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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

Facts

Country
Uganda
Altitude
5109 m
Difficulty
Trip dates
03.08.2025 - 17.08.2025
Booking status
from €4,950.00
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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!

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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.

Blick auf den Mount Stanley, Ruwenzori Expedition 2013 | © Ruwenzori (c) SummitClimb Felix Berg
The main peaks appear on the approach (Image: Felix Berg, 2012).

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)

Planned Itinerary

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

In the Rwenzori Mountains, there are many interesting peaks, and the ultimate goal of this journey for mountaineers and strong hikers with alpine experience is the ascent of the highest point, Peak Margherita - 5,109 meters (16,762 feet) above sea level.

Preparation & guide ratio

Please prepare thoroughly for participation: Mountaineering in the Rwenzori is not trekking. Even the normal route to Peak Margherita is an exciting high-altitude climb. If you have any doubts, we recommend a private 1:1 guide for a more personalized experience.






Weather & Temperatures

• Tropical warmth (during arrival): 30°C (86°F), dropping to 0°C (32°F) (during trekking)
• 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)

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.

 

Mountaineering skills
Stamina / Endurance
  • Besteigung Magherita Peak, Ruwenzori | © SummitClimb Reisen

    Technical skills and endurance

    Technical difficulties: In order to climb Margherita Peak, you need experience in mountaineering. You should master roping up on the glacier and rope-free walking with crampons on a terrain with up to 45° of steepness and on rock - UIAA difficulty grade II. The tour can be assessed as PD+/AD- according to the French UIAA scale.

    Condition/endurance: A good physical condition for up to 6-8 hours of ascent and good health is necessary.

    The crossing of the Ruwenzori via Alexandera Peak (5091m) to Margherita Peak (5109m) is longer and technically more demanding, with sections of UIAA difficulty grade III and abseiling passages. According to UIAA scale, this is a high-altitude AD+ tour.

  • Zwei Teilnehmer / Bergsteiger auf dem Margherita Peak (5109m) | © SummitClimb Ruwenzori

    Mount Stanley

     

    Peak Margherita (5109m), Peak Alexandra (5092m), and Point Albert (5087m) have about 15 different summit ascents so far. The normal routes (from both Congo and Uganda) pass over the Stanley Plateau.

    Normal Route from Uganda: From the Elena Hut (Uganda), you will encounter some smooth slabs to climb, followed by crossing a flat glacier up to the saddle. After descending a fixed ladder, the ascent begins over a glacier, initially steep, then over a flatter plateau. The summit structure is climbed centrally (UIAA grade 2).

    Difficulty: PD+/AD- climb

    • Approx. 5-7 hours for the ascent
    • Approx. 4-5 hours for the descent
  • Peak Magherita from Alexandra Peak - Ruwenzori Kongo Expedition 2009 | © SummitClimb - Felix Berg

    More Summits

     

    Peak Alexandra (5092m): The southernmost peak (near the saddle) can be directly ascended via the southeast ridge. After a rightward traverse across a steep snow band to the ridge, the route heads directly towards the summit. Sections of the climb are up to UIAA grade 2/3, with one 5-meter section requiring either downclimbing or rappelling. The summit structure presents a section in rock (approx. UIAA grade 4) or can be climbed via a snow/ice tower.
    Difficulty: AD+
    Times (from the saddle): 3-4 hours for the ascent, 2 hours for the descent

    Peak Albert (5087m): The easiest ascent to Peak Albert is via the ridge from Peak Margherita, with sections up to UIAA grade 3.
    Difficulty: AD-
    Times: 1-2 hours in each direction.

Expeditionsleiter Felix Berg zeigt dem Weg bei der Ruwenzori Besteigung | © Ruwenzori (c) SummitClimb Felix Berg
Felix Berg am Ruwenzori

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.

  • Wir sind alle drei wohlbehalten wieder angekommen. Es war eine schöne Reise! ...Ruwenzori-Trekking ist wohl weltweit eine der schönsten Trekkingrouten. Wir hatten mit dem Wetter Glück, es hat kaum geregnet, bei schlechterem Wetter wäre die Route sehr viel herausfordernder gewesen. Die Guides, insbesondere Hezron Kule und das Team waren kompetent, sehr motiviert und hilfsbereit. Der Gipfelaufbau des Margherita Peaks war im ersten Anstieg steil und... read more
    Julia, Peter und Stefan aus Deutschland, 01.02.2017
  • Danke euch für das großzügige Zeitprogramm und die professionelle Führung! Das Trekking und die Mount Stanley Tour waren anspruchsvoller als erwartet. So viel Morast, Sumpf, Matsch, Schlamm, glitschige Wurzeln und triefende Vegetation ist schon extrem. Zum Mag. Peak die wackelige Leiter, der Gletscher sind ganz schön ausgesetzt. Super, dass alles geklappt hat!
    Peter F. aus DE, 25.01.2013
  • Zunächst einmal herzlichen Dank für die Unterstützung und die Möglichkeit der Teilnahme an einem großen Abenteuer. Ich bin tatsächlich mit sehr vielen reichen Erfahrungen (gesund und happy) nachhause gekommen ... bin sehr positiv überrascht worden von Land und Leuten. Expedition und Trekking waren exzellent ... Uganda, v.a. der Ruwenzori und Bwindi mit seinen Berggorillas und den Batwa-Pygmäen sind ein absolutes Erlebnis, ein Muss für jeden Afrik... read more
    Dr. Wilfried Seywald, Deutschland, 06.09.2016
  • Die Tour am Ruwenzori war wirklich ein Highlight, ich hatte eine tolle Zeit. Insbesondere unser Chef-Guide Kule Hezron hat einen super Job gemacht (professional, ruhig). Auch das Essen war hervorragend. Mitte Woche ist ihnen zwar der Tee ausgegangen. Der Koch meinte, er hätte nicht mehr kaufen dürfen:-) Nach 2-3 Tauschgeschäften haben wir dann aber wieder genug gehabt. Organisation war soweit alles einwandfrei. Mein Fahrer ausserhalb des Ruwenzor... read more
    Fabian T. aus Affoltern a.A., 13.01.2018
  • Die Tour im Ruwenzori hat tadellos geklappt, die Mannschaft war toll. Dazu muss ich sagen, dass die beiden Bergführer stets die Verantwortung übernommen haben. Da ich die Routen nicht kannte, eine große Hilfe. Insbesondere die Route von der Elena Hut zu Alexandra-Margherita-Albert (deren Überschreitung uns gelungen ist) ist alles andere als trivial und selbsterklärend, alleine hätte ich die in der Dunkelheit nur sehr schwer gefunden. ... Eine kle... read more
    Gabriel, Deutschland, 11.10.2018
  • Ich habe die Zeit in den Ruwenzori in sehr guter Erinnerung behalten. Das waren für mich sehr tolle und auch (endlich) wieder einmal etwas abenteuerliche Ferien. Die Gegend ist genial schön und meinen Traum nun erfüllt zu haben, lässt mich zufrieden und mit ein wenig Stolz zurück. Denn so einfach sind die Wanderungen in den Ruwenzori nicht. Ich finde es auch klasse, dass ich dir beiden Peaks Speke und Margherita anbietet. Die sind sehr unterschie... read more
    Anne, Kanton Zürich, 30.10.2018

Costs & Services

Our full-service package is "all-inclusive" and covers all the essentials for your adventure. The trip starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport. Our trained guides from our team in Kenya will be dispatched to Uganda for a safe and professional lead trip In case of larger groups starting from 8 participants (up to a maximum of 12), a SummitClimb expedition leader will accompany you, adding an extra layer of expertise to your journey.

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
Selected Trip: 
03.08.2025 - 17.08.2025
€5,250.00
Booking status
Book
Not included
  • 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 
Suggested upgrades
The following options can be added to your booking:

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Feel free to call us:
+49 30 774 90 34
Or send us an e-mail:
info@summitclimb.de

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