11 Days Rwenzori Trekking via Bukurungu Trail – Margherita Peak (Wilderness Camping)

Day 1: Arrival in Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation and recovery after your international flight. Dinner and overnight at a comfortable lodge.

Day 2: Transfer to Kasese

After breakfast, travel westward from Kampala to Kasese, the gateway town to the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey takes approximately 7–8 hours by road, with a stop in Fort Portal for lunch and scenic views of the crater lakes region. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Kasese.

Day 3: Trek Start – Mukorokimi to Kasanzi Camp (2,310 m)

Following breakfast, proceed to the Rwenzori Ranges Hikers Association office in Kasese for a briefing and equipment check. Continue to Mukorokimi, the trailhead of the Bukurungu route, where you meet your guides and porters.
The trek begins through coffee plantations, rural homesteads, and schools, offering opportunities to interact with the local Bakonzo communities who inhabit the mountain slopes. The trail gradually ascends through montane forest and bamboo valleys with chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzee nests, and numerous bird species including the Rwenzori Turaco. After 5–6 hours of trekking, arrive at Kasanzi Camp for overnight.

Day 4: Kasanzi Camp to Kambeho Camp (3,600 m)

Today’s trek climbs steadily into the heather zone characterized by moss-covered trees, giant heathers, and giant lobelias. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as you gain altitude. Along the trail, you may encounter vervet monkeys, sunbirds, and the rare Rwenzori Turaco. After approximately 5–6 hours of hiking with a lunch break en route, arrive at Kambeho Camp for overnight.

Day 5: Kambeho Camp to Lamia Camp (3,750 m)

After breakfast, the trail follows the Lhume River before ascending the steep Mughuli bypass. From the ridge you may glimpse Lake Mughuli, a scenic high-altitude lake surrounded by lush vegetation. Wildlife sightings may include Rwenzori red duikers, hyrax, and wild pigs. The hike takes 6–7 hours with a stop at the Mulhalhama viewpoint before reaching Lamia Camp.

Day 6: Lamia Camp to Bukurungu Camp (4,091 m)

The trek continues through alpine meadows and giant lobelia fields toward Lake Bukurungu, located between the towering Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi. On clear days, climbers can view the prominent peaks of the Rwenzori range including Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and Mount Stanley. Trekking time is approximately 3–4 hours to Bukurungu Camp, with an optional descent to Bigo Camp for climbers heading to the summit.

Day 7: Bukurungu / Bigo Camp to Irene Lakes (4,495 m)

An early start leads through dramatic valleys filled with giant heather, groundsels, and waterfalls. The route passes along Lake Bujuku, which collects glacial meltwater from surrounding peaks. After trekking along the lake shores, continue for about 1.5 hours to reach Irene Lakes Camp, an alpine campsite surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Day 8: Summit Day – Margherita Peak (5,109 m)

Wake up before dawn for the summit attempt. After a light breakfast, begin the challenging ascent to Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley. The climb involves glaciers, rock scrambling, and potentially misty conditions, but reaching the summit offers an unforgettable reward. From the top, climbers can see neighboring peaks including Mount Speke and Mount Baker, as well as views into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
After celebrating and taking photographs, descend back to Bujuku or Bigo Camp for overnight.

Day 9: Descend to Nyabitaba Camp

Begin the descent through the Bujuku Valley, passing John Matte Hut and Nyamulenju rest shelter. Cross the Kurt Shafer Bridge near the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers before reaching Nyabitaba Camp after approximately 6–7 hours of trekking.

Day 10: Nyabitaba Camp to Mihunga Gate

After breakfast, continue descending through the lush montane forest toward Mihunga Gate. Along the way, you may spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and numerous bird species including Ross’s Turaco and sunbirds. After 3–4 hours of hiking, exit the park and transfer back to Kasese for a hot shower, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 11: Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, travel back to Entebbe for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwenzori trekking adventure.