7-Day Rwenzori Summit Hike: Margherita Peak Trek

Seven days to Africa's third-highest peak, climbing through five major summits

A 7-day guided trek through Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda that ascends Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters, the third-highest mountain in Africa. The route climbs all major peaks, Portal Peaks, Mt. Gessi, Mt. Emin, Margherita, and Mt. Speke: over seven to eight days depending on acclimatization needs. Expert guides, all meals, bottled water, hiking gear and national park fees are included. Pickup is arranged, and the trek requires a high level of physical fitness.

The experience

The trek starts at Nyakalengija and climbs through distinct elevation zones over seven days, each day moving higher into the mountain's ecology. You'll pass through tropical rain forests, encounter waterfalls and rivers, and spot wildlife including Blue monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, the Great Blue Turaco, and three-horned chameleons. The route is structured to build acclimatization: Day 1 reaches Nyabitaba Hut at 2,651 meters, then Days 2 through 4 push progressively higher to Bujuku Hut at 3,962 meters. Day 5 is the summit push to Margherita Peak and descent to Kitandara Hut at 4,027 meters.

Days 6 and 7 descend through Fresh Field Pass and back down to Nyabitaba Hut, then to the starting point. Most hikers take the full seven to eight days to allow one rest day for altitude adjustment. Very experienced mountaineers can compress it to six to seven days. Expert guides and park rangers lead throughout, and all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are provided at camp. Bottled water, complete hiking gear and national park entrance fees for the full duration are included in the trek cost.

What’s included

• National park entrance fees for the full duration.
• expert guides and park rangers.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at camp.
• bottled water.
• complete hiking gear.
• pickup arranged.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Trek Rwenzori Tours

Is this one for you?This is a guided trek with a fixed seven-day itinerary and acclimatization built in, suited to hikers with serious fitness who want expert support and all logistics handled on the mountain. The seven-day structure gives most climbers the rest day they need for altitude adjustment while still summiting Margherita Peak and descending safely within a single trip.

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Top questions

How high is Margherita Peak and what makes it significant?

Margherita Peak stands at 5,109 meters above sea level and is Africa's third-highest mountain. It is the main summit of the Rwenzori range and the destination of this trek's Day 5 push.

What wildlife and plants will I see on the Rwenzori trek?

The trek passes through tropical rain forests and multiple vegetation zones where you'll encounter Blue monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, the Great Blue Turaco bird species, three-horned chameleons, waterfalls and rivers across the seven days of climbing.

Is there a rest day built into the itinerary for altitude acclimatization?

Most hikers take seven to eight days to complete the trek, which factors in one rest day for acclimatization to the altitude. Very experienced mountaineers can finish in six to seven days without the extra rest day.

What gear and supplies are provided, and what do I need to bring?

All hiking gear, bottled water, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the trek. National park entrance fees for the full seven to eight days are also covered. Rain jackets and high mountain pants are not included and should be brought separately.

What is the minimum age for this trek?

The minimum age is 15 years old. Travelers must have a high level of physical fitness. The trek is not recommended for those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

How does pickup work for this trek?

Pickup is included and arranged as part of the booking. The trek begins at Nyakalengija at 1,615 meters elevation on Day 1. An English-speaking guide leads the entire trek.