Mt Stanley is the third highest mountain in Africa. The real adventure is in the climb through the southern circuit. The forests and valleys are full of life, with many birds and primates. On the trail, you will see chimp nests high in the trees, and with some luck, you may spot chimpanzees.
The climb to Cheptegei Peak is non-technical. There is little rock scrambling and it can be done without ropes, though for safety ropes are carried. From the peak, you get wide views of valleys on both the Uganda and Congo sides, Alexandra Peak, Margherita Peak, and the Stanley glaciers.
The route follows the same plan as the climb to Margherita Peak, but instead of continuing up the Margherita glacier, you cross the Stanley glacier and climb Cheptegei Peak at 4,907m.
8-Day Rwenzori Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Trek to Sine Hut (2,596m)
- Day 2: Trek to Mutinda Camp (3,582m)
- Day 3: Trek to Bugata Camp (4,100m)
- Day 4: Trek to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)
- Day 5: Trek to Margherita Camp (4,485m)
- Day 6: Summit Cheptegei Peak (4,907m)
- Day 7: Trek to Kiharo Camp (3,640m)
- Day 8: Descend to Base Camp (1,450m)
Detailed 8-Day Rwenzori Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Trek to Sine Hut (2,596m)
Start at Trekkers Hostel at 1,450m and sleep at Sine Hut at 2,596m (a gain of 1,146m). Fit hikers may continue to Kalalama Camp at 3,134m, giving more time later at Mutinda Camp and the Mutinda Lookout (3,975m).
The trail begins in tall Afro-Montane forest, steady but beautiful, with many birds. Blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and even L’Hoest monkeys may be seen. Sometimes chimps are heard in the distance. The forest has tall trees, bamboo, shrubs, fungi, moss, and hanging vines.
Enock’s Falls, just 200m from Sine Hut, is a perfect place for photos. Sine Hut sits on a ridge with wooden cabins among the forest. Visitors enjoy views of waterfalls below or relax by a campfire.
Day 2: Trek to Mutinda Camp (3,582m)
Start trekking at 8:30am. Soon you enter the bamboo zone, which is steep, muddy, and slippery in the wet season. The climb gains 551m over 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147m, where you can rest with tea or coffee.
The trail winds along ridges, streams, and waterfalls before following a mossy river under giant heather trees covered with lichen. Mist often hangs over the valley.
In the afternoon, hike up to Mutinda Lookout (3,925m) for views over the Rwenzori, Kasese town, and Lake George. It also helps with acclimatization.
Sleep at Mutinda Camp, 3,582m.
Day 3: Trek to Bugata Camp (4,100m)
Cross the Mutinda Valley through tussock grass and giant lobelias, then climb steeply into the Namusangi Valley (3,840m). This valley is wide with many waterfalls and views back to Mutinda Peaks. The trail continues up and down before reaching Bugata Camp at 4,100m.
Day 4: Trek to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)
Trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450m). On a clear day you can see all three main peaks. The trail crosses bogs, thick vegetation, and lobelia flowers where sunbirds feed. Steeper climbs follow before reaching Hunwick’s Camp, set on a ridge with views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Day 5: Trek to Margherita Camp (4,485m)
Cross the valley to Lake Kitandara with deep water and lush vegetation, then climb Scott Elliott’s Pass to Margherita Camp (4,485m). This camp, sheltered among rocks, was used by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.
Optional: climb Mt Baker for great views of Mt Stanley, Margherita Peak, and the glaciers.
Day 6: Summit Cheptegei Peak (4,907m)
After an early breakfast, leave between 4:30–5:30am. Cross the Stanley glacier to its far end, then climb the rocks below Stanley Viewpoint. A short scramble leads to Cheptegei Peak (4,907m). The climb is tiring due to thin air but rewarding.
From the summit, you see Alexandra Peak, Mt Speke, Bujuku Valley, Portal Peaks, parts of Congo, and nearby lakes.
Day 7: Trek to Kiharo Camp (3,640m)
Walk 11km in 4–7 hours to Kiharo Camp. From Hunwick’s Camp, climb towards Oliver’s Pass (4,505m) with views of the main peaks. Optionally, climb Weismann’s Peak (4,620m) for $20.
Descend through the Nyamwamba River valley to Kiharo Camp, set deep among cliffs and thick vegetation. Along the way, you cross glacial ridges left behind by ice.
Day 8: Descend to Base Camp (1,450m)
Hike 16km to the park gate, plus 2.8km to Trekkers Hostel. The trail takes 5–8 hours, so start early if you need to catch flights or travel.
The Nyamwamba Valley is full of waterfalls, mossy rocks, and forests. Duikers are often seen along the river. The descent passes waterfalls, ridges, and forests with great views of the valley. Lunch is at Forest View Camp before returning to Base Camp, ending the trek.
