6 Days Mount Rwenzori Trekking

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Kasese in Western Uganda

Pickup from Kampala. Drive to Kasese Town in Western Uganda. Located at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, this is one of the scenic mountains of Uganda.

Day 2: Rwigho Camp (6-7 Hours Hike):

After breakfast, drive for 1hr as from Kasese town to Okorukumi and start your hike to reach RMNP / Kasanzi Gate to for registration at the Park Ranger outpost. Here after, take on the trail which bends west on the ridge overlooking the Kasuka and Isule valleys. The hike takes you through the montane rain forest overlooking bamboo forested valleys. During the hike expect to see various plant species like the Disa stairssi, Scadoxus cyrtanthiflorus, Impetiens apiculata etc. Spot or hear calls of black and white colubus monkeys, The Rwenzori Turaco and other birds. Along the trail you will spot chimpanzee nests and droppings or hear their calls. The trail will lead you through the heather zone and reach Rwigho Camp for an overnight rest immediately after crossing River Rwigho. It will take you only 6-7 hours.

Day 3: Rwigho Camp – Kambeho Camp (5-6 Hours of Hiking):

After breakfast, the trail takes you through the heather trees (Ericathiasis) with lots of moss hanging over these trees. The heather zone with a lots of heather trees, scencio trees, alchemila, black berries, and many more plant species. While on trail you can see different primates that include black black and white Colobus monkeys, Varvet monkeys, etc. There are also various bird species that can be seen which include sun birds, the Rwenzori turaco a rare beautiful bird in the park. Overnight at Kambeho Camp.

Day 3: Kambeho Camp – Mughuli Camp:

After breakfast, start with a climb along river Lhume. In the early morning hours of the day when still fresh and strong with urge to climb the only steep Mughuli bypass. Slope down to Lake Mughuli. There are several short peaks which one can easily climb depending upon what time you have arrived in the camp and how you feel. The vegetation along the Lake is so beautiful to catch up your eyes. Animals you might see along the trail are the Rwenzori red-duiker, rock and tree hyrax and wild pigs. Around the camp, you can have a self guided walk to explore the water falls. The approximate time taken from Kambeho to Mughuli Camp is about 6-7hrs hike with a stopover for a hot lunch at Mulhalhama resting view point.

Day 4: Mughuli Camp – Lake Bukurungu Camp:

This camp is set in the heart of the two mountains of the Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi. It is a relaxing point to acclimatize for those interested in climbing the Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi. the 5 hours hike from Mughuli camp takes you through a very gentle valley. Cross through amazing vegetation that include the alchemila, several giant lobelia species and the wonderful unknown leaf looking like a human palm. From Mughuli Camp to Bukurungu Camp will take you 6 – 7hrs with a stopover for a hot lunch at Kinyamiyeye. On this day if the weather is clear, your eyes and hands on the camera will have all the main peaks of Edward on Mount Baker, Margherita and Alexandra on Mount Stanley, Vittorio Emanuela on Mount Speke, Kihuma on the Portal Peaks and Mount Gessi at glance.

Mountaineering Tips

Health and safety on the trail Hikers should familiarize themselves with the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia and the various forms of altitude sickness (see Osmaston’s Guide to the Rwenzori). Above 2500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone, irrespective of age, fitness or previous mountain experience. The most effective treatment is descent to a lower altitude.

• Good behavior at the huts and on the trail is appreciated
• The park operates a ‘Leave no trace’ policy. Collect all waste and make sure you or your porters take it out of the park.
• Please use the latrines provided at huts.
• Respect others in the huts by sharing space at the stoves and talking quietly.
• Observe the prohibition on wood fires which degrade the park’s vegetation.
• Gas cookers are provided by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services.
• During periods of bad weather, it may be necessary to wait more than one night at huts to ease congestion ahead.
• Minimize damage to the trails by following your guide closely and avoid making new paths.