Rwenzori Mountains: the short version
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies north of Queen Elizabeth National Park and borders the Virunga area in DR Congo. It covers 99,600 hectares (996 km²) and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The highest point is Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley at 5,109 m.
Most people reach the mountains from Kasese. You can walk for a day or two in the lower forest, or commit to a week or more of guided trekking. This page covers the longer treks. For the town itself, see the Kasese guide.
Our picks: Rwenzori trips
The 9-day circuit is a real trek to Margherita Peak, while the 6-day tour only includes a day hike in the foothills.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
9-day Rwenzori circuit to Margherita Peak
- Margherita Peak route
- Hiking equipment
- English-speaking guide
The circuit leads via Bujuku and Kitandara to Margherita Peak at 5,109 m, with a Queen Elizabeth game drive on the last day. Entry fees, lodging and meals are included; flights are not.
Check availability →
6-day gorillas, chimps and Rwenzori foothills tour
- Rwenzori foothills hike
- Kazinga boat ride
- Queen Elizabeth game drive
The road runs via Fort Portal and Kasese, and the Rwenzori part is a day hike in the Mubuku Valley or on nature trails, not a summit trek. Gorilla and chimp permits are extra.
Check availability →Rwenzori treks and mountain trips
Guided hikes and trips around the Rwenzori and Kasese, with live prices and availability. Check how many days each one covers and whether park fees are included.
Margherita Peak: what the climb asks of you
This is a mountain trip, not a long walk with a view at the end.
The summit climbs on Mount Stanley, Mount Speke and Mount Baker are physically demanding and technical. You need special equipment and technical experience. A guided trek does not guarantee that you reach the top, and weather and conditions decide the final days.
Expect wet ground, mist and cold. Rain and mist are possible all year, and nights bring frost at altitude. Pack for a mountain, not for the savanna.
What a 2026 package covers
Packages for 2026 include guides, porters, meals, mountain huts and the technical equipment for the summit. They leave out transfers, nights before and after the trek, tips, personal costs and evacuation insurance. Add those to your budget.
For 2027, an 8-day package costs $1,895 including the park share, so do not compare it with the 2026 figures.
The glaciers of the range are shrinking, and how much ice you will see on a given date cannot be promised.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park: routes and lengths
Two routes and their usual lengths.
| Route | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Central Circuit | 7 days to Mount Stanley and back | Starts at Nyakalengija; the length is a general frame, not a fixed timetable |
| Kilembe Trail | 7 to 9 days, depending on the package | Different packages, so compare what each day includes |
Do not treat the lengths as one number. A 7-day and a 9-day trek are different products with different pacing. Ask for the daily plan of the package you choose, including rest and weather reserve days.
Rwenzori trekking fees
UWA fees in the tariff for July 2024 to December 2026 are in US dollars for foreign non-resident, foreign resident and rest-of-Africa visitors, and in Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.
| Fee | Foreign non-resident / resident / rest of Africa | East African citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Entry, adult | $35 / $25 / $20 | UGX 15,000 |
| Entry, child | $5 / $5 / $5 | UGX 2,500 |
| Rwenzori Mountains hike, per day, entry included | $50 / $40 | UGX 50,000 |
The UWA hike fee and the park share in an operator package are separate lines. Do not add them together, and ask what your package already includes. Check the current amount before you book. For tours, the listing states whether permit and park fees are included. See also Queen Elizabeth park fees.
When to go and what to check first
Timing and safety both shape a Rwenzori trip.
The drier months
The drier months are January and June to July. It can rain in any month, so a dry window is a better chance, not a promise. The wider picture is on the weather page.
Border region
The mountains lie against the border with DR Congo. The German Foreign Office asks for particular caution for Queen Elizabeth and the Rwenzori, suggests local expertise and advises getting current information from security forces. Ask your operator for the latest before you commit.
Huts, bridges and the glacier
Conditions on huts, bridges and the upper route change. Ask your operator what the current state is for your dates rather than relying on an older trip report.
Insurance
Evacuation insurance is not part of the package price. Arrange it before you travel.
Time before the trek
Plan a night in Kasese before the start. Browse where to stay and the road and flight options to get there.
Rwenzori Mountains: frequently asked questions
How high is Margherita Peak?
Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley is 5,109 m, the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains.
How long does a Rwenzori trek take?
The Central Circuit takes about 7 days to Mount Stanley and back. The Kilembe Trail takes 7 to 9 days, depending on the package. Compare the daily plan, not just the number of days.
How much does it cost to climb Margherita Peak?
For 2026, a 7-day package costs about $1,660 per person and an 8-day package $1,695, each including a park share of $35 per night. Transfers, tips, extra nights and evacuation insurance are not included. Check the current amount before you book.
Can I reach the summit without climbing experience?
The summit climbs are physically demanding and technical, with special equipment and experience required. A guided trek is not an easy hike, and reaching the top is never guaranteed.
When are the drier months?
January and June to July are the drier months, but it can rain in any month and nights bring frost at altitude. Pack for rain, mist and cold.