9 days Mount. Rwenzori hike via Kilembe Trail

Overview

Have a splendid 9 days hike via the Kilembe Trail of the Rwenzori Mountains in the western part of Uganda. Reach Uganda’s highest point on the justifiably renowned ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and take memorable photos along the hike. The 9 days Mount Rwenzori hiking experience via Kilembe Trail starts in Kampala/Entebbe. There are also plenty of wildlife and geological wonders to see as you enjoy this thrilling hike on the snow-capped mountain.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Either at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala, our driver will meet you and brief you about the trip. You will be picked up for a scenic journey to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The distance from Kampala to the Trekkers Hostel at the Mountain base is almost 384 km. Via Mityana, Mubende, and Fort Portal, this journey takes you almost 8 hours with an en route lunch. Have dinner as well as spend the night at the Trekkers Hostel or any other pre-booked accommodation.

Day 2: Trekkers hostel to Sine Hut

Early in the morning of the second day, you will gather at the mountain base, specifically at the Trekkers Hostel. This is at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level. With experienced guides and porters, you will start the hike to Sine Hut. This is at 2,596 meters above sea level. This trail has magnificent scenic views of Afromontane forests, shrubs, thickets, and beautiful bamboo trees etc.

As you ascend, you will also spot a variety of primate species. Blue monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, and Angolan colobus monkeys are some of them. Just 200 meters away from the wooden huts of Sine Camp, you will view Enock’s Falls. Take a lot of photos of the waters and other features like the ridge there. In the evening, you might love to sit around a campfire to warm yourself and your friends. You will then have dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Sine Hut to Mutinda Camp

On this third day, you will start hiking to Mutinda Camp at around 8:30 a.m. This will take you to 3,588 meters above sea level. This part is much steeper than yesterday’s, with a hike through the bamboo-mimulopsis zone. At 3,147 meters above sea level, you will pause and take a warm breakfast while enjoying the Heather-Rapanea zonal vegetation cover. Resume your hike to the Mutinda Camp.

Hike across or via numerous streams and waterfalls, valleys, and a river. After arriving at the Mutinda Camp, you might want to get some lovely views of other wonders. This is better done on the Mutinda Lookout. This is at 3,975 meters above sea level, providing the positions to glance down on Kasese town and Lake George. Take photos and return to the Mutinda Camp. You will have your dinner and overnight stay here.

Day 4: Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp

In the morning, wake up to prepare for a hike to the Bugata Camp, situated at 4,100 meters above sea level. Passing through the bog on this route is quite challenging, but it is easier if you step on the plenty of tussock grasses around. As you step on tussocks, get beautiful views of giant lobelias. Photos of these unique plant species are a must for you. This trail also offers views of the valleys of Mutinda and Namusangi. Reach the Bugata Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp

Start in the morning with a warm breakfast before you start the hike towards the Hunwick’s Camp. The latter is at 3,974 meters above sea level, and you will pass via Bamwanjara Pass at 4,450 meters above sea level. This offers some of the best views of the 3 main peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. This route also makes you pass via unique bogs, giant groundsel and lobelias, and dense green vegetation, among others.

The Malachite sunbird is one of the interesting species to see and photograph while it is feeding on a lobelia. To reach Hunwick’s Camp, you have to traverse steeper sections, a steady climb, and then over a ridge. The camp is just on top of a deep valley, but offers excellent views of the mountains Stanley and Baker. Weissmann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong can also be viewed from here. Have dinner and spend the night at Hunwick’s Camp.

Day 6: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp

In the morning after waking up, you will start hiking towards the Margherita Camp, situated at 4,495 meters above sea level. You will hike across the valley floor to see the Kitendara lakes. Continue upwards to Elliott’s Pass before climbing the ridge, where you will reach the Margherita Camp. Take photos before the big day tomorrow, when you will finally conquer the Rwenzori Mountains. Have dinner and an overnight stay at the Margherita Camp.

Day 7: Margherita Camp to Margherita Peak and back to Hunwick’s Camp

On this seventh day of your thrilling 9 days Mount. Rwenzori hike, you will have to wake up by 2:00 a.m. for breakfast before hiking to the Margherita Peak. This is at 5,109 meters above sea level, offering a chance to celebrate and take victory photos with scenic backdrops. You will descend back to Hunwick’s Camp. This is where you will have dinner and have a night to remember with your fellow mountaineers.

Day 8: Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp

On the eighth day of your adventure, you will descend to Kibaro Camp, situated at 3,430 meters above sea level. But first, you will climb the ridge toward McConnell’s Prong and via Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 meters above sea level. There are also excellent views of Elliot’s Pass, Weissmann’s Peak, and the 3 main peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. You will also cross the confluence of the Nyamwamba River.

You will reach the Kibaro Camp via meandering trails and valleys. The camp itself is found in a deep valley with dense vegetation cover and high cliffs. This is also a place suitable to take photos with the beautiful pile of stones creating a unique backdrop. You will have your dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 9: Kibaro Camp to the base

On this ninth and final day, you need to wake up early for a 5–8-hour descent to the base. You will traverse the Nyamwamba Valley to pass by waterfalls, rivers, and forests. You might spot the Rwenzori red duikers. Pause for lunch at the Forest View Camp. Continue to the base to meet your driver guide. This will mark the end of your 9 days Mount. Rwenzori hike via Kilembe Trail. You will either head back to Kampala or go to another destination.

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