Rwenzori Mountains Trekking

The remote Rwenzori Mountains in West Uganda are Africa’s tallest mountain range (5,109 m). It is almost 120 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide. These mountains are also known as the Mountains of the Moon, referring to the glaciers that shine like little moons. This truly wild place is located on the Equator, at the source of the Nile River. The unique climate – lots of sun and rainfall – created a beautiful lush, green and wild landscape with giant heather and lobelias. This remote wilderness blows you away and makes the Rwenzori’s Mountains such a beautiful trekking destination.

It is possible to climb to the summit of Mount Stanley, the highest mountain, in 10 or 12 days on a fixed trail with accommodation in huts. Since it is a very challenging trekking, we offer a variety of trekking options, from 1 day to 12 days. To give you an idea of the options, here are some short trekking itineraries.

1 day trek

This one day trek of 5-6 hours takes you through untouched rainforest along the Munyambuli River. During your trek your guide will tell you more about the flora and fauna in this area. The many fruit trees attract lots of birds and also primates which makes it a beautiful trek for bird and nature lovers.

2 day trek

The trekking starts on the valley floor, uphill through the tall forest, where you can see colorful birds and moneys. After you cross a river it is a steep climb up to Sine Hut (2,585 m), the first stop for climbers to the summit and your first overnight stop. Sine Hut is surrounded by tall trees, close by a lovely waterfall. Return the next day via Musenge Rock Shelter. It’s also an option to trek in the morning through the bamboo forest to Kalalama Camp for breathtaking views. If you are lucky you can even spot the Rwenzori Turaco which shells in the heathers.

3 day trek

Day 1: The trekking starts on the valley floor, uphill through the tall forest, where you can see colorful birds and moneys. After you cross a river it is a steep climb up to Sine Hut (2,585 m), the first stop for climbers to the summit and your first overnight stop. Sine Hut is surrounded by tall trees, close by a lovely waterfall. After making it to Sine Hut you can drop your packs and walk on a small path in a few minutes to Enock’s Falls, a wonderful waterfall.

Day 2: Today you walk from Sine Hut through the bamboo zone to Kalalama Camp (3,147 m). Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park. After a short rest the trek continues through a dense forest, to a field full of Lobelia’s down a ridge to Samalira Camp (3,170 m).

Day 3: Descend down through the bamboo forest which is teemed with birds and monkeys such as the Blue Monkey and Black and White Colobus monkey. Just below Omusita Rest camp, turn left and continue your trekking along the Nyamambwa River to the park entrance.

Check also our:

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Highlights of Uganda Safari

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