Day 1
Arrive in Kigali
Keep the day light, sort cash and SIM, and do the final kit and snack check before heading north.
Rwanda Uganda Volcanoes and Rwenzori Expedition
A serious East Africa mountain itinerary combining Rwanda's volcanoes, Bwindi gorilla tracking, and a full Margherita Peak summit push.
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Route mini map
Route overview
Summit-focused progression from the Nyakalengija approach through the upper basin to Margherita Peak and back out.
Why travellers choose this trip
Built for travellers who want the strongest mountain journey in Rwanda and the surrounding region without crossing into eastern DRC. Expect steep volcanic paths, muddy forest trekking, long transfer days, and one major alpine objective at the end.
- Summit Mount Bisoke - Complete the two-day Mount Karisimbi expedition - Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi - Finish with a full Rwenzori summit push to Margherita Peak - Travel through the strongest mountain scenery in the region without adding eastern DRC
Photos from Rwanda Uganda Volcanoes and Rwenzori Expedition
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 2
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Drive to the Kinigi area, check into the lodge, waterproof pack the mountain kit, and prepare for an early start.
Day 3
Mount Bisoke
A strong first mountain day and a good test of pacing before Karisimbi.
Day 4
Mount Karisimbi day 1
Begin the Karisimbi expedition, climbing to high camp with the local support team.
Day 5
Mount Karisimbi summit and descent
Early summit start, cold and windy conditions possible, then the full descent back out.
Day 6
Transfer to Bwindi
Cross into Uganda, rest, repack, and prepare clothing for thick vegetation and wet ground.
Day 7
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
A ranger-led forest day where the effort depends on where the gorilla family is located.
Day 8
Transfer to the Rwenzori gateway
Long transfer day, guide briefing, duffel weigh-in, and final repack for the mountain.
Day 9
Rwenzori trek start
Enter the range and keep the pace controlled through the humid forest.
Day 10
Into the higher valleys
Continue deeper into the range as the terrain becomes more dramatic and more serious.
Day 11
Approach the upper mountain
Climb higher through the central basin and use the day for acclimatisation rather than speed.
Day 12
Move to summit staging camp
Keep the day controlled, stay fed, and prepare the technical kit for the summit push.
Day 13
Margherita Peak summit day
The main objective of the trip: an alpine start, cold conditions, and a very long day to Margherita Peak before descending to lower camp.
Day 14
Final descent and exit
Complete the descent out of the Rwenzori and return to Kasese for onward travel or an extra recovery night.
Mountains summited on this trip
Explore this destination
Mountain collections
Mountain Ranges
9
Albertine Rift Congo Peaks
Eastern DRC mountain region covering the Rwenzori border peaks and Virunga volcano chain.
National Mountain Lists
9
DR Congo Major Peaks
Broad summit region covering DR Congo's major mountains and national high-point objectives.
National Park Mountains
6
Virunga Mountains Congo Peaks
Virunga volcanic massif on the DRC side of the Albertine Rift.
National Park Mountains
5
Virunga Volcanoes Rwanda Peaks
Rwanda volcano region anchored by Volcanoes National Park and its major volcanic summits.
Highest Mountains by Country
195
Highest Mountains by Country
The highest mountain in each country.
Mountains by Elevation
1359
3000-3999m Peaks
Peaks from 3000 to 3999 metres.
Mountains by Elevation
187
4000-4999m Peaks
Peaks from 4000 to 4999 metres.