Climb Uganda’s highest point through the Kilembe Circuit and face the cold temperatures and steep trails of the Rwenzori Mountains. This 12-day safari combines the adventure of trekking to Margherita Peak with game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains
Travel to your lodge in Kasese near the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey passes through trading centers and countryside landscapes, with a stop for lunch along the way. Arrive by evening, have dinner, and rest.
Day 2: Hike from Kilembe Circuit to Kalalama Hut
After breakfast, go to the ranger post for a briefing. Check your gear, hire porters if needed, and start your hike through the Kilembe Circuit. Pass through forest at the base of the mountain where you may see monkeys such as vervet, colobus, and L’Hoest.
Climb up to Sine Camp for lunch, then continue to Kalalama Hut at 3,147 meters. Have dinner and overnight at the hut.
Day 3: Kalalama to Mutinda Camp
After breakfast, continue the steep climb toward Mutinda Camp. On the way, see streams, waterfalls, bamboo, and giant heather trees.
Arrive at Mutinda Camp at 3,688 meters in the evening with views of mountain vegetation and Lake George in the distance. Have dinner and rest.
Day 4: Mutinda Camp to Bugata Hut
After breakfast, hike to Bugata Hut at 4,062 meters. This section passes through alpine vegetation, with grass and low plants replacing the forest. Enjoy views of Mount Luigi covered with glaciers and the Namusangi Valley before reaching Bugata Hut for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Bugata Hut to Hunwick’s Camp
After breakfast, trek through valleys, bogs, and glacier lakes. Stop at Bamwanjara Pass for rest and views, then continue to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,974 meters. From here, you can see Mount Baker covered with snow. Have dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 6: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp
After breakfast, trek through wetlands and rivers flowing from the glaciers of Mount Baker. The climb is tough, with stopovers to rest. Continue toward Margherita Camp, close to Mount Stanley, where you will spend the night. In the evening, rangers will brief you about the summit hike and how to handle the gear. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 7: Summit Margherita Peak – Return to Hunwick’s Camp
Wake up early and hike to the summit of Margherita Peak. The climb passes glaciers and rocks in very cold conditions. Reach the peak and spend time at the top before descending back to Hunwick’s Camp for dinner and rest.
Day 8: Descent to Ranger Post
After breakfast, descend back to the base of the mountain. The hike is long but easier than the climb. Along the way, enjoy views of vegetation, wetlands, and birds. At the ranger post, meet your driver and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Community Tour and Relaxation
After breakfast, take a community tour around Kasese town. Visit markets, meet locals, and learn about their culture. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 10: Game Drive and Boat Cruise – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a morning game drive. Look out for lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, warthogs, antelopes, hyenas, and Uganda kobs.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalos, as well as many birds along the shores. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Crater Lakes Exploration
After breakfast, explore the crater lakes in Rubirizi District. Learn about their formation and importance to local communities. Return to the lodge for lunch, then visit Lake Katwe, where locals mine rock salt. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, check out and start your journey back. Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to the airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 12-day Margherita Peak and Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.
