Climbing Uganda’s Margherita Peak (5109m / 16,763ft) isn’t like summiting Kilimanjaro or trekking to Everest Base Camp. It’s steeper. It’s muddier. It’s quieter. And it’s one of the most under-the-radar adventures in Africa.
The name 'Mountains of the Moon' certainly conjures up an alluring objective. Here’s what it’s really like - and why it might be the most rewarding summit you’ve never heard of.
Where Is Margherita Peak?
Margherita Peak is the highest point in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, a glaciated range along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s Africa’s third-highest mountain, but few travellers attempt it.
Starting near the village of Kilembe, the route follows the Kilembe Trail, winding through five vegetation zones - rainforest, bamboo, mossy moorland, alpine bogs and finally ice-covered rock.
How the Rwenzori Mountains became the "Mountains of the Moon"
The name “Mountains of the Moon” dates back over 2000 years. It was first used by the Greek geographer Ptolemy, who hypothesised that the Nile’s source came from a snow-capped mountain range deep in Africa. He called it Lunae Montes - the Mountains of the Moon.
Centuries later, European explorers believed they had found this mythical range in the Rwenzori Mountains, along the Uganda–Congo border. Despite the poetic name, it’s actually a mistranslation. The local Bakonzo people called the range Ruwenzori, thought to mean rainmaker or cloud king, a fitting name given how often they’re wrapped in mist and rain.
Today, both names stick. The Rwenzoris are known for their glaciers, biodiversity and rugged remoteness, and they still feed some of the headwaters of the Nile.
It’s More Challenging Than You Expect
Expect long trekking days, boggy terrain, high humidity, and steep ascents. Day one alone sees a 1500m (almost 5000ft) altitude gain.
The terrain is relentless. The mud, legendary. You’ll likely be issued rubber boots early on. You’ll use them.
Even in Uganda’s “dry” seasons (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug), the Rwenzoris live up to their name - the Mountains of the Moon - with ever-changing weather and slippery, dramatic trails.
Summit Day Is True Alpine
Reaching Margherita Peak requires ropes, crampons and a harness. Summit day begins around 2am with a glacier crossing, ice scrambling, fixed rope sections and a final push to the summit.
There’s no need for prior mountaineering experience, but you’ll need confidence in alpine conditions. Guides provide instruction on ropework and glacier safety during the trip – a valuable learning experience in itself.
You Won’t See Crowds
Unlike Kili, this is not a commercial trail. Only a few hundred people a year reach Margherita Peak. There are no queues, no summit-time limits, and no porters dancing at base camp. It’s wild, remote, and deeply personal.
You may not even see another group for days – just your team, the trail, and the soundtrack of alpine silence.
The Landscape Is Wildly Varied
Every day of the trek offers new scenery. Think hanging moss, ancient lobelias, rainbow chameleons, and glacier-fed rivers. If you're lucky, you might spot the elusive Rwenzori leopard, which lives above 4000m.
The higher you go, the stranger and more beautiful it becomes.
Who It’s Best Suited For
This is for confident trekkers with high-altitude experience who want something tougher than the mainstream.
You’ll need:
- A strong base of fitness
- Experience trekking for 6–8 hours over consecutive days
- Comfort with alpine starts, scrambling, and wet conditions
- Mental resilience – it’s expedition-style, not luxury
It’s not technical mountaineering, but it’s no walk in the park either.
Why Go With a Guided, Trusted Company?
The Rwenzoris are not the ideal place for DIY trekking if you lack experience. Summit day involves ropework, crevasses, icefall, and exposed terrain. The region is remote, the trails unpredictable, and the weather changeable.
With World Expeditions, you’re backed by over four decades of high-altitude expertise across the Himalaya, Andes, and beyond. Our Uganda team trains to international glacier standards under the leadership of visiting European instructors.
Safety is priority. Guide ratios are tight - up to 1 guide per 2 clients on summit day - and every group receives equipment briefings, acclimatisation support and on-mountain instruction.
You focus on the adventure. We take care of the rest.
Fact File: Margherita Peak Trek
| Fact |
Details |
| Country |
Uganda |
| Location |
Rwenzori Mountains, western Uganda (bordering DRC) |
| Altitude |
5109m (16,763ft) |
| Continent Ranking |
3rd highest peak in Africa |
| Best Season |
Mid-Dec to Feb and mid-Jun to mid-Aug (wet underfoot year-round) |
| Technical Requirements |
Crampons, ropes, harnesses (provided); basic glacier training on trip |
| Guide Support |
Trained mountaineering guides; 1 guide per 2–3 clients for summit |
Climbing Margherita Peak is not just about standing on a summit. It’s about trekking through an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Africa, testing yourself on challenging terrain, and gaining skills in a real mountain environment.
You’ll return with muddy boots, unforgettable memories - and a summit few others can claim.
Plan your climb
View Mountains of the Moon trip details