8 Days Rwenzori Trekking to Cheptegei Peak via Kilembe Trail

Trek Highlights: 8 Days Rwenzori Trekking to Cheptegei Peak.

Day 1: Kilembe (1,450m) to Sine Camp (2,596m)

Day 2: Sine Camp to Mutinda Camp (3,588m)

Day 3: Mutinda to Bugata Camp (4,100m)

Day 4: Bugata to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)

Day 5: Hunwick’s to Margherita Camp (4,485m)

Day 6: Summit Cheptegei Peak (4,907m)

Day 7: Hunwick’s to Kiharo Camp (3,430m)

Day 8: Kiharo to Base Camp (1,450m)

Day 4: Bugata to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974m)

Hike to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. After leaving Bugata Camp, you will cross a ridge before descending somewhat, followed by an ascent to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where a hut awaits in case of bad weather. On a clear day, the pass provides spectacular views of the three major peaks. The trail travels across the valley, following the margins of bogs and dense evergreen vegetation such as moss, giant groundsel, and lobelia. This spot may be the best in the Rwenzori for seeing the Malachite Sunbird, which feeds on the profuse lobelia blooms and acts as a designated nesting place. Further on, there are some steep portions that lead to a gradual ascent over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp, which is perched at the top of a deep valley with spectacular views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.

Day 5: Hunwick’s to Margherita Camp (4,485m)

Hunwick’s Camp descends and crosses the valley floor to Lake Kitandara, a stunning site with deep water and lush flora. Nestled between some massive boulders, Margherita Camp, at 4,485 meters, enjoys protection from the harsh winds. To get there, first ascend Scott Elliott’s Pass, then continue up the ridge. When the Duke of Abruzzi climbed Margherita Peak in 1906, he camped just here.

Day 6: Summit Cheptegei Peak (4,907m)

We start our climb at the Stanley Glacier’s base and keep going up until we reach its peak. From the top of Cheptegei peak, which is 4907 meters high, you can see parts of Alexandra and many villages on the Congo side. You can also see Mount Speke, the Bujuku Valley, the Portal Peaks, some peaks of Elena, a lake in the Congo, and a portal.

Cheptegei Peak

For safety reasons, we bring ropes to this peak, even though it’s not technically hard and there isn’t a lot of rock climbing. When you get to the top, which is 4,905 meters high, you can go straight down to Hunwick’s Camp, which is 3,874 meters high.

Day 7: Hunwick’s to Kiharo Camp (3,430m)

We always start the day by walking from Hunwick’s Camp along a ridge to McConnell’s Prong. From there, you can see the three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass in their full magnificence. We eventually arrive at Oliver’s Pass, which stands at 4,505 meters. The crest of Oliver’s Pass is three kilometers from Hunwick’s Camp. After a brief detour around Weismann’s Peak, hikers arrive at the confluence of the Nyamwamba and Kilembe rivers; from there, the river flows via Kasese and Kilembe to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

As you descend the valley, you’ll traverse each bog by ascending a seemingly random ridge of stones and earth. This ridge was actually pushed there by glaciers that were gradually melting and eventually stopped flowing. They left a heap of boulders and debris where the glacier had once been.

Day 8: Kiharo to Base Camp (1,450m)

Descend through the spectacular Nyamwamba Valley with its waterfalls, deep forest, and abundant wildlife. Arrive back at your hotel, reflecting on your epic adventure.

What’s Included in the Hiking Fees

• Professional mountain guides
• Porters
• All meals on the mountain
• Accommodation in wooden mountain huts
• Technical summit equipment (Ropes, ice axes, helmets, harnesses)
• Free use of rubber boots

Not Included in the Package Fees:

• Tips & gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Medivac and Evacuation insurance
• Accommodation before/after the trek.
• Transfers to/from the trailhead (can be arranged upon request)