Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari

2 Days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari / Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Adventure Tour; Safari Overview

2 Days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari Uganda / Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Adventure Uganda Tour, The trek starts at Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjiki, 12 kilometers from Kasese past Kilembe. Best to start at 8.30 am but can leave as late as 10 am. You walk 2.2km to the UWA rangers post at 1,727metres where the rangers will brief you on the day’s activities and rules of the National Park.

Option One of the 2 Days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Tour

Day 1 of the 2 days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Tour

Rwenzori mountains national park

The first two kilometers climb steadily through montane forest, with tall trees thick undergrowth, and a multitude of different bird species and primates followed by a steep climb up the 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 bird species can be heard and seen in this rich environment.

At our lunch spot at 2,570m, you may see troops of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys or Blue monkeys as they dash through the trees.

A few hundred meters beyond the lunch spot the bamboo zone commences and we climb up another half kilometers to a small cave that was previously used by poachers. The dense bamboo is home to different bird and insect species.

We climb steadily and as we approach the 3,000-meter level, the bamboo thins and gives way to giant heather trees covered in bearded moss. Samalira Camp has spectacular views across the foothills to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park while on the left you can clearly see Kasese town.

Samalira camp (meaning great view) is at 3,171 meters where we spend the overnight in 12×20 feet tents which accommodate 6 persons with a 10-foot annex on the front where you may sit and enjoy the views while protected from the frequent rain and showers

Day 2 of the 2 days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Tour

After a hearty breakfast, we again climb about one kilometer to a lookout (3,300m) on the ridge leading to Charavulla (meaning close to heaven) where the views across to Queen Elizabeth are even better.

For those who are fit, we may proceed to Charavulla where there is a flat wet area on which you may find some giant lobelias. After taking lunch and pictures we then descend to the rangers post and back to Kilembe.

Distance covered: 8.6 km expected time 5 to 6 hours Start height is 1,667 meters climbing to 3,171 meters

Option Two of the 2 Days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari

Day 1 of the 2 days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari

The second option for a two day walk 6.2 kilometers is via a rock shelter called Musenge Rock Shelter. The walk to this point is a steady climb through a pristine forest with a multitude of bird species and you a chance of seeing a wild chimpanzee depending on the season and the availability 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 use these nests for several weeks then move on when the season for fruiting trees is over.

Occasionally you may see a blue monkey, though it is the forest and the wide variety of plant species that is the main attraction. When you reach Musenge Rock Shelter we take a break before starting the steep climb to Kalalama.

The bamboo zone starts at about 2,600 meters and is rather wet underfoot, steep and slippery. But the climb is well worth it as on the left you see the rugged cliff faces of Rwatamaguta and Karasimbi. Kalalama Camp is at 3,137 meters and is a perched ridge overlooking Kasese town. Mobile phone network (MTN) is available at this camp where we stay in 8 people, 1220 feet tents with a 10-foot annex.

Day 2 of the 2 days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari

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

Distance covered:11.6 kilometers 5 to 7 hours Starting height 1,667 meters climbing to 3,147 meters.

End of the 2 days Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Safari