The best hour to summit margherita peak.
The best hour to summit margherita peak is crucial when planning to ascend to the peak. Our professional and technical guides give you the best ideas to conquer the historical margherita peak 5109m above sea level on Mount Stanley.
Margherita peak has an elevation of 5,109m asl, found on the Rwenzori mountains Np located in Uganda, it’s one of the third highest mountain in Africa, known for being technically challenging trekking mountain.
The trek usually runs for 5-10 days depending on the trip plan, but the most common one being 7days and 6 nights while on the trek. With the starting point ranging from 1651m asl- 2,600m asl.
How to book for Margherita Peak summit.
After booking with rwenzorihiking.com, you will be received by our driver guide at the airport and take you to the Rwenzori mountains national park gate to meet our professional guides for briefing and checking the equipment.
Trails leading to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains.
The Rwenzori mountains have 3 major trails that lead you to margherita peak the highest point of Uganda. The central circuit trail, Bukurungu wilderness camping trail and the kilembe trail.
The central circuit trail as the oldest and most common trail that is used by both experienced and first-time hikers exploring the Rwenzori’s and climbing the Rwenzori peaks. Central circuit trail is the shortest of all the trails leading you to margherita peak in 5 days.
Bukurungu wilderness camping trail for hikers exploring the non-congested and unique trail overlooking the congo border that takes 7 days leading to margherita peak.
Kilembe trail also known as the southern route that offers long hours of trekking but rewarding landscapes leading you to margherita peak.
What’s the best season to achieve the summit.
The best time to summit Margherita Peak is during the two dry seasons, from June to August and again from December to February. These periods offer more stable weather, clear skies, and drier, more passable trails, which is ideal for a safe and enjoyable climbing experience.
What’s the best hour to set for the summit.
The best hour to summit Margherita Peak are between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM to avoid the afternoon snow, clouds, and potential storms that often gather later in the day.
Here, Trekkers set off early, around 2:00 AM or 4:00 AM, using head torches for the initial part of the climb, which is a necessary measure for safety and success on the challenging glacial terrain, as they’re are able to see clearly during the early start of the trek.
WHY DOES THE CLIMB TO MARGHERITA PEAK IN THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS START AT NIGHT?
In the Rwenzori mountains, climbers usually begin their summit night between 12am and 2am. Here is why:
- To avoid afternoon storms before reaching the top.
weather conditions sometimes tend to worsen after midday. starting early increases chances of reaching the summit and returning safely before the snowstorms hit.
- To make the most of Daylight.
reaching the summit around sunrise gives climbers more daylight for the nice views and for the descent.
- Safer ice conditions: colder night time temperatures help keep the ice more stable and reducing risks of ice falls.
- Snow Melt:
The snow and ice can melt as the day warms up, making the glacial surfaces unstable and increasing the risk of accidents such as sliding, Falling off.
Weather Conditions:
The mountain is often veiled in clouds and mists, which can rapidly turn into heavy snow and storms by the afternoon, making it dangerous to navigate the icy passes.
Technical Glaciers:
The latter parts of the ascent involve technical glaciers with steep, icy slopes that are better and safer to traverse in the early morning, in the dark or the first light of day.
Safety Turnaround:
A strict turnaround time of 10:00 AM is often set for safety reasons. So, climbers need to bear this in mind while on trek.
Water proof trekking bags: prepare to have a water proof trekking bag so as to have your items safely packed and offer security to your valuable gadgets like camera, phones.
Camera: with your good camera parked with power bank to keep recharging, you will be able to catch and record that fascinating memory for life.
WHAT YOU NEED.
Head lamb or Torches: You will rely on your head torch for several hours during the ascent before sunrise.
Crampons: Definitely, your hiking boot will need a master plan crampons which are fixed on your trekking boot to avoid sliding off the glacier ground and slippery stones.
Ice axe: Yes, you actually need this tool to help you grip or fore fix yourself a head on glacier to avoid slippery situations.
Harness: wear the harness to help you fix yourself on climbing rope to help you stay connected with other crews on the ascend.
Trekking Boots: good for high-altitude and challenging long treks, with ankle support, waterproof and breathable materials, and must have sturdy soles.
Trekking Shoes: you will need this when navigating through some moderate and lower altitude treks, the shoe should have good traction and a lower cut.
Hiking Sandals: For teahouse treks in milder conditions, comfortable for walking and lounging.
Camp Shoes: Lightweight shoes or sandals for use at the campsite.
Gaiters: For long and high passes, trek to keep debris, water, and snow out of your boots.
Rubber boots: Rwenzori mountains National Park especially has bogy walks, some have board walks and some parts of the trail don’t have, so you will need this during your trekking.
Trekking poles: support your climbing with walking or trek poles, whether dry or muddy trails.
Socks: Enhance comfort and support with moisture-wicking socks
Be sure that, Summiting Margherita Peak is the most challenging and longest day of the trek, but it is also the most rewarding experience you aren’t supposed to miss.
What happens after Reaching the summit.
After reaching the summit, hikers generally starts taking peak photos enjoying the blue skies and jubilating for conquering the historical peak then descend back to lower altitudes to the Elena Camp, Irene camp, margherita camp or continue to a lower camp like Bujuku camp or Hunwick depending on the chosen trail of your trek, to meet the support crew, where you can enjoy your hot lunch break and cup of coffee before continuing the descend.
Conquer heights with us on rwenzorihiking.com.
