Mud, Sweat & Glaciers: The Ultimate Guide to a Mt Stanley Trek
- Phil Nolan
- Dec 23, 2025
- 10 min read
For the true Adventurer, few places on Earth rival the mystical allure of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in western Uganda. Known as the Mountains of the Moon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a trekking experience that is wilder, greener, and more technical than anything else on offer in East Africa.
Each February and July, we lead an expedition to the summit of Margherita Peak (5,109m). This guide is designed to give you an honest understanding of what to expect, with us, on our Mt Stanley Trek. You can dig into the details of our Official 11-Day Itinerary on our website.
Mt Stanley vs. Kilimanjaro: Which Challenge is for You?
Many Adventurers ask us how the Rwenzoris compare to Africa's highest peak. While Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is undeniably the Roof of Africa, Mt Stanley (5,109m) is widely considered a mountaineer's mountain.
Here's how they compare:
Technicality vs. Endurance: Kilimanjaro is a 'walk-up' trek; it requires a high level of stamina but no technical skills. Mt Stanley is more of a mountaineering expedition. You'll cross more varied terrain and nearer the summit you'll need crampons, an ice-axe and will be roped-up for glacier travel. It's a more complex, full-body challenge.
Small Teams vs. Mass Tourism: Kilimanjaro climbs often involve larger commercial groups, sometimes numbering in the dozens, which can feel a bit like a conveyor belt experience. We deliberately cap our Mt Stanley teams at just 2–6 Adventurers. This ensures a more intimate experience, with a maximum client-to-guide ratio of 2:1, guaranteeing greater attention from our guides, and the flexibility to move at your own pace. You'll eventually arrive at the summit as a team, not a crowd.
Wilderness vs. Crowds: On Kilimanjaro, you might share camp with several dozen other trekkers. In the Rwenzoris, solitude is the norm. It's not uncommon to have entire valleys to yourself, making the experience feel far more personal and wild.
The Scenery: The Rwenzoris are a fault-block mountain range, meaning you are constantly moving through jagged peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes. You'll move through 5 distinct climatic zones during your time in the National Park. The flora here - giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsels - is prehistoric and quite unlike anything else on the continent.
The Mud Factor: The Rwenzoris can certainly be wetter. With our February and July expeditions deliberately falling within the National Park's dry season, you'll have the greatest chance of avoiding the worst of the mud. You'll still need rubber boots for some of the boggy lower sections (new boardwalks have improved this significantly!). It adds an extra layer of complexity and grit to the adventure that you rarely find on the drier slopes of Kili.
The Verdict: If you want the badge of Highest in Africa go for Kilimanjaro first. If you want a more technical and personal adventure that tests your skills in a Jurassic-like landscape, choose Mt Stanley - we're ready for you.
Take a look at the details of our 11-Day Mt Stanley Trek.
The Adventure: From Entebbe to the Glaciers
Phase 1: Arrival & Preparation (Days 1-3)
Before your boots hit the mud of the National Park, we ease you into the Adventure with three days of travel, culture, and preparation. The exact format will vary depending on the arrival of your international flight into Entebbe.
DAY 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Your Adventure begins the moment you touch down at Entebbe International Airport. You'll be met by the Wildlife Adventure Safaris team - look out for the warm smiles! From there, we'll whisk you away to your local hotel to relax and decompress after your flight. This is your first chance to meet your fellow Adventurers, break the ice, and start building the team spirit that will get you up the mountain.
DAY 2: The Road to the Mountains
After breakfast, we hit the road for the scenic drive west to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a solid 8.5 hr road trip, but we keep it comfortable with a lunch stop on the way (pro tip: pack a good book!). Upon arrival at the lodge, the vibe is pure relaxation. You can take a stroll down to the mighty Mubuku River, or simply kick back in a hammock with a cold drink. You have a private room for the next two nights - luxury you'll appreciate before moving into the mountain huts!
DAY 3: Coffee, Kit & Mental Prep
Today is about slowing down to speed up. The priority is simple: relax and hydrate.
Morning: We take a short walk to Tom’s Green Coffee to see the journey from seed to cup - a perfect cultural warm-up.
Afternoon: The business end of the day. We conduct a thorough individual kit check to ensure everyone has exactly what they need for the 7 days ahead.
Evening: A delicious dinner served by the team at Snow Heights Lodge, followed by an early night. By the time your head hits the pillow, you’ll be fuelled, packed, and ready for the main gate the following morning.
Phase 2: Into the Bogs & Bamboo (Days 4-7)
This is where the real work - and the real magic - begins. You'll leave Nyakalengija village behind and start your ascent through five distinct climatic zones, each more surreal than the last.
DAY 4 (Trek Day 1)
Nyakalengija (1,650m) to Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m)
Total Ascent: ~1,000m
Approx. Distance: 6.5 km
Hiking Time: ~4-6 hrs
The Adventure officially kicks off after breakfast with a transfer to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) Headquarters for a briefing and to meet your dedicated team of guides, chefs, and porters. After a final kit check, you hit the trail at the Main Gate.
Today is a steep but vibrant climb through lush rainforest along the Mahoma River. Keep your eyes peeled - this zone is teeming with life, including Colobus monkeys, the three-horned chameleon, and the brightly coloured Rwenzori turaco.
DAY 5 (Trek Day 2)
Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m) to John Matte Camp (3,505m)
Total Ascent: ~905m
Approx. Distance: 8.5 km
Hiking Time: ~5.5 hrs
Today the scenery shifts dramatically. You descend to cross the Kurt Shafer Bridge where the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers meet, before climbing up through the bamboo zone. Get ready for a scramble - the path involves navigating moss-covered rocks, which can be slippery. As you pass the Nyamileju rock shelter, you might catch your first glimpse of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.
By the time you reach John Matte Camp, you are in the otherworldly zone of giant heathers and lobelias.
DAY 6 (Trek Day 3)
John Matte Camp (3,505m) to Bujuku Camp (3,900m)
Total Ascent: ~495m
Approx. Distance: 6.5 km
Hiking Time: ~4 hrs
This is the classic Rwenzori experience. The trail moves into the Lower Bigo Bog, home to the iconic giant lobelias. While boardwalks help, be prepared for the possibility of a slight sample of cool water as you navigate this unique, boggy landscape.
The goal is Bujuku Camp, situated in a stunning valley in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley. It's the perfect spot to rest and fuel-up with some well-earned food.
DAY 7 (Trek Day 4)
Bujuku Camp (3,900m) to Elena Camp (4,541m)
Total Ascent: ~641m
Approx. Distance: 3 km
Hiking Time: ~3 hrs
A shorter day on paper, but a steep one in reality. You will head up through the mystical Groundsel Gully, scrambling over large boulders as the air gets thinner. You arrive at Elena Camp (4,541m) - your base camp - at around midday.
The rest of the day is strictly for resting, eating a hearty lunch, and preparing your mind (and gear) for the summit attempt that begins in the early hours of the coming morning.
Phase 3: The Summit of Margherita Peak (Day 8)
This is the moment you've trained for - the final push to the Roof of Uganda.
DAY 8 - Summit Day (Trek Day 5)
Elena Camp (4,541m) to Margherita Peak (5,109m) & Return
Total Ascent: ~568m
Total Descent: ~568m
Approx. Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: ~8-10 hrs (round trip)
The day begins in the dark. After some breakfast, you'll start your ascent, pre-dawn, navigating fixed ropes, exposed boulders, and snow fields by headtorch. Once you reach the base of the Margherita Glacier, it's time to gear-up. You'll strap on your crampons, harness, helmet, and ice axe for the technical crossing. Roped to your guides, you'll traverse the glacier before facing the final challenge: a short, exposed rock scramble to the very top.
Standing at 5,109m, you are now at the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest point on the African continent. After celebrating this massive achievement and capturing the photos of a lifetime, you will carefully retrace your steps down to Elena Camp. The rest of the day is yours to recover and let the magnitude of what you just accomplished sink in.
Phase 4: The Descent (Day 9-10)
DAY 9 (Trek Day 6)
Elena Camp (4,541m) to Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m)
Total Ascent: ~255m
Total Descent: ~1,290m
Approx. Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: ~7 hrs
The day begins with a descent through the scenic Scott-Elliot Pass to the Kitandara Lakes. After a short snack/water break, you'll climb a steep rock wall on the southern side of Mount Baker to reach Freshfield Pass (4,280m).
From here, enjoy stunning views into the Democratic Republic of Congo. A long descent follows, passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter, before navigating muddy sections to reach the beautiful Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m).
DAY 10 (Trek Day 7)
Descent from Guy Yeoman Camp (3,505m) to Nyakalengija (1,650m)
Total Ascent: Minimal
Total Descent: ~1,855m
Approx. Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: ~7 hrs
After an early breakfast, you'll begin the final, long descent. Starting your day as the sun rises over the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, you'll long remember the magical feeling of this hike to the main gate.
The trail drops steeply from Guy Yeoman Camp through the bamboo forest and past the Kichuchu cliffs. You'll stop for a quick lunch at Nyabitaba Camp (2,650m) before continuing down to the National Park gate at Nyakalengija (1,650m).
Once back at the National Park main gate you'll have the opportunity to thank your team and then be met by your transportation, which will transfer you back to the Lodge. With spirits high, there'll be a debrief and a celebratory drink with your trekking team, followed by a delicious dinner. The evening is yours to celebrate and/or relax.
Phase 5: Return to Entebbe (Day 11)
DAY 11: Return to Entebbe
Today, you will be driven back to Entebbe for your departing flight or to continue your time in Uganda. The drive from Rwenzori Mountains National Park to Entebbe will take approx 8.5 hrs.
On arrival in Entebbe and depending on the timing of your international flight, there will be an opportunity for a final dinner (at your own expense) before you are transferred to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your departing flight.
When to Join Us: Upcoming Expeditions
The Rwenzori Mountains are a year-round destination, but the two more pronounced dry seasons (February and July) offer the best conditions for summit success. We have secured dates for the upcoming season.
Upcoming 2026 Expeditions:
31 Jan - 10 Feb 2026 (Limited Availability)
14 Feb - 24 Feb 2026 (Limited Availability)
Looking Ahead:
July 2026 (Dates TBC – Enquire Now)
Jan/Feb 2027 (Dates TBC – Enquire Now)
Logistics: What's Included?
We believe in full transparency - there are no hidden fees on any of our Adventures. Our packages are Full Board, meaning we handle the logistics so you can focus on the climb.
Official Partnerships
As a fully licensed local operator, we partner directly with the official concessionaire in the National Park, Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS). This guarantees us access to National Park permits, hut accommodation, guides, chefs and porters. We also provide our pre- and post-trek logistics as well as additional safety, oversight and evacuation services.
Package Inclusions
Professional Local Team: Expert English-speaking guides, chefs, and porters.
International Team Leader: Our Managing Director, Phil Nolan, will be by your side throughout your time in the National Park, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Base Camp Support: Base Camp Support will be provided by our CEO, Peter Nsubuga, an experienced operations professional.
Accommodation: Hotel and lodge accommodation on a SINGLE occupancy basis, before and after the trek. Mountain huts during the trek.
Safety: Provision for emergency evacuation to Entebbe by air is included.
All Permits & Meals included: No hidden fees.
Do you have specific questions about visas, vaccinations, or travel insurance? Visit our Adventure FAQ page for detailed answers.
Pricing
Solo Adventure Package: $4,800 USD.
Two-Person Package: $4,500 USD per person.
Gear Essentials: What to Pack
The Rwenzoris throw everything at you: mud, tropical humidity, and glacial cold. Packing the right gear can make the difference between misery and bliss.
For the Mud: Rubber boots (wellies) are non-negotiable for the lower zones.
For the Summit: B3 or B2 mountaineering boots, crampons, and serious cold-weather layers. Need to rent technical items? We have options for you.
For Camp: Dry clothes, a warm sleeping bag, and a sense of humour!
Get the Full Checklist: We share a full kit list with our Adventurers so don't forget to register your interest today, and we'll send you our comprehensive Mt Stanley Expedition Packing List - tried, tested, and refined by our own team on the mountain.
For more details, check out our 11-Day Mt Stanely Expedition here.
Ready to take on the Mountains of the Moon?
The Rwenzoris are not just a holiday - they're an expedition into one of the last true wildernesses. If you have a good level of fitness, a spirit of adventure, and are ready to trade comfort for the experience of a lifetime, we're ready to guide you. #AdventureTogether
Optional Extension:
Your Adventure can be extended to include a Wildlife Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park and/or Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Contact us to discuss your options.
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