Margherita Peak is now technical. Knowledge of ropes, crampons, ascenders, figure-8s for belay, and use of an ice axe is advised. Ice sections are as steep as 60% and conditions change quickly due to climate change and the melting glacier. All our guides are trained in ice climbing and rescue.

They can guide climbers with little experience, but you must be prepared to learn on the way. You should know how to fit crampons, tie basic knots, and use ascenders and figure-8s. Mt Baker and Mt Speke are also technical. We advise clients to bring their own crampons because the mix of hard ice and rocks wears them down quickly.

Note: It is possible to climb in seven days, and some clients prefer this. However, climbing more than 500m a day increases the risk of altitude sickness, pulmonary edema, or cerebral edema, all of which are dangerous. It is safer to take more days. Previous climbs do not help unless done within two weeks, as acclimatization depends on increased red blood cells.

We can offer seven-day treks, but we recommend the eight-day trek as the safer option. Altitude affects people differently, and even the very fit can suffer. The cost of both treks is the same, to discourage choosing the shorter option only to save money.

Note: Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains is much harder than Kilimanjaro or Mt Kenya. You should be fit. The eight-day trek suits most people of average fitness. Some may complete it in seven days, but this requires high fitness and is not recommended for large groups, as often one person cannot keep the pace.

The trek begins at Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjuki, Kilembe, 1,450m above sea level and 12km from Kasese town. It is best to start by 9am, though you may leave as late as 11am. You walk 2.2km to the UWA ranger post at 1,727m in about one hour. Here you pay the entrance fee and receive a briefing on park rules. Guides usually brief clients the evening before the trek.

• Day 1: Hike to Kalalama Camp (3,134m)

• Day 2: Hike to Bugata Camp (4,100m)

• Day 3: Hike to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)

• Day 4: Hike to Margherita Camp (4,485m)

• Day 5: Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m)

• Day 6: Descend to Kiharo Camp (3,640m)

• Day 7: Descend to Basecamp (1,450m)

• Start the trek through the Afro Montane Forest with tall trees, many birds, and chances to see blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys.

• Walk through bamboo forest and climb to Kalalama Camp at about 3,134 meters.

• Spot rare wildlife such as the Rwenzori Turaco and sometimes hear chimpanzees in the forest.

• Hike through valleys with giant heather trees, moss covered rocks, and mountain streams.

• Cross the Mutinda Valley with tussock grass, alpine flowers, and giant lobelia plants.

• Reach Bugata Camp at about 4,100 meters with views of Bugata Lake, Lake Kopello, and surrounding mountain peaks.

• Pass Bamwanjarra Pass at about 4,450 meters with wide views of the main Rwenzori peaks.

• See unique alpine plants such as giant groundsel and giant lobelia and watch the Malachite Sunbird feeding on lobelia flowers.

• Reach Hunwick’s Camp with views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, and Weismann’s Peak.

• Visit Lake Kitendara and climb Scott Elliott’s Pass on the way to Margherita Camp.

• Summit Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters on Mount Stanley, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains.

• See glaciers and wide mountain views from the summit area.

• Cross Oliver’s Pass and enjoy views of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker.

• Optional climb to Weismann’s Peak at 4,620 meters.

• Descend through the Nyamwamba Valley with views of rivers, waterfalls, moss covered rocks, and deep forest.

• See wildlife such as duikers, birds, primates, and hyrax along the trail.

• Finish the trek through forest trails and river valleys back to the base camp.