Margherita Peak – The highest Summit of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Margherita Peak which stands at 5109m on Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori mountains, ranks 3rd highest in Africa, and runs from the middle of Lake Albert towards the North, and Lake Edward to the south on the Congo-Uganda border. This summit, climbable between 6 to 8 days is the third highest in Africa following Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.
This peak was first climbed by an excursion headed by Luigi Amedeo Abruzzi in 1906 the Duke of Abruzzi, J. Petigax, C. Ollier, as well as J. Brocherel. and was named after Queen Margherita of Italy.
The margherita peak is the forerunner of the high-altitude Rwenzori loop that starts from the rich forests at the edge, before rising high beyond the clouds towards Margherita’s glacial summit.
Set beyond Africa’s immense ice layer, the hike continues up exceeding the Margherita Glacier, towards the rock scramble to Mount Stanley peak – Africa’s 3rd highest summit – in the Rwenzori ranges and hence the highest peak in Uganda.
The frequently used trail, that traverses via Elena Hut, is the same as the one that was used by pioneers long ago. Due to gradual ice melting over the past decades as a result of global warming, the glaciers in the Rwenzori mountains are rapidly recoiling, hence worth visiting.
RESUMPTION OF HIKING TO MARGHERITA PEAK IN RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is pleased to announce the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Following a temporary suspension due to safety concerns, UWA has successfully implemented safety enhancements to ensure the well-being of all hikers.
Key among these improvements is the construction of a bridge across the crevasse in the Margherita glacier. This bridge, along with additional climbing ropes installed in collaboration with our partners in the park, will enable safe passage through the challenging sections of the trail. With these safety measures now in place, hiking to Margherita Peak can safely resume. We are confident that these enhancements will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors seeking to summit one of Africa’s most iconic peaks.
We continue to encourage visitors to explore not only Margherita Peak but also the other stunning peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, including Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range. Each of the routes to these peaks offers a unique adventure, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Rwenzori Mountains.
UWA will maintain close monitoring of the hiking routes to ensure ongoing safety and will provide updates as needed.
We look forward to welcoming adventurers back to the heights of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.