8 Days Rwenzori Bukurungu Trail Trek with Margherita Peak

Day 1: Omu’Korukumi / Amundsen Camp to Rwigho Camp

Your trekking adventure begins with a drive from Kasese to the starting point at Omu’Korukumi, where the trail leads to the park entry point at Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

After registration at the ranger outpost, the trek begins along a ridge overlooking the Kasuka and Isule valleys before continuing toward Ekebitakuli for a hot lunch break.

The trail then passes through lush montane rainforest with bamboo-covered valleys and diverse plant species including orchids and alpine flowers. Along the way trekkers may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, hear chimpanzees calling from the forest canopy, and observe the colorful Rwenzori Turaco.

After crossing River Rwigho, you arrive at Rwigho Camp for overnight wilderness camping.

The hike takes approximately 6–7 hours.

Day 2: Rwigho Camp to Kambeho Camp

After breakfast the trail climbs into the heather zone where moss-covered trees create a magical mountain landscape. The vegetation here includes giant heathers, senecio trees, alchemilla plants, and wild berries.

Wildlife sightings may include monkeys, sunbirds, and other alpine bird species unique to the Rwenzori Mountains.

The trek continues past giant lobelias and rock shelters before reaching Kambeho Camp, where you will set up camp for the night.

The hike takes approximately 5–6 hours, with a lunch stop at Mitiyighaghire.

Day 3: Kambeho Camp to Mughuli Camp

Today’s trek follows River Lhume as the trail climbs steadily through rugged mountain terrain.

The path eventually leads toward Lake Mughuli, an alpine lake surrounded by spectacular vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery. The area also provides opportunities to see wildlife such as the Rwenzori red duiker, rock hyrax, and wild pigs.

After reaching Mughuli Camp, trekkers can explore nearby waterfalls or enjoy a short nature walk around the lake.

The hike takes approximately 6–7 hours.

Day 4: Mughuli Camp to Bukurungu East Camp

The trek continues through alpine vegetation zones dominated by alchemilla plants and giant lobelias as you move toward Bukurungu East Camp, located between the Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi.

This scenic area provides spectacular views of the major Rwenzori peaks including Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and Mount Stanley.

The hike takes approximately 6–7 hours, including a lunch stop at Kinyamiyeye.

Overnight at Bukurungu East Camp.

Day 5: Bukurungu Camp to Lake Bujuku

From Bukurungu Camp the trek connects with the Central Circuit trail leading toward the spectacular Bujuku Valley.

The trail eventually reaches Bujuku Lake, one of the most scenic alpine lakes in the Rwenzori Mountains, surrounded by towering peaks.

Overnight near Lake Bujuku.

Day 6: Lake Bujuku to Irene Lakes

Today the trek enters the high alpine zone as the trail climbs toward Irene Lakes, located on the northeastern slopes of Mount Stanley.

This high-altitude camp serves as the staging point for the summit attempt of Margherita Peak the following morning.

Overnight at Irene Lakes Camp.

Day 7: Irene Lakes - Margherita Peak Summit – Bigo Camp

An early start prepares trekkers for the summit attempt of Margherita Peak, the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains at 5,109 meters above sea level.

The climb involves glacier crossings, scrambling over rocky terrain, and navigating high-altitude alpine conditions before reaching the summit.

After descending back to Irene Lakes for lunch, the trek continues down toward Bigo Camp for overnight.

Day 8: Bigo Camp to Ibanda

On the final day the trek descends along a scenic ridge toward Ibanda, where the expedition concludes.

Trekkers can reconnect with local communication networks and contact their driver for pickup before departing the mountains.

This final descent marks the end of an unforgettable Rwenzori wilderness trekking adventure.