Mount Stanley Climb (8 Days)

NB. We can arrange your international flights to Uganda and your accommodation in Entebbe for you. Please note that these are not included in our published climb rates.

NB. There are a range of hotels and guesthouses available to suit different budgets in and around Kasese and in nearby Fort Motel, from very basic lodges (the Trekkers Hostel) to comfortable hotels (Hotel Sandton). Please contact us for alternative options.

Today’s walk is approx. 9.5 km, expected time 5 to 7 hours. The start height is 1,450 metres, climbing to 2,598 metres.  Leaving the Trekkers’ Hostel at approx. 10am, you walk 2.2km to the UWA rangers post at 1,727m, where you will be briefed on the rules of the Rwenzori National Park.

As you leave the rangers post you walk along a path through tall grassland and ferns which gives way to magnificent rainforest. The forest here is largely untouched and the plant and animal life stunning. Many species of bird can be heard and seen in this rich environment, as can Chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys – though sightings of the former are very rare!

Upon entering the forest, the first few kilometres of the trail climb steadily, crossing several small streams and rivers. The trail becomes gradually steeper as you approach your first camp at Sine Hut, located just below the bamboo zone on a narrow ridge.

The thick moss covering the ground and rocks is spectacular and we ask you to help preserve this pristine environment by keeping to the trail. Please note that this section of the trail can be exceptionally muddy – rubber boots are essential!

As you near the top of the ridge and exit the bamboo forest, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the valleys and hills below, stretching as far as Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

You’ll be in the giant heather zone now, as you approach Kalalama Camp (3,150m), perched on a high ridge overlooking Kilembe.

After a brief rest at Kalalama Camp, continue along an undulating trail to Mutinda Camp. The trail becomes less steep from here on out, and will soon see you drop down into the valley. Expect to reach Mutinda Camp (3,590m) late afternoon.

Dropping down to the valley floor, you will trek through a beautiful landscape of tussock grasses and everlasting flowers, interspersed with giant lobelias. This section of the trail is particularly scenic, but can also be very boggy – have your rubber boots at the ready.

The trail soon begins to climb more steeply as you approach the entrance of the Namusangi Valley (3,840m), and then continue up the valley towards Bugata Camp, at 4,100m.

Bugata Camp (4,100m) is situated above Lake Kopello, with spectacular views down into the Namusangi, the valley of the nine glacier lakes.

It is a short but steep climb to the top of Bamwanjara Pass, where you will be greeted with spectacular views of the main peaks, including Mt Stanley, provided the weather is fine. From the Pass it is a steady descent down to the Kachope Lakes.

The Kachope Lakes area is one of three known areas of the mountains where the rare Rwenzori Leopard can be seen. Little research has been done on this animal, which is considered even rarer than the Snow Leopard – sightings are not expected, but keep an eye out just in case!

After passing the Lakes, it is a short climb to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,975m.

Margherita Camp marks the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi set up camp when preparing for his ascent of Margherita Peak in 1906.

After an early supper, retreat to your hut and a good rest before tonight’s summit attempt.

Note for prospective Margherita Peak climbers - Due to the receding ice, the climb to Margherita Peak is becoming increasingly challenging, particularly the final climb onto the Margherita Glacier. Prior experience of Alpine climbing – including use of crampons and ice axe, and of climbing on a belay and abseiling – is essential if you are to attempt Margherita Peak. For trekkers without such experience, there is the option to stay on the Stanley Plateau and climb up to a good vantage point on a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak, from where you can enjoy fantastic views out to the Congo and the lower mountain ridges. Below we cover both options.

Wake at 2am and set off at approx. 2:30am after tea or coffee and an energy snack. It usually takes about one and a half hours to reach Elena Hut (4,540m) which we bypass on the way to the peaks. After Elena, you will climb a steep gully to reach the edge of the Stanley Glacier at 4,765m, where you will need to put on crampons and harnesses at set distances. Although the crevasse risk if low, your guide will lead the way and ensure you take the safest route.

The scenery is spectacular and as you approach the upper glacier and the saddle between the two peaks, Alexandra and Margherita, the sun will hopefully just be peeping over the horizon, giving you a chance for fantastic photographs.

At this point, the routes to Margherita Peak and the Stanley Viewpoint diverge. Please see our full PDF itinerary for a detailed overview of both route options.

On reaching your goal, you'll retrace your steps back to high camp. Depending on the time taken during your ascent and your energy levels, you may continue further down to Hunwick’s Camp.

The trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River, which flows down through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After crossing the confluence, the trail meanders down the Namusangi Valley to Kiharo Camp (3,430m), sheltered beneath high cliffs and dense vegetation. This section of the trail will see you descend on the opposite side of the valley to that walked on day 5.

You will be trekking on a route first tackled by explorer and geologist McConnell in the 1930s. It’s a particularly beautiful section of the Rwenzoris, as the open moorland and heath gives way to the forested lowlands of the Rwenzoris. You’ll be following the river for much of the route, passing a number of waterfalls along the way.

Expect to reach the Ranger’s Post – a distance of 12km – early afternoon. From the Ranger’s Post, it is a short walk down to Kilembe and the Trekkers Hostel.

On arrival at the Hostel, enjoy a late lunch before transferring to the Sandton Hotel in Kasese for dinner and overnight.

If you are continuing with a safari to Queen Elizabeth or gorilla tracking in Bwindi, your driver and guide will come to meet you this morning at your hotel for the start of your safari.

NB. Please note that, depending on the condition of the trails, the exact route used during your climb may differ from that described.