9 Days Rwenzori Trekking Safari
Go on a 9 Day trekking safari to Mt. Baker peak and enjoy a splendor of magical views at its pinnacle. The safari package has been created to take you to a space of endless tranquility and astonishing beauty – Mt. Rwenzori National Park. From the peculiar vegetation, stunning lakes, and beautiful rocky outcrops, to the heavenly peaks, there are wonders for you to witness while on this safari.
The 9-day Rwenzori tour is meant to start and end in Kampala. Check out the schedule;
- Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kasese
- Day 2: Transfer to Kilembe and connect to Trekkers Hostel to start the trek, climb up to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters (or Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters or Mutinda Camp at 3,975m for fit hikers)
- Day 3: Through the Bamboo zone and a forest to Mutinda Camp at 3,582 meters
- Day 4: Trek through Mutinda Valley, Namusangi Valley at 3,840 meters to Bugata Camp at 4,100m
- Day 5: Trek through Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,974 meters
- Day 6: Hike 4.3 kilometers to Mt. Baker peak at 4,842 meters and descend to McConnell’s Camp
- Day 7: Descend to Kiharo Camp at 3,430 meters
- Day 8: Trek 12.2 km from Kiharo Camp to the park gate and transfer to the lodge
- Day 9: Transfer to Kampala
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kasese
As we eagerly wait to see your safari start, the company safari guide will head to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, meet you, and give a briefing on the tour. Thereafter, set off to Kasese. The approximately 7-hour journey takes you via Mubende and Fort Portal Tourism City where you will have your lunch before proceeding through a fantastically scenic landscape between Fort Portal and Kasese. Arrive at your booked hotel, check-in and relax.
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Hotel options: Sandton Hotel, Rwenzori International Hotel (midrange), Whitehouse Lodge (budget)
Day 2: Transfer to Kilembe and connect to Trekkers Hostel to start the trek.
Destination: Sine Hut at 2,596 meters (or Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters for fit hikers)
This beautiful Rwenzori morning comes with a lovely sunrise and great views of the Rwenzori Mountains. To top it off is a scenic road transfer to Kilembe, head to Trekkers Hostel where you will start the activity with a briefing, meet your porter if you need one, and set off for the trek.
Take a steady climb on the valley floor that comprises tall forest trees of the Afro Montane Forest zone which is home to a huge number of birds. There is a chance to spot blue monkeys and big troupes of black and white colobus monkeys swinging high in the tree tops. L’Hoest monkeys and chimpanzees are present but rarely seen. You will also see a variety of plant species in this section including forest trees, bamboo thickets, flowers, shrubs and fungi. The moss and lichen covering the tall forest trees create a charming interest.
Before having a long rest at Sine Camp, check out Enock’s Falls, a magnificent feature that closes your day with a chance to get lovely photos in your gallery.
Overnight at Sine Camp (2,596 meters). Fit hikers can proceed to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters.
Day 3: Through the Bamboo zone and a forest to Mutinda Camp at 3,582 meters
You will have breakfast and thereafter set off to Mutinda Camp. A few minutes after starting the trek, you will reach the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is characterized by several high steps. This place gets muddy and slippery during the wet season making it quite difficult to go through. Proceed to Kalalama Camp at an altitude of 3,147 meters in the Heather-Rapanae Zone. At this point, you will rest, take a cup of coffee or tea, and thereafter head to Mutinda Camp. This next trail involves trekking through several small knolls along a ridge top which later drops down the side of the valley. Climb and cross several small streams and walk via waterfalls covered with moss. A steady climb along a stunning mossy river flowing down over the rocks under Giant Heather trees.
Afternoon: you could climb up to the top of Mutinda Lookout, a site that offers breathtaking views of Kasese town and Lake George.
Overnight at Mutinda Camp (3,582 meters)
Day 4: Trek through Mutinda Valley, Namusangi Valley at 3,840 meters to Bugata Camp at 4,100m
Pick up your backpacks and set off for another day of adventure crossing Mutinda Valley, tussock grass, and everlasting flowers scattered with Giant Lobelias. You then hike a steep section connecting you to Namusangi Valley at 3,840. It has attractive waterfalls and offers stunning views of Mutinda peaks. Through many ups and downs, you will climb to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.
Overnight at Bugata Camp.
Day 5: Trek through Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,974 meters
This day starts with a trek on a ridge before dropping down slightly and ascending to Bamwanjaarra Pass at 4,450 meters. On a clear day, you will enjoy clear views of the three main peaks of Rwenzori. Trek through the valley and pass around the edge of some bogs plus some ever-green vegetation, moss, giant, groundsel, and lobelia. This point is very reliable to see the Malachite kingfisher as it is attracted by the lobelia flowers which it feeds on. Take a steep climb before getting to a steady trek up and over a ridge leading you to Hunwick’s Camp well perched on top of a deep valley. It offers stunning views of Mt Baker, Mt Stanley, McConnell’s Prong and Weismanns Peak.
Overnight at Hunwick’s Camp.
Day 6: Hike 4.3 kilometers to Mt. Baker peak at 4,842 meters and descend to McConnell’s Camp
Rise up early and start hiking to the peak of Mt Baker at 4,842 metres. The hike will take you 4-6 hours to get there. Hikers need a good head for heights while on this trail. It takes you through a steep rocky section which can also be found slippery due to the ice-covered rocks. Trek through a crack in the face of a rock to the glacier just before taking a short walk of about 300 metres to the peak.
On a clear day with good weather, views of Alexandria, Margherita, and Stanley’s Peak can be breathtaking. Take your time to capture these moments and then move down to McConnell’s Camp. The descent to the camp takes about 3 hours.
Mt Baker is considered non-technical except in the wet season (April- May and September- October) when rocks are covered with snow and are slippery. During these seasons, safety rocks are of great help.
Day 7: Descend to Kiharo Camp at 3,430 meters
From where you had your night, start with a climb up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong. Trek to Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 metres and proceed below Weismann’s peak towards the confluence of River Nyamwamba which pours its water in L. George after flowing through Kilembe and Kasese.
Follow the trail meandering down to Kiharo Camp which is located within the valley characterized by high cliffs and dense vegetation. Then climb over a ridge of stones in a section that attracts one’s attention because it seems too idle.
Day 8: Trek 12.2 km from Kiharo Camp to the park gate and transfer to the lodge
The distance to be trekked this day is about 15 km from Kiharo Camp to Trekkers Hostel. It mainly takes you through Nyamwamba Valley and rewards you with fantastic views of the landscape including waterfalls, valleys, and forests. From the camp, you will turn off to the right and pass along R. Nyamwamba leading you to the steep section which boasts several stunning waterfalls. When you get to the bottom of the valley, you can have a short rest on a huge rock that is near the river. The trail is really enjoyable with fascinating features and views all around it.
Thereafter, cross a stream, climb up, and then gently slope and turn back down to the river to dodge impassable waterfalls ahead. At the lower slopes of the mountain, you will go through a forest that is home to primates, birds, and duikers among others. Continue to Trekkers Hostel to end the hiking adventure and drive to your hotel in Kasese.
Meal plan: Dinner
Hotel options: Sandton Hotel, Rwenzori International Hotel (midrange), Whitehouse Lodge (budget)
Day 9: Transfer to Kampala
Wake up at your leisure after a tiresome trek, have breakfast at the lodge/hotel, and check out. Set off for Kampala or Entebbe where you will arrive in the evening. And if you are taking your flight back home, your safari driver will drop you off at the airport.
End of safari
The tour package includes;
- Ground transportation in a safari vehicle
- Professional safari driver
- Hiking fee
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during travel
- Guide during mountain climbing
The tour package excludes
- Porter
- Trekking gear
- Visa and air ticket
- Tips and gratuity
- Alcoholic drinks and cigar
- Other items of personal nature
Note: Trekking gear and a porter can be hired at the park offices.
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