5 Best Rwenzori Hiking Trails
Uganda is a country endowed with nature and it has a lot to over especially in the hiking adventure. Uganda offers many sites for both the veteran hikers and the day hikers. It is also a great haven for family hiking where you can bring your children and younger members of the family without having to worry about the dangers that might await you in other more rugged terrains.
There is so much with hiking tours in Uganda that it is fairly difficult to begin mentioning a great spot. So we have narrowed down your search into the best day hiking trails in the popular Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. Here are brief descriptions of what you might see in each site:
Rwenzori Hike.Rwenzori is the third highest mountain in Africa just after Mount Kenya which is the second and Kilimanjaro which is the highest.Rwenzori hiking is not for starters and it needs one with a formidable level of fitness since it is the hardest to climb among all the above mountains that are higher than it. It is a good introduction to old-growth forests with its display of cedar and fir layers. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit Baby Hot Springs Hot tubs out of slabs of logs are welcome treats even for veteran hikers especially during midwinter. It is also great during early spring and late fall. There are several hot and cold springs that adults and children will both like. Clothing depends on the choice of the visitors and people not accustomed to public nudity are advised to choose other spots.The hike to this mountain takes you through various trails that include the following.
Kalalama camp trail -This trail happens on the first day as you are heading to trhe first camp of this hike especially if one is making it to the summit.During this trail,there are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit. However the atmosphere and the forest is fantastic as you climb to Kalalama Camp.
Mutinda Trail -This trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again and in doing so crosses several small streams and pass close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man’s beards hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.
Bamwanjara pass trail -This trail majorly Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks. This area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers and Giant lobelia.This trail offers evacuation pad for a helicopter if one hits a snag. This trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick ever green vegetation, moss. giant groundsel and lobelia.
Kitandara Trail
This trails goes around Lake Kitandara and thus the originality of the name of this trail. This trail begins from the 4th camp of Hunwick’s down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here you climb up Scott Elliott’s pass then up the ridge to Margherita Camp which is situated between some huge rocks and offering some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.
Nyamwamba Trail
This trail goes down the Nyamwamba Valley which is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This valley was too impassable and it took over six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough to be used. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley.
