot-tying, as well as the use of ascenders and figure-8s. We recommend bringing your own crampons due to the mix of hard ice and rocks.
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