Hike to the Highest Point at Margherita Peak
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Bukurungu Trail
The Bukurungu Trail is an initial route that was opened in 2018 requiring you to take 8–10 days trekking along Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains National Park, known for being a “wilderness camping” experience rather than using pre-established huts. It is described as a more adventurous, less-trafficked alternative to the Central Circuit and Kilembe trails, offering intimate encounters with raw nature including four high-alpine lakes (Mughuli, Bukurungu, Bujuku, and Irene)
The Bukurungu Trail is an initial trekking route in the Rwenzori Mountains of South western Uganda close to the border of Democratic Republic of Congo and an alternative to the famous Central Circuit Route and Kilembe Trekking Route offering a true wilderness experience for trekkers on holiday in Uganda.
Bukurungu Trail is known offers wild camping, fewer crowds, untouched terrain landscapes making it ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and raw nature. The trail is used in the Rwenzori Mountains starting at Kasanzi Gate (Omukorukumi area) ending at Mihunga Gate. Access to the trail is usually arranged through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or certified tour operators with mandatory guides and porters.
Features of the Bukurungu Trail
Pristine Wilderness which include untouched and remote environment, diverse Ecosystems as trekkers follow through many vegetation zones which include; tropical montane forest, Bamboo zones, Heather and moorland, Alpine and rocky terrain. There are Mountain rivers, waterfalls, Deep valleys and gorges, Unique flora such as giant lobelias, Wildlife like colobus monkeys and Rwenzori turacos. The route follows through Glacial Lakes i.e Lake Mughuli, Lake Bukurungu, Lake Bujuku, Lake Irene.
Trekking along the Bukurungu Trails takes a period of 8 days offering a very challenging hike till you reach the highest point at Margherita Peak (5,109 m). You shall follow through Steep climbs, Muddy and boggy terrain, High altitude conditions hence ideal for experienced hikers.
Typical Trekking Itinerary via the Bukurungu Trail
Day 1–2: Montane Forest & Bamboo Zone
Trek through dense rainforest
Spot primates and birds
Camp at lower elevations
Day 3–4: Heather Zone & Alpine Transition
Enter moss-covered heather forests
See giant lobelias and unique plants
Reach Lake Mughuli and Bukurungu camps
Day 5–6: High Altitude & Glacial Valleys
Traverse Bujuku Valley
Acclimatization near high camps
Optional climbs (e.g., Mount Gessi or Portal Peaks)
Day 7–8: Summit and Descent
Attempt Margherita Peak
Descend via Central Circuit sections
Accommodation along the trail is non existent as there are No permanent huts, Wild camping.
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