Two Day Trek

Two Day Trek - Rwenzori Mountains National Park

1or 2 persons $135 each, 3 or more persons $115 each plus UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) gate entrance fee of $35 per day which is paid separately in cash. Price includes all porters, food (meals) and accommodation whilst in the mountain

The trek starts at Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjiki 12 kilometres from Kasese past Kilembe. Best to start by 8.30am but can leave as late as 10am. Meet your guides and briefing. You walk 2.2km to the UWA rangers post at 1,727metres.

Here the rangers brief you on the day’s activities and rules of the National Park.

8.6 km expected time 5 to 6 hours Start height is 1,667 metres climbing to 3,171 metres

The first two kilometres climbs steadly through montane forest, with tall trees thick undergrowth and a multitude of different species of birds and primates. Then a steepish climb up a main ridge with few rocks and firm footing except immediately after a heavy downpour, the forests are untouched and carry a wide variety of trees and plants. Many species of birds can be heard and seen in this rich environment. The first few kilometres climb steadily crossing several small streams and rivers then we start climbing the ridge. As we climb the trees become taller and straighter and it is common to see and hear many types of primates, on both sides of the ridge it is common to hear the calls from troupes of chimpanzee echoing around the valleys. You will also see their nests high up in the tall trees. Particularly around our lunch spot at 2,570m it is possible to see troupes of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys or Blue monkeys as they dash through the trees as natural fruits are many. A few hundred metres beyound the lunch spot the bamboo zone commences and we climb up another half kilometres to a small cave which was previously used by poachers. The dense bamboo is home to different species of birds and insects. We climb steadily and as we approach the 3,000 metre level the bamboo thins and gives way to giant heather trees covered in bearded moss. Samalira Camp has spectular views across the foothills to Lake George and Queen Elisabeth National Park while on the left you can clearly see Kasese town.

At Samalira camp (meaning great view) is at 3,171 metres where we sleep in 6 person tents 12x20 feet with a 10 foot annex on the front where you may sit and enjoy the views while protected from the frequent rain and showers. Later we will be building wooden huts but as we are still clearing trails it is not possible as everything must be carried up the mountain by hand. Once the trails are completed we will start construction of huts.

Day 2 After a hearty breakfast we again climb about one kilometre to a lookout (3,300m) on the ridge leading to Charavulla (meaning close to heaven) where the views across to Queen Elisabeth are even better. For those who are fit we may proceed to Charavulla wherethere is a flat wet area on which you may find some giant lobelias. After taking and few pictures we then descend back down to the rangers post and back to Kilembe.

The second option for a two day walk 11.6 kilometres 5 to 7 hours Starting height 1,667 metres climbing to 3,147 metres. 6.2 kilometres is a rock shelter called Musenge Rock Shelter. The walk to this point is is a steady climb through presitine forest with a multitude of birds and maybe the slight chance of seeing a wild chimpanzee depending on the season and the availbility of fruiting trees scampering off through the forest. For sure you will see their nests high up in the trees made of branches interwoven to form a nest.The chimps will use these nests for several weeks then more on when the season for fruiting trees is over. Occasionally you may see a blue monkey, however it is the forest and the wide variety of plant species which is the main attraction. When you reah Musenge Rock Shelter we take a break before starting the steep climb to Kalalama. The bamboo zone starts at about 2,600 metres and is rather wet underfoot and being steep in slippery. But the climb is well worth it as on the left you see the ruggard cliff faces of Rwatamaguta and Karasimbi.

Kalalama Camp is at 3,137 metres and is perched ridge overlooking Kasese town. MTN network is available at this camp where we stay in 8 person tents 12x20 feet with a 10 foot annex. Later we will be building wooden huts but as we are still clearing trails it is not possible as everything must be carried up the mountain by hand. Once the trails are completed we will start construction of huts.

Day 2. We climb for about one and a half hours across the ridge tops so as to view the deep valleys and Jebsons waterfall. After a short break we descend down to the rangers post and back to Kilembe.

Kampala Office

+256 (0) 774114499

+256 (0) 776114441

Kilembe Office

(Rwenzori Mts)

+ 256 (0)776114442

+256 (0) 774199022