Day-by-day itinerary

What the operator has planned, day by day, across 8 days.

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Entebbe and Transfer to Kasese

   A guide meets climbers at Entebbe International Airport and stays with the group for the whole climb. After a short stop for final preparations the drive continues west to Kasese, the town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. The evening is for settling in, getting used to the altitude and checking kit before the walking starts.

2. Day 2

   Briefing and Trek to Nyakalengija

   The guides give a full briefing after breakfast, covering the route, safety procedures and what to expect on each stage. The group then walks to Nyakalengija, the first stop on the Rwenzori trail. This opening section goes through rainforest, where birds are plentiful and the plants and animals are those of the lower slopes.

3. Day 3

   Trek to Nyabitaba Hut

   The walking gets harder as the group climbs higher, crossing rougher ground and changing vegetation. The day ends at Nyabitaba Hut, at roughly 2,650 metres, or 8,694 feet. There are open views of the Rwenzori range along the way, with the higher peaks and their glaciers visible in the distance. The evening is spent resting for the next stage.

4. Day 4

   Trek to John Matte Hut

   A demanding day of climbing brings the group to John Matte Hut at about 3,400 metres, or 11,155 feet. The route crosses alpine meadow, rocky ground and glacial lakes. The plants and animals up here are adapted to hard conditions and are worth stopping for. The hut has wide views once the group arrives.

5. Day 5

   Acclimatisation and Exploration

   This day is set aside for the body to adjust to the altitude, with no major gain in height. The guides lead a series of short walks around John Matte Hut. The glaciers can be seen at close range from these walks. Rock hyrax and Rwenzori turaco are among the animals that may turn up.

6. Day 6

   Summit Attempt on Margherita Peak

   The summit attempt on Margherita Peak, at 5,109 metres or 16,763 feet, starts early. Margherita is the highest point in the Rwenzori and the third highest peak in Africa. The climb is steep, with scrambling over rock and the possibility of crossing snow and ice, and the guides' judgement matters throughout. The reward at the top is a clear view in every direction.

7. Day 7

   Descent to Nyabitaba Hut

   The descent begins the day after the summit, retracing the route back down to Nyabitaba Hut. Coming down is hard on the legs even though the altitude eases. The same ground looks quite different in the other direction.

8. Day 8

   Trek to Nyakalengija and Transfer to Entebbe

   The last stage of walking takes the group back down to Nyakalengija, where the climb started. A celebratory lunch follows. The group is then driven back to Entebbe, either to extend the stay in Uganda or to catch a return flight.