Mount Rwenzori climbing in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers global adventurers a chance to scale the “Mountains of the Moon,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to 5,109 meters at Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley Africa’s third-highest summit this range blends glaciers, jagged ridges, and lush valleys into a mountaineering masterpiece.
The Central Circuit, a 7 to 9-day trek, is the classic route to Margherita, starting at Nyakalengija (1,615 meters).
Organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or tour operators, including permits, guides, porters, and camping gear. The ascent travers’s bamboo forests, heather zones, and alpine meadows, culminating in a technical glacier climb requiring crampons and ice axes (provided). Shorter options, like the 2-3-day Mount Baker trek suits less experienced climbers, reaching 4,842 meters with stunning views.
Located 400 kilometers from Kampala (6-8 hours by road) or a 1-hour flight to Kasese Airstrip plus a 1-hour drive, Rwenzori demands physical fitness and preparation for wet, cold conditions; average temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F) near the summit. The dry seasons (June-August and December-February) offer the clearest paths, though rain is frequent year-round.
From rare Rwenzori leopards to surreal lobelia plants, this climb delivers an epic challenge and an unforgettable connection to Uganda’s wild heights.