
Ruwenzori Climb - Mount Stanley
Together with SummitClimb to the third highest mountain range in Africa:
✪ Mount Stanley ascent
✪ Mountaineering in the Rwenzori Mountains
✪ On Africa's largest glacier
✪ Fascinating nature

Overview
Mount Stanley ascent: This is a fascinating mountain range with original afro-alpine vegetation, breathtaking scenery and the largest glaciers in Africa. On this mountaineering trip we plan an intensive exploration of the Rwenzori Mountains and the ascent of Margherita Peak (5109m) at Mount Stanley, the highest mountain of Rwenzori and the third highest mountain in Africa. As an option, you can visit mountain gorillas (plus 2 days) or go on a small safari.
This trip to the heart of Africa takes us to perhaps the most unique mountain landscape in the world. SummitClimb is your expert for mountains in East Africa and is happy to welcome you on this tour!
Expedition leaders
Rwenzori - Mount Stanley
The ascent of Mount Stanley is in the center of this mountaineering trip to the Moon Mountains. With its three peaks: Peak Magherita (5109m), Peak Alexandra (5092m) and Point Albert (5087m), Mount Stanley is the highest mountain of the massif. Each of these peaks requires a separate ascent, the mountain as a whole forms the 3rd highest peak in Africa. Mount Speke and Mount Baker, respectively the fourth and fifth highest mountain in Africa are also located in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Mount Stanley Expedition - Ascent
Mount Stanley, with its three peaks—Peak Margherita (5109m), Peak Alexandra (5092m), and Point Albert (5087m)—forms the highest mountain of the Rwenzori Range. Each of these peaks requires an independent ridge to be climbed. The mountain overall is the third highest peak in Africa, with Mount Speke and Mount Baker also ranking as the fourth and fifth highest mountains (not counting secondary peaks) in Africa, located in the Rwenzori Mountains. Under "Travel Plan," you'll find the planned itinerary and our strategy, and under "Information," more details on the routes.
Experienced hikers are welcome to join our accompanying trekking group. This is listed under Trekking (three days shorter, but there are many options for this time). The Mount Stanley ascent requires mountaineering skills—please see details under Information.
Our expedition experts are confident in the Rwenzori, not because the tours are extremely difficult, but because they are incredibly beautiful. Our trekking and mountaineering journey are well coordinated, the schedule and additional options are well planned, and the team takes care of you at the highest level.
Itinerary Ruwenzori - Uganda (15 Days)
You are prepared, ready to departure flight to Uganda, Entebbe.
Landing in Entebbe. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and drive you to Kampala. Check-in at the hotel, relax by the pool and in the evening dinner together to get to know all participants. Hotel B&B.
We drive to Kasese, not far from Rwenzori National Park. We stay overnight local hotel/lodge in the city of about 70,000 inhabitants and here will meet our RMS (Rwenzori Mountaineering Service) guide for the tour.
In order to reach the National Park Headquarters in Nyakalegija, we drive to Kasese and follow the signs to the National Park. After another 15km passing small villages, we arrive at the headquarters to register. Our trekking starts! At the beginning, we pass villages, then we go deeper in the jungle, following the valley of the Mubuku River. This lower part of the mountain has a high animal population and with some luck we can see some of them. At the end of the day, as the altitude rises, the vegetation changes and after about 3-4 hours we reach the Nyabitaba hut (2650m) where we stay for the night. Full board.
We initially climb along the Nyabitaba Ridge, then cross the valley of the Mubuku River over the Kurt-Schäffer Bridge and follow a steep path through bamboo forests. This soon clears and an afro-alpine landscape with boulders, grass plains and ferns follows. With a bit of luck you will get first views of Mt. Stanley and Point Margerita. After about 5 to 7 hours we reach John Matte Camp (3550m). Full board.
We follow the trail to the west through partly very marshy and- depending on the conditions - very wet terrain, which is partly defused by footbridges. Waterproof shoes and walking sticks are very useful here. Today we see special plants like lobelias and giant groundels ("Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro"), which only grow on the mountains of East Africa. After a steep climb, we reach Lake Bujuku, along the eastern shore and we reach the camp. Approx. 4-6 hours trekking to the Bujuku hut (4000m). Full board.
We have 3 full days to explore the mountains and do interesting glacier tours. On the first day, we plan to climb Mount Speke for further acclimatization. Overnight stays in hut/bivouac with own cooking together with the guides, cook/kitchen. Half board.
A possible plan would be:
Day 7: Ascent of Mount Speke.
Day 8: Ascent to Elena Hut (4541m)
Day 9: Ascent of Mount Stanley, Margehrita Peak (5109m)
Mount Stanley, the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains, consists of three peaks: Alexandra (5083m), Margehrita (5109m) and Albert (5101m). Our goal is to reach the highest point. The crossing or a direct ascent from Bujuku Camp (alternative normal route) can be discussed on site.
This day is also our reserve day for mountaineering. Then we descend to the beautiful Lake Kitandara.
We ascend to Freshfield Pass (4400m), a wide plateau below Mount Baker, and then descend over partly steep and slippery paths into the valley of the Mbuku River. There, after a hike of about 4-6 hours, we reach the Guy Yeoman Hut (3500m) / full board.
We go back down to Nyabitaba Hut, where the Central Circuit closes, then continue to the headquarters (about 4-5 hours hike). After saying goodbye to the support team, we will be picked up and drive to Hippo Hill Resort, full board.
A full day of safari with game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we can see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, lions, garzels, zebras and many other animals. Overnight at Hippo Hill Resort, full board.
After breakfast, we drive back to Kampala (5-7 hours) for a farewell dinner. Hotel, B&B, or dayroom. In case of a night flight transfer to the airport.
Flight & arrival at home.
Prepare
Climb Mount Stanley
Preparation & guide ratio
Weather & Temperatures
• Frequently rainy and cold throughout the day
• Summit days: temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F)
• Wind-chill factor may reach as low as -15°C (5°F)
Downloads
Participation requirements
For this trekking and climb, you should be healthy and have a good physical condition. You should be able to hike in pathless terrain and be prepared for wet weather conditions.

Testimonials
Felix Berg is one of the pioneers on Rwenzori, for example in 2009 with the first crossing of the mountain from west to east. Since he lived in East Africa in 2002/03, he has been the mountain expert for the region, guiding numerous groups and also climbing there is his free time. Besides, on this mountaineering trip to Rwenzori, you will also benefit from our experience in high-altitude climbing on 8000m mountains. We organise this tour together with our long-term local partner, well-trained local mountain guides and staff.

Costs & Services
Full Service
- Organization and management of the trip
- Guided tour
- with 8 to 12 participants tour led by international expedition leader/mountain-guide
- with 4 to 7 participants tour led by SummitClimb Guide from Team Africa
- additional local guides from the RMS: 1 guide per 3 members - Departure from different European airports
- Airport transfers to Kampala
- 2x accommodation (double room, sharing) in Kampala, ****hotel with breakfast
- 1x accommodation (double room, sharing) in Kasese, ***Lodge/Hotel, full board
- 2x accommodation (double room, sharing) at QE-Nationalpark, ****Hippo-Hill Lodge, full board
- Transport by bus and 4x4
- Local guide and manager
- Porters and personal porter (up to 18kg) per participant
- Group equipment (kitchen, tent)
- Cook and experienced kitchen crew
- Three meals a day (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner)
- Water (boiled, prepared)
- All national park fees (USD35 per person per day)
- RMS (Ruwenzori Mountaineering Service) compulsory services
- RMS mountain guide for Mount Stanley
- RMS climbing permit for 3 days
- All overnight stays before and after trekking in a double room with full board
- During trekking overnight stay in simple huts of the RMS
- Personal tent (single / double) on request
- Medical equipment and first aid kit
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fee for Uganda
- Dinner and lunch in Kampala (we usually go out to a restaurant together)
- Personal equipment
- Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses
- Tips/gratitudes: aprox. USD 250 to USD 300