With rocky cliffs, crags, and snow-capped summits as your backdrop, the Rwenzori Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, including towering Margherita glaciers, beautiful valleys with 9 lakes, and bearded lichen hanging from giant heathers. The most rewarding hiking experiences include ascending through various vegetation zones, each of which enhances the trekking experience by introducing new species of plants and animals.
There has never been a time when this unique path—one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth—was open to the public. The most rewarding hiking experiences include ascending through various vegetation zones, each of which enhances the trekking experience by introducing new species of plants and animals. There has never been a time when this unique path—one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth—was open to the public.
Day 1: Nyakalengija (1560 m)—Omukakiiza (2500 m)
After breakfast, your first destination will be Rwenzori Mountaineering Services’ headquarters, which stands at 1,646 meters. Now it’s time for your guide or tourist officer to brief you. The trail begins by going by the mountain dwellers’ plantations and cottages, then moves on to garden plots and elephant grass before entering the forest. You’ll drive through Mubuku Valley and Kyambogho Ridge, which is a virgin rainforest.
As you ascend the densely forested ridge, you’ll observe various primates, including blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkey. You’ll eventually arrive at Omu’kaKizza Rest Camp, which is at an elevation of 2,977 meters. The village of Kasese is 2,160 meters below, and from here you may enjoy beautiful views of the Rwenzori foothills.
Day 2: Omukakiiza Camp (2500 m)–Lake Mahoma Camp (3000 m).
On On the second day of your journey, you will arrive at Mahoma Lake, which is located at an elevation of 3,515 meters. On your way to the lake, you will traverse a remarkable forest featuring towering heather and lush layers of moss. Serve the route taken by the mountain elephants as they hydrate at the hot spring and navigate through the bamboo and heather forest.
The Rukenga Valley, accessible via the ridge, offers a remarkable display of large lobelia and everlasting flowers (mimulopsis eliotii). The subsequent phase of your journey involves camping at Mahoma Lake. On clear days, Mahoma Lake offers views of Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and the Portal Peaks.
Day 3: Lake Mahoma Camp (3000m) through Nyabitaba Return to Nyakalengija.
After breakfast, return to the Mubuku Valley, a three-horned chameleon habitat, by walking around the lake and passing by the Nyabitaba Ranger Post and the Mpanga ridge. After you’ve slept at Nyabitaba, head down to the town of Kasese, also known as Nyakalengija.
