There are many reasons to visit Uganda, with the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi National Park being the biggest attraction, but if you want to add some adventure and activity to your 2016 holiday, you could combine your gorilla trekking tour with an expedition in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountain Range to Margherita Peak at 5,109 metres above sea level.

A demanding climb that requires a good level of physical fitness, the Rwenzori Mountain Range is more demanding than Mount Kilimanjaro, but if you are up for a challenge, this could be the perfect trip for your next holiday, and it’s certainly less crowded that neighbouring mountains in Kenya and Tanzania.  Here is a sample itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Kampala by road or air to Kasese in Southwestern Uganda.  Hotel check-in and prepare for your expedition, carefully packing for the damp and muddy conditions to come!

Day 2: Today you will start your expedition travelling from Nyakalengija at 1615m to Nyabitaba Hut at 2651m.  You will start by following the Mubuku River, before a long steep climb to your base camp for the night.  Approximate hiking time 6-7 hours.

Day 3: After breakfast today, you will ascend from Nyabitaba at 2651m to the John Matte Hut at 3380m.  Today’s trail will take you through bamboo forests, moss-covered rocks, and moorlands.

Day 4: From the John Matte Hut at 3380m you will climb to the Bujuku Hut at 3962m.  Today’s hike includes crossing the Bujuku River and making your way through giant Lobelias to Bigo Bog.  Knee-high mud is not uncommon on this stretch!  You will then pass Lake Bujuku before enjoying spectacular views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker and Mt Speke.

Day 5: Your journey from Bujuku at 3962m to Elena Hut at 4541m requires crossing the Scott-Elliot Pass on a steep, ice-covered trail.  You will overnight at Elena Hut in preparation for your summit attempt tomorrow.

Day 6: Today is the day you have been waiting for, and after a warm breakfast you will begin your final ascent to Margherita Peak at 5109m.  Your trek will take approximately 5 – 7 hours depending on the weather conditions, and will take you over three glaciers.  After scaling Africa’s 3^rd highest mountain, you will make your way down to Kitandara Hut at 4027m for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Today’s hike starts with an ascent to Fresh Field Pass at 4282m, where you will have magnificent views of the Congo, before descending to Guy Yeoman Hut for at 3450m.

Day 8: The trek from Guy Yeoman at 3450m to Nyabitaba at 2651m will take approximately 6 – 7 hours.  After an early breakfast, you will descent the cliffs of Kichuchu and cross the muddy path of the Mubuku River to complete the circuit.

Day 9: Your final day in the Rwenzori Mountain Range.  Today you descend from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija where you will overnight a mountain lodge.