After close to 4 months of closure, Margherita Peak has been reopened for hiking to travelers on Uganda tours. Standing at 5,109 meters above sea level, Margarita is the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori located in Western Uganda. It ranks among the highest peaks in Africa located on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Margarita hiking was temporarily suspended for hiking in May 2024. The closure of the peak was in response to the significant crevasse or cracks that had formed at the peak of the iconic mountain. The reopening of Margherita Peak after a thorough evaluation and enhancement by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Body, and the government at large
What has been put in place?
To ensure the safety of travelers on their hiking adventure to Margarita, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has constructed a bridge over the crevasse in the Margarita glacier to ease crossing
More so, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has installed climbing ropes to ease hiking in the challenging areas of the iconic mountain
UWA has also put in place more secure ascents and descents for climbers to Margherita Peak
Uganda Wildlife Authority is also considering constructing a permanent ladder on the right side of Margherita Glacier to create an alternative safe passage.
Mount Stanley
Also called Mount Ngaliema, Mount Stanley stands at 5109 meters above sea level and it’s the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori. The peak is the highest in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo while in Africa it ranks 3rd highest after Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Tanzania and Mount Kenya (5,199m) in Kenya. The peak was named after Sir Henry Motto Stanley one of the first explorers to hike it.
Mount Baker
Also known as Mount Kiyanja, Mount Speke is the fifth highest mountain in Africa standing at 4,844 meters above sea level. Mount Baker is surrounded by several other peaks with Mount Edward being the highest peak of Mount Stanly. Mount Baker is located 2.8 kilometers from Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cheptegei Peak
Standing at 4970 meters above sea level, Cheptegei Peak is the third highest mountain in Africa. A hike to the summit of Cheptegei Peak offers thrilling views of the Rwenzori mountain ranges and forests on the slopes of the mountains. The hike takes you through different forests, valleys, and vegetation zones that shelter a variety of birds and primates. The peak is named after Uganda’s fast runner Joshua Cheptegei who hiked the peak in 2020
What to pack for hiking Mount Margarita
If you have decided to be part of this adventure hiking to the summit of Margherita, Silverback Gorilla Tour brings you a full list of things you must pack for your Mount Rwenzori hiking Safari. These include:
- Long light waterproof pants
- Long stockings
- Hand gloves
- Light waterproof rain jacket with a hood
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Camp shoes
- Woolen Neck scarf
In addition to the attires, you also need the following for your Mount Rwenzori Hiking Adventure
- Headlamps with extra battery
- Sleeping bag
- Cameras with extra fully charged batteries
- Crampons
- Waterproof cover for the day pack
- Hiking ropes
- Walking/hiking stick
- Energy giving snacks
- Bottled drinking water
Other things you will need include
Insect repellant since you hike through different vegetation zones including the Forested areas
- Sanitary towels
- Toilet paper
- Sanitizers
- Hair brush
- Antibiotics
- Lotion
- Bathing Soap
Park entrance to Mount Rwenzori National Park
The cost of entrance to Mount Rwenzori National Park is $35 for foreign nonresidents, $25 for foreign residents, and shillings 15000 for East Africans. However, this is not the actual cost of hiking the mountains. The cost of Mount Rwenzori varies depending on the number of days since it can be hiked in different numbers of days.
The best time for hiking Mount Rwenzori
June to August and December to January is regarded as the best time for hiking to the summit of Magherita Peak. The season is generally hot and dry which eases hiking up and down the slopes of the mountain. The dry season is also the best time to see the snow at the summit of the mountain. However, the mountain can be hiked all year through though wet/rainy season is normally muddy and slippery in the rainy season which makes it difficult
With all the safety measures put in place, the Uganda Wildlife Authority guarantees hikers a safe and enjoyable Uganda hiking safari to Margherita peak in Mount Rwenzori National Park. Silverback Gorilla Tour under Maranatha Tours and Travel offers you customized hiking tours to conquer this iconic peak
