12- Days Magherita Peak Trek- Kilembe Trail | Toturk Safaris
Embark on a twelve -day trek through the Rwenzori Mountains culminating in a summit attempt on Margherita Peak using the Kilembe trail. Margherita peak is the 3rd highest peak in Africa with an elevation of 5,109 meters. Each day of this itinerary presents new challenges and breathtaking scenery as you trek through verdant forests, alpine meadows, diverse flora and fauna and rugged terrain, with overnight stays at charming campsites nestled amidst the natural splendor. As you ascend higher into the mountains, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, dotted with glaciers, lakes, and streams. This itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure in one of Uganda's breathtaking wildernesses.
Safari Highlights
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Summit Day
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Stunning Glacier scenes
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Beautiful lake scenes
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Beautiful river scenes
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Panoramic views of the peaks, rivers and lakes
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Lots of unique flora and fauna
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Charming Campsites
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Thrilling Guided Treks
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Diverse landscapes
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Cultural and Natural land marks
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
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Day 2: and transfer to Kasese
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Day 3: Kilembe Trailhead to Sine Hut
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Day 4: Sine Hut to Mutinda Camp
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Day 5: Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp
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Day 6: Bugata Camp (Acclimatization Day)
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Day 7: Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp
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Day 8: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp
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Day 9: Summit Day – Margherita Peak and Descend to Hunwick’s Camp
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Day 10: Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp
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Day 11: Kiharo Camp to Kasese
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Day 12: Departure from Kasese
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Uganda
ENTEBBE -KAMPALA
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Toturk safaris driver guide will transfer you to your lodge in Kampala for an overnight stay after a short brief about your safari adventure. Have enough rest and prepare for your memorable adventure for the next 11 days.
INCLUDED: Airport transfer, dinner and accommodation.
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton
Day 2
Transfer to Kasese
KAMPALA - KASESE
After breakfast, start your exploration with a visit to Gaddafi Mosque for a panoramic view of Kampala and afterwards begin your 5 to 6 hr journey to Kasese. During the journey, you will see tree plantations and bustling Ugandan communities. After dinner at your accommodation, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Kasese
Day 3
Kasese to Kilembe and Trek to sine Hut.
KASESE - SINE HUT
After breakfast, Transfer from Kasese to Kilembe, where the trailhead for the Kilembe Trail is located. Begin the trek towards Sine Hut, the first camp on the trail. Trek through lush vegetation and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. Arrive at Sine Hut (2,596 meters) and settle in for the night.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodations.
Accommodation: Sine Hut
Day 4
Sine Hut to Mutinda Camp.
Today’s trek is about 6-7hrs of walking. Trek from Sine Hut towards Mutinda Camp. Ascend through the Afro Montane Forest Zone, passing through diverse flora and fauna. Once you pass 3,000 meters, you will see unique plant species like the Giant Heather covered in Usnea lichen. Reach Mutinda Camp (3,582 meters), situated in a scenic valley, and spend the night.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Mutinda Camp
Day 5
Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp.
Trek from Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp (4,062 meters), ascending further into the Rwenzori Mountains. It’s a distance of about 8km, depending on your walking pace, it will take you between 6-8hrs to Bugata camp. Enjoy stunning views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow. Pass through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, enjoying panoramic views along the way.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Day 6
Bugata Camp (Acclimatization Day)
Take a rest day for acclimatization. Today is all about taking it easy and letting our bodies adjust to the higher altitude and thinner air before proceeding to higher elevations. Start with a leisurely breakfast, enjoying the crisp mountain air and stunning views around Bugata Camp. Throughout the day, focus on staying hydrated and fueling the body with nutritious meals to prepare for the challenges ahead. Take short walks around the camp to stretch the legs and soak in the breathtaking scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains. Our guides will be keeping a close eye on your health, ensuring that everyone is feeling their best at this higher altitude (4,062 meters). It's a day to relax, recharge, and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings before continuing our adventure.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Day 7
Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp
After breakfast at Bugata Camp (4,062meters), begin the trek towards Hunwick's Camp (3,974 meters), named after the British explorer J.R.B. Hunwick, who extensively studied the Rwenzori Mountains. This trek follows the Bamwanjara Pass and Bamwanjara lake.
Traverse through rugged terrain, including rocky slopes and high alpine meadows, catch glimpses of streams and lakes like Kachobe Lake which is steep and always muddy and also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers as you ascend.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Hunwick’s camp
Day 8
Hunwick’s camp to Margherita Camp.
Trek to Margherita Camp (4,485 meters), the base for the summit attempt. On the trek from Hunwick's Camp to Margherita Camp, you'll pass by Elena Hut, a key rest point. Ascending towards Margherita Peak, through Elliot Pass and Freshfield Pass, catch glimpses of Mount Baker, and encounter Bujongolo Cave. Along the way, you will cross rivers like the Bujuku River and pass by Lake Kitandara, adding to the adventure of the journey. Distance between the camps is 5.1km. it will take about 3-5hrs of walking. Arrive at Margherita Camp (4,485 meters), situated near the base of the summit, and prepare for the summit bid.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Margherita Camp
Day 9
Summit Day – Margherita Peak and Descend to Hunwick’s Camp.
Wake up early at 2am and have an early breakfast and after start the summit bid on Margherita Peak (5,109 meters), the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains and equally Uganda at large. The early wake is intended to reach the peak before sunrise as global warming has affected the outer edges of the glacier and the sun causes it to melt making it very hard to climb. It is a long journey today. It takes about a total of 9-12hrs a day (12.7km). 5-7hrs(3.8km) walk to the summit and 4-6hrs (8.9km) to descend back to Hunwick’s camp. When you reach the peak, take pictures and videos. It’s a worthwhile beautiful unforgettable view. Descend back to Hunwick’s Camp and rest for the night.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Hunwick’s camp
Day 10
Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp
After breakfast from Hunwick's Camp, ascend towards McConnell's Prong and reach Oliver Pass (4505 meters) enjoying stunning views along the way. It’s an 11km distance so it will take about 4-7hrs of walking. Traversing beneath Weismann's Peak, you'll then descend to the Nyamwamba River Confluence before continuing your descent into the deep valley where Kiharo Camp awaits. Upon arrival, settle in and relax, savoring the tranquility of the Rwenzori Mountains as you prepare for an evening of dinner and rest.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Kiharo camp
Day 11
Kiharo Camp to Kasese
Embarking from Kiharo Camp, begin your descent through the stunning Nyamwamba Valley. Traverse the rugged landscape, taking in the towering cliffs and lush vegetation as you make your way towards the park gate. Mind your footing as you navigate varied terrain, eventually reaching civilization where signs of the gate's proximity emerge. Upon arrival at the park gate, complete any necessary procedures then after journey onward to Kasese, where you can relax and reflect on your trekking adventure amidst the comforts of civilization.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Kasese
Day 12
Departure
KASESE- KAMPALA
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for additional sightseeing or leisure activities in Kasese. Be sure to experience the equator experiment on the way back. Transfer to the airport for departure or onward journey.
INCLUDED: Airport transfer, dinner, excursions.
Accommodation: None
Rates are based on the time of year, number of participants, and inclusions. All Toturk Safaris can be customized by speaking to one of our travel consultants. To inquire about rates for this safari, please shoot us an email.
What's Included
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Transfer between airport & accommodations on day of arrival & departure
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Transport in a private 4WD safari vehicle & fuel for tour
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Professional English-speaking driver/guide
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Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
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Meals as noted in the itinerary
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Drinking water in the safari vehicle
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Park entry fees, activities, and excursions as noted in the itinerary
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VAT where applicable
What's Excluded
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International airfare
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Personal (medical/travel) insurance
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Meals, snacks, and drinks not noted in the itinerary
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Optional activities
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips