7-Day Bukurungu Trail & Margherita Peak
Expedition Overview
The 7-Day Bukurungu Trail with Margherita Peak is a demanding, extraordinary expedition that takes you off the beaten path. This route is renowned for its wild, untamed nature, pristine wilderness camping, and sweeping views of spectacular alpine lakes.
Starting from Kasese, you will trek through remote montane rainforests and heather zones, camping at Kasanzi, Kambeho, and Lamia. You’ll pass by beautiful, isolated glacial lakes like Lake Mughuli before reaching the high alpine zones. The journey climaxes with a thrilling, technical summit push to Margherita Peak (5,109m), the highest point in Uganda, before descending via the classic Bigo Camp.
What’s Included
- UWA Park Entrance Fees
- Senior Local Mountain Guides
- Camping Tents & Cooking Equipment
- All Meals on the Mountain
- Standard Porter Support (15kg)
- UWA Rescue Fee
- International Airfare & Visas
- Personal Climbing Gear (Crampons/Axes)
- Guide & Porter Tips
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Daily Itinerary
Basecamp to Kasanzi Camp
After breakfast and an equipment check at your hotel in Kasese, travel to Omu’Korukumi (1,560m) to meet your guides and porters. Hike through coffee plantations, homesteads, and interact with the local Bakonzo people. Ascend for 2-3 hours to reach Kasanzi campsite (2,746m) at the edge of the national park.
Meals Included
Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Kasanzi Campsite (2,746m)
Kasanzi to Kambeho Camp
Hike through the montane rainforest overlooking bamboo-forested valleys. Encounter unique flora like Disa stairssi and Impetiens apiculata. Listen for the calls of black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and the rare Rwenzori Turaco. After a hot lunch at Rwigho Camp, enter the heather zone filled with giant lobelias and everlasting flowers to reach Kambeho Camp.
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Kambeho Camp (3,450m)
Kambeho to Lamia Camp
Start early with a steep climb along the Lhume River over the Mughuli bypass. The vegetation near Lake Mughuli is incredibly beautiful. Keep an eye out for Rwenzori red-duikers and rock hyraxes. Enjoy a hot lunch at Mulhalhama viewpoint before settling in at Lamia Camp.
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Lamia Camp (3,550m)
Lamia to Lake Bujuku / Bigo Camp
Set in the heart of the Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi, today’s gentle crossing features dramatic vegetation changes. If the weather is clear, enjoy magnificent views of the main peaks: Edward on Mount Baker, Margherita and Alexandra on Mount Stanley, and Vittorio Emanuele on Mount Speke. Trek to Bigo Camp to prepare for the high peaks.
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Lake Bujuku / Bigo Camp (3,962m)
Ascent to Irene Lakes Camp
Wake up and trek into the rugged alpine zone, ascending the north-eastern flank of Mount Stanley. The destination is Irene Lakes Camp. Spend the afternoon relaxing, hydrating, and preparing your technical gear for tomorrow’s ultimate summit push.
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Irene Lakes Camp (4,900m)
Summit Margherita Peak & Descend
Wake up at 2:00 AM and begin the demanding, technical hike to Margherita Peak (5,109m), the highest point in Uganda. Traverse the Stanley Glacier, celebrate your summit success, and then return to Irene Camp for a quick lunch before descending to Bigo Camp.
Meals Included
Summit Snack, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
Bigo Camp (3,440m)
Bigo Camp to Basecamp Departure
After breakfast, begin the long, scenic descent to the Mihunga gate, enjoying the sweeping views of the Rwenzori vegetation transitioning back to rainforest. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel or onward destination.
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch
Onward Travel
Transfer to next destination
Recommended Accommodations
Essential Packing List
Clothing & Footwear
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell (Gore-Tex)
- Heavy down jacket (for sub-zero summit night)
- Sturdy, crampon-compatible trekking boots
- Thick thermal wool socks (3-4 pairs)
- Moisture-wicking base layers (Top & Bottom)
Technical & Trekking Gear
- 4-Season sleeping bag (-10°C / 15°F rated)
- Comfortable Daypack (30-40L)
- Waterproof gaiters (Crucial for Bigo Bogs)
- LED Headlamp with extra batteries
- UV Protection Sunglasses (Category 3 or 4)
Frequently Asked Questions
The best and most comfortable times to trek the Rwenzoris are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to August.
However, the Rwenzoris are notorious for having their own micro-climate. It can rain at any time of the year, so proper waterproof gear is absolutely essential regardless of when you book.
For Margherita Peak (5,109m), basic mountaineering experience is highly recommended but not strictly required if you are very fit and a fast learner. The final ascent involves crossing the Stanley Plateau glacier, requiring ropes, crampons, and ice axes.
Our expert IFMGA-trained guides will provide training on how to use the equipment during the trek. If you prefer to avoid the ice, our Central Circuit trek offers incredible high-altitude views without the technical glacier climbing.
Altitude Sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. Our itineraries are specifically designed with slow ascents to promote proper acclimatization.
Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry oxygen saturation monitors. We recommend drinking 3-4 liters of water daily on the mountain and walking slowly ("pole pole"). You may also consult your doctor about altitude medications like Diamox before your trip.
Accommodation consists of basic but sturdy wooden mountain huts equipped with bunk beds and mattresses. You will need to bring your own warm sleeping bag.
Our expedition cooks prepare hearty, high-carb, and nutritious meals to keep your energy up. Breakfasts usually include porridge, eggs, and toast. Dinners consist of hot soups, pasta, rice, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets if informed in advance.
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