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Margherita Peak Central Circuit Route trail image
Margherita Peak and the upper Rwenzori basin used as the hero image for the central circuit route.
Trail

Margherita Peak Central Circuit Route

Rwanda and Uganda

The summit-focused Rwenzori progression from the Nyakalengija approach through the upper basin to Margherita Peak and back out.

Trail mini map

Route stages

Stage 1

Forest approach day

Nyakalengija to Rwenzori Forest Camp

Distance
9 km
Ascent
1,200M
Time
6h

Steady Rwenzori start through humid forest, aiming to arrive fresh rather than fast.

Stage 2

Higher valleys

Rwenzori Forest Camp to Rwenzori High Valley Camp

Distance
10 km
Ascent
900M
Time
7h

Push deeper into the range as the mountain environment becomes more dramatic.

Stage 3

Central basin day

Rwenzori High Valley Camp to Rwenzori Central Basin Camp

Distance
9 km
Ascent
900M
Time
6.5h

Important acclimatisation stage into the harsher alpine zone.

Stage 4

High camp move

Rwenzori Central Basin Camp to Rwenzori High Camp

Distance
6 km
Ascent
650M
Time
4h

Keep the day short and controlled, then sort the technical kit for the summit attempt.

Stage 5

Margherita Peak summit day

Rwenzori High Camp to Rwenzori Lower Camp

Distance
10 km
Ascent
900M
Time
12h

Alpine start to the summit followed by a long descent to lower camp.

Stage 6

Exit to Kasese

Rwenzori Lower Camp to Kasese

Distance
10 km
Ascent
Varies
Time
6h

Complete the descent and leave the mountain.