Note that the guiding on the mountain will be done by our local Bakonjo guides, who are well trained both locally and by NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Kenya, an American NGO, and are qualified on ice and have summited both Margherita and Mt Kenya. For private groups, more peaks can be climbed. Hikers have the option of not ascending any peaks. Food is a combination of local and imported goods. Other short local trips etc. can be added on to these climbs, as well as trips to Kenya, etc.

Should you wish to ascend the peak we strongly suggest the additional night at Bujuku Hut - our previous experience shows that your chances of summiting are much higher if this is done.

The Huts on Rwenzori are NOT in good condition - but some may be used as needed, such as Elena. We supply and portage tents so we can use these where the hut standards are not to our liking. Ropes are carried on all trips - even hikes - so we can short rope some of the descent sections. Communication is via National Parks radio network.

Best times to climb: mid-December to end February, and mid-June to end August.

On the return route to Kampala, we have optional safaris to include Queen Elizabeth National Park, and/or Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Includes: Return airport transfers, meet & greet service, transfers from Entebbe to base of hike with all equipment, accommodation as stated in hotels / camping, meals per itinerary, services of professional mountain guides - average ratio 1 per 2 climbers, services of cook & porters on mountain (average 6 porters per pax) - 12.5 kg baggage carried, park fees and mountain services fees as shown separately, rescue fees whilst on mountain, equipment - tents, mattresses, all cooking / eating utensils on hike/climb, top quality ropes and harnesses.

Excludes: Visas if required, personal travel insurance, drinks & tips, ice axes, crampons and personal gear.

Important Note:
We do not offer climbs for less than four guests due to safety reasons.
Local payment includes park feed, hut fees, rescue and conservation fees.
Climb days are - Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays for day one of the actual climb.
Please also note that rates are subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstance.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Arrive Entebbe. Airport transfer. Overnight hotel. Breakfast only.

Day 2 - To Kasese, a seven-hour drive. Overnight Margherita Hotel, at the foot of the Ruwenzoris. Breakfast only.

Day 3 - Trailhead - Nyabitaba. Drive to trail head. Meet porters/guides. Walk to past Bakonjo farms to Nyabitaba. Full Board - camping at 2650m.

Day 4 - Nyabitaba - John Matte After crossing the Bujuku/Mubuku River, ascend to John Matte hut. Full Board - camping at 3415m.

Day 5 - John Matte - Bujuku Across the Bigo Bog and the Kibatsi Bog to Bujuku Hut. Excellent view of Mount Baker, Speke & Stanley if clear. Full Board - camping at 3977m.

Day 6 - Bujuku Option to climb Mt Speke, whilst the rest of the group can hike to view the Irene Lakes, returning to Bujuku to overnight. Or rest day. Full Board - camping at 3977m.

Day 7 - Bujuku - Elena Travelling over the Scott Elliot pass, you ascend to Elena Hut. Trekkers bypass to Kitandara Hut and join group on day 8. Full Board - camping at 4543m.

Day 8 - Elena - Summit - Kitandara (BLD)Ascent of Margherita, (5109m). Roped together for the glacier crossing. Crampons and ice axes essential. Descend to Kitandara Hut. Full Board - camping at 5109m-4027m. Summit Day!

Day 9 - Kitandara - Guy Yeoman A steep climb over the Freshfield Pass (4 282m), before descending to Guy Yeoman Hut, set in the giant heather zone at 3 506 m. Full Board - camping at 3506m.

Day 10 - Guy Yeoman - Trailhead A steep descent to Nyabitaba Hut, then to the road head where the vehicle awaits. Overnight at Margherita Hotel. Breakfast & Lunch - camping.

Day 11 - Return to Entebbe, either evening flight out or overnight at hotel. Breakfast only.

Day 12 - Airport transfer.