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Rwanda Uganda Volcanoes and Rwenzori Expedition adventure image
Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains, the alpine summit objective at the end of this East Africa expedition.
Mountaineering

Rwanda Uganda Volcanoes and Rwenzori Expedition

Rwanda · Virunga Rwanda

A serious East Africa mountain itinerary combining Rwanda's volcanoes, Bwindi gorilla tracking, and a full Margherita Peak summit push.

Route mini map

Route overview

The summit-focused Rwenzori 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

Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains, the alpine summit objective at the end of this East Africa expedition.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kigali

Keep the day light, sort cash and SIM, and do the final kit and snack check before heading north.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
-
Moving time
1.5h
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.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
-
Moving time
4h
Day 3

Mount Bisoke

A strong first mountain day and a good test of pacing before Karisimbi.

Distance
11 km
Climb
1,200M
Moving time
7h
Day 4

Mount Karisimbi day 1

Begin the Karisimbi expedition, climbing to high camp with the local support team.

Distance
10 km
Climb
1,300M
Moving time
6h
Day 5

Mount Karisimbi summit and descent

Early summit start, cold and windy conditions possible, then the full descent back out.

Distance
14 km
Climb
800M
Moving time
10h
Day 6

Transfer to Bwindi

Cross into Uganda, rest, repack, and prepare clothing for thick vegetation and wet ground.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
-
Moving time
7h
Day 7

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi

A ranger-led forest day where the effort depends on where the gorilla family is located.

Distance
8 km
Climb
600M
Moving time
5h
Day 8

Transfer to the Rwenzori gateway

Long transfer day, guide briefing, duffel weigh-in, and final repack for the mountain.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
-
Moving time
8h
Day 9

Rwenzori trek start

Enter the range and keep the pace controlled through the humid forest.

Distance
9 km
Climb
1,200M
Moving time
6h
Day 10

Into the higher valleys

Continue deeper into the range as the terrain becomes more dramatic and more serious.

Distance
10 km
Climb
900M
Moving time
7h
Day 11

Approach the upper mountain

Climb higher through the central basin and use the day for acclimatisation rather than speed.

Distance
9 km
Climb
900M
Moving time
6.5h
Day 12

Move to summit staging camp

Keep the day controlled, stay fed, and prepare the technical kit for the summit push.

Distance
6 km
Climb
650M
Moving time
4h
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.

Distance
10 km
Climb
900M
Moving time
12h
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.

Distance
10 km
Climb
-
Moving time
6h

Mountains summited on this trip

Peak Mount Bisoke Virunga Mountains Peak Mount Karisimbi Virunga Mountains Peak Margherita Peak Rwenzori Mountains

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.