John Matte Camp Hike | 3-Day Rwenzori Mountains
Discover the 3-day Rwenzori mountains trek to John matte camp, a journey that takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the central circuit trail. Starting gate, the trek passes through tropical rainforest, bamboo zones, moss covered rocks, giant heather, and high-altitude bogs. Hikers enjoy rich wildlife, scenic rivers and breathtaking views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. The journey reaches John Matte camp offering views of the Stanley glaciers when weather permits. The trek best suits hikers and nature lovers who would like to explore the mountains of the moon without hiking to peak of the margherita summit.
A Detailed John Matte Camp Hike
Day 1: Nyakalengija (1651m) to nyabitaba camp (2651m)
After breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you from your hotel in Kasese to Mihunga park gate. Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing from park wardens and meet your guides and porters. The trek begins along a forest trail following the Mubuku River, crossing the Mahoma River tributary. You will then start a long and steep climb onto a ridge leading to Nyabitaba camp. Along the way, you will several animals including the black and white colobus monkeys jumping in the towering trees of the montane forest.
Day 2: Nyabitaba camp (2651m) to John Matte camp (3505m)
From Nyabitaba, the trail descends through forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, located just below the meeting point of the Mubuku and Bujjuku rivers. The trek continues through bamboo forest and across a long, challenging section of slippery, moss-covered rocks.
At Nyamuleju Rock Shelter, you will enjoy clear views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke before entering the zone of giant heather, and groundsel. The final stretch crosses a tiring bog before reaching John Matte for dinner and overnight.
The final stretch crosses a tiring before reaching John Matte camp for dinner and overnight. When the weather is clear, the Stanley glaciers can be seen from near the camp. A board walk crosses the Bujjuku river and leads into the upper bigo bog the boardwalks were built hikers crossed by jumping between tussock plants, often slipping into the mud. This is how the area got its name Bigo bog meaning “falling down” the bakonzo language. The bog is a vital water catchment area, recognized by UNESCO as Ramsar site.
Hike time 7-8hours
Elevation gain 854m
Day 3: John Matte Camp (3505m)- Nyabitaba (1615m)
After breakfast descend along the same trail back to Nyabitaba camp where you will stop for lunch. During this descent, there is good chance seeing blue monkeys feeding on bamboo shoots
After lunch, descend along the same trail back to Nyabitaba camp where you will stop for lunch. During the descent, there is a good chance of seeing blue monkeys feeding on bamboo shoots. After lunch continue descending through the forest to Mihunga park. Upon arrival, you will meet driver guide for transfer back to Kasese for overnight accommodation or onward travel to your next destination. Optional drop off can be arranged at Entebbe International Airport.
John Matte to Nyabitaba 5-6hours