Entrance Fees for Mountain Rwenzori Hiking
Entrance fees for Mountain Rwenzori Hiking are essential for accessing the park’s activities and facilities. The costs vary depending on residency status, with foreign non-residents paying USD35 per day, foreign residents USD25 per day, and East African citizens UGX 150,000 per day. These fees are paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority and enable visitors to engage in various activities within the park.
Commencing the Mountain Rwenzori Hiking to Margherita Peak:
The journey to Margherita Peak typically begins at Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjuki, Kilembe, located at an altitude of 1,450 meters and 12 kilometers from Kasese town. It’s advisable to commence the trek around 9 am, with a cutoff time of 11 am. The initial leg involves a 2.2km walk to the UWA rangers post at 1,727 meters, where visitors pay the entrance fee and receive a briefing on the park’s regulations from the rangers.
Detailed Itinerary for Mountain Rwenzori Hiking to Margherita Peak:
Day 1: Hike to Kalalama Camp (3134 meters)
The trek begins with a hike up the valley floor through tall Afro Montane Forest Zone trees. Visitors may encounter various bird species and possibly spot blue monkeys and black and white Colobus monkeys. The route transitions into the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, characterized by a steep climb amid bamboo thickets. Kalalama Camp, situated at 3,147 meters in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, offers opportunities to observe the Rwenzori Turaco and other avian species.
Day 2: Hike to Bugata Camp (4100 meters)
After an early start, trekkers bypass Mutinda Camp and ascend to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters. The trail winds across ridges, descends into valleys, and crosses streams and waterfalls. Bugata Camp provides essential facilities, including solar lights, toilets, and bathrooms. Additionally, there’s a helicopter pad available for emergency rescue operations.
Day 3: Hike to Hunwick’s Camp (3974 meters)
The journey to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass involves traversing ridges, valleys, and bogs with lush vegetation. At Bamwanjarra Pass, trekkers enjoy panoramic views of the three main peaks. The route continues through steep sections before reaching Hunwick’s Camp, offering splendid vistas of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismanns Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 4: Hike to Margherita Peak (4485 meters)
The final leg entails descending to Lake Kitendara before ascending Scott Elliott’s pass and proceeding to Margherita Camp at 4,485 meters. This campsite, nestled between massive rocks, serves as a historical site where the Duke of Abruzzi camped during the 1906 climb to Margherita Peak.
Day 5: Summit Margherita Peak (5109 meters)
Begin the day early, waking up at 2 am for a quick breakfast before embarking on the ascent of Mt Stanley at 2.30 am. This early start is crucial due to the unpredictable weather conditions, with heavy clouds and snowfall often occurring between 1 pm to 4 pm, even during the drier seasons. Ascending to Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters allows for breathtaking views, but it requires careful timing to avoid adverse weather conditions. For those less experienced in mountaineering, an alternative option is to remain on Stanley glacier and climb to a vantage point on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak, offering panoramic views over Congo and the lower mountain ridges. After reaching the peak, descend directly to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 meters.
Day 6: Descend to Kiharo Camp (3640 meters)
The day begins with a descent from Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp, covering a distance of 11 km with a walking time of 4 to 7 hours. Starting from Hunwick’s Camp, climb up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, offering stunning views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass. The trail then leads to Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 meters, with a distance of 3 km from Hunwick’s Camp. Continuing below Weismann’s Peak, the route reaches the confluence of the Nyamwamba River, which flows down to Kilembe and Kasese.
Day 7: Descend to Basecamp (1450 meters)
The final leg of the trek involves descending from Kiharo Camp to the park gate, covering a distance of 12.2 km, and then an additional 2.8 km down to Trekkers Hostel. The estimated walking time is 5 to 8 hours, so early departure is advisable for those needing to catch flights back to Kampala or proceed with other activities.
Best Time for Hiking to Margherita Peak:
Mountain Rwenzori Hiking to Margherita Peak is feasible throughout the year. However, the optimal months for trekking are June to August and December to February when rainfall is lower, and the forest trails are less slippery. Traveling during March to May and November may offer discounts on accommodation due to higher rainfall.
Why Choose Abunda Discoveries Uganda?
Abunda Discoveries Uganda is a local tour operator based in Uganda, specializing in arranging Climbing Rwenzori Mountains expeditions. With headquarters in Kabale, the company is fully owned and operated by Ugandans. They focus on providing life-changing experiences and sustainable tours across all East African countries. As members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board), We maintain strong partnerships with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), facilitating easy booking of gorilla permits and trekking safaris. Renowned for their excellent service, We boast high ratings on TripAdvisor, ensuring a memorable and rewarding adventure for their clients.
