Uganda Climb Rwenzori 3 Days

Rwenzori Mountain 3 days Uganda’s most popular mountain range is the Rwenzoris. The Rwenzoris are accessible via 2 trekking routes: the Kilembe Trail (Southern Circuit), and the Central Circuit.
Rwenzori Mountain “Mountains of the Moon”, as it is called is situated in Western Uganda in the East African Rift Valley and straddles also to the Democratic Republic of Congo and its conservation area known as Virunga National Park. This is the third highest mountain in Africa rising up more than 16,700 feet above sea level and its highest peaks rise above the clouds and are permanently snowcapped
At Karibu Adventure, we only organise treks for the Kilembe Trail because it offers the best views of the soaring peaks, stunning lakes, and glaciers.
Day 1: To Samalira Camp
Arrive at Trekkers Hostel (Kilembe) in morning and meet with your climb guide and the rest of the team for briefing and also conduct a thorough kit check.
Today’s hike is 8.6 km, expected time 5 to 7 hours. The start height is 1,667 meters, climbing to 3,171 meters. Leaving the Trekkers Hostel at approx. 10am, you walk 2.2km to the UWA rangers post at 1,727m, where you will be briefed on the rules of the Rwenzori National Park.
As you leave the rangers post you walk along a path through tall grassland and giant ferns which gives way to beautiful rain forest. As this is a new route the forest is largely untouched and carries a wide variety of trees and plants. Many species of bird can also be heard and seen in this rich environment, as can Chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys. Upon entering the forest, the first few kilometers of the trail climb steadily, crossing several small streams and rivers. At a height of 2,596, you reach sine hut where the atmosphere is decorated with wooden huts that are set between forest tall trees on a narrow ridge. While here, you have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the forest as well as the tenacity of waterfalls crashing over the rocks. Enock’s falls, which are just within the proximity at this point also offer a spectacular views that many wish to forever. The churning action of the waters falling creates an everlasting impression.
From Sine camp, the trail becomes gradually steeper as you enter the bamboo zone. You will witness a series of rare vegetation as well as various species of birds like the Rwenzori turaco which has bright red or crimson wings. At about 3,000 metres altitude, you reach the Heather zone where the Gaint Heather trees reach 15 metres in height. The trail becomes gradually steeper as you enter the bamboo zone and ascend a high ridge, at the top of which is Samalira Camp, where you will rest for the night. As you near the top of the ridge, you break out of the bamboo to fantastic views of the valleys and hills below looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance. The equator lies just north of Lake George. Samalira Camp is situated amidst giant heathers, with amazing views over the lowlands below.
- Approx. 5 to 7 hours
- Samalira Camp
- Light Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: To Kalalama Camp
After a hearty breakfast commence walking. The trail becomes steeper as you enter the bamboo zone. During the rainy season this section of the trail can also become exceptionally muddy.
As you near the top of the ridge and exit the bamboo zone you will be greeted by fantastic views of the valleys and hills below. On a clear day, the view extends all the way across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you continue to hike, the bamboo forest will gradually give way to forests of giant tree heather and lobelias of a kind that can only be found in the Rwenzori Mountains. After 6.9km as you near the top of the ridge, you will approach Kalalama Camp (3,153m), where you rest tonight. Kalalama camp has fantastic views of the valleys.
From here, you pass through mossy ridges to more heather forests, after which you will encounter flat valleys that are punctuated by many lobelia plants. From here you climb a short distance to Kyravilla and descend down a stunning moss covered ridge back to Samalira Camp nestled in a small dip in the landscape but with fantastic views.
- Approx. 4-6 hours
- Kalalama Camp (3,153m)
- Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Descend to Kilembe
After breakfast at Kalalama Camp, we shall descend through the bamboo forest, back into the Afro montane zone and down the ridge to the Rangers Post, arriving early afternoon. It is a short walk down to the Trekkers Hostel, where your trek ends.
- Approx 3-4 hours
- Breakfast and Lunch
Includes
- Guides & porters
- All meals
- Accommodation throughout the trek in dormitory-style huts along the trail
- All technical equipment (except crampons) – none required on low altitude treks.
Excludes
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Transport to and from Kilembe
- Flights or visa fees
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Note that we can arrange transfers to and from the trailhead for you at additional cost, or if you’re including the Rwenzoris as part of a wider itinerary with us, then transport to and from Kilembe and accommodation before/after the trek will be included.