7 Day Rwenzori Trek to Mount Baker And Weismann Peak

A Complete 7 Day Rwenzori Trek to Mount Baker And Weismann Peak Itinerary

Day One

Commence at Trekkers at 1,450 meters and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, resulting in an elevation gain of 1,146 meters. Alternatively, individuals in good physical condition may opt to continue to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters, which not only offers spectacular vistas but also allows for additional time at Mutinda Camp, where one may ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.

We commence our ascent along the valley bottom, navigating among the towering trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a gradual ascent featuring numerous birds and the possibility of observing blue monkeys darting across the forest. Occasionally, visitors may observe groups of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys as they traverse the treetops. Rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey, integral to Bukonzo cultural icons, are safeguarded by the authority of the King or Omusinga, although distant sounds of wild chimpanzees may also be heard. A diverse array of plant species exists, ranging from forest trees to bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and numerous moss and lichen-covered vines draping from the towering trees, producing a remarkable aesthetic. Enock’s Falls are located within 200 meters from Sine Hut, providing an excellent opportunity to record a memorable screensaver.

At Sine Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,596 meters, wooden cottages are positioned amidst towering forest trees along a small ridge, allowing you to appreciate the splendour of the Afro Montane forest while gazing down at a magnificent waterfall cascading over the rocks below. Certain clients like sitting outdoors, relishing the warmth of the campfire while conversing with the guides about the mountains and their community life. Sine is located close beneath the bamboo zone, and the surrounding area hosts a diverse array of bird species. Enock Falls, located 150 meters from the camp, is surrounded by vibrant green foliage and cascading vines. Genuinely exquisite. Individuals at Sine, particularly those in good physical condition, may opt to advance to Kalalama Camp at an elevation of 3,134 meters. This route not only offers spectacular vistas but also allows for extended time in Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.

Day Two

The trek commences at 8:30 AM, leading directly into the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, characterised by a hard ascent with numerous elevated steps. During the wet season, the bamboo zone becomes quite muddy and slippery, resulting in delayed progress. The ambiance and the forest are exquisite as you ascend 551 meters over a distance of 1.8 kilometres to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, situated in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where one can pause for a brief respite and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before proceeding to Mutinda Camp. The trail winds over several small knolls along a ridge, descends into the valley, ascends once more, traverses multiple small streams, and approaches moss-covered waterfalls. You ascend gradually alongside a picturesque moss-laden river that cascades over the rocks beneath the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are adorned with green moss and draped with Usnea lichen. The path winds as you ascend the profound valley, which has a vast array of flora and blossoms. This valley is distinctive, with several Giant Heather plants that cultivate a picturesque ambiance frequently enveloped in mist.

In the afternoon, you may like to ascend to the summit of the Mutinda Lookout (about one to two hours ascending and one hour descending). The vistas are spectacular as you stand on moss-covered rocks at an elevation of 3,925 meters, overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains and the town of Kasese, as well as Lake George. Clients ascending to Margherita or any of the principal peaks will find that climbing Mutinda, at 3,975 meters, serves as an effective method for acclimatisation and mitigating the danger of high altitude sickness.

Rest in Mutinda Camp at an elevation of 3,582 meters.

Day Three

The path to Bugata Camp is marshy, especially during the rainy season; but, with some dexterity, one can traverse from tussock to tussock to facilitate movement. Initially, traverse the Mutinda Valley, navigating through tussock grass and everlasting flowers intermingled with several Giant Lobelias, before ascending a sharp incline to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), characterised by towering waterfalls, while enjoying spectacular views of the Mutinda Peaks in the background. The Namusangi Valley is expansive, with numerous elevations as the path ascends consistently to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters.

Day Four

Journey to Hunwick’s Camp through Bamwanjarra Pass. Upon departing Bugata Camp, you ascend a ridge, thereafter descend slightly, and then climb to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where a hut is available in case of inclement weather. On a clear day, the pass offers exceptional views of the three principal peaks. The trail traverses the valley, skirting the periphery of bogs and dense evergreen flora, including moss, gigantic groundsel, and lobelia. This location may be the premier site in the Rwenzori for observing the Malachite Sunbird as it forages on numerous lobelia flowers and serves as a recognised breeding ground. Further down, there are steep sections followed by a consistent ascent over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp, located atop a deep valley with excellent views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.

Day Five

4.3-kilometer ascent Four to six hours up and two to three hours descending. Depart at 6:30 AM to ascend Mt. Baker, which stands at 4,842 meters. The ascent duration from McConnell’s Camp (Camp 4) to the summit is three to four hours, while the descent takes three hours. This is a challenging ascent characterised by steep, rocky terrain, necessitating a strong tolerance for heights, particularly in areas such as the crevice leading down to the glacier, which features a significant drop-off. Despite the fact that steep Mt. Baker is deemed non-technical, it becomes treacherous during the winter season (April-May and September-October) when the ice-covered rocks are exceedingly slippery; thus, safety ropes will be employed at all times on steep slopes. Upon ascending, you descend via a fissure in the rock face to reach the glacier, followed by a brief 300-meter hike to the summit.

In favourable weather or during a respite from cloud cover, the vistas of the principal peaks of Magherita, Alexandria, Stanley’s Plateau, and the glaciers are magnificent, showcasing the grandeur of these stunning snow-capped mountains. The vista is magnificent. After assimilating this lifetime event, we traverse the glacier, ascend the fissure in the rock wall, and descend to McConnell’s Camp. Reside at Camp 4 for the night.

Day Six

Distance to Kiharo Camp: 11 km Duration required for walking is between 4 to 7 hours.

We commence the day at Hunwick’s Camp by ascending a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, which offers the most spectacular vistas of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass, before arriving at Oliver’s Pass at an elevation of 4,505 metres. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the summit of Olivers Pass is 3 km. The trail subsequently traverses beneath Weismann’s Peak to the junction of the Nyamwamba River, which descends through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

To ascend Weismanns Peak, which stands at 4,620 meters from Olivers Pass, an additional fee of $20 per person is required. On a clear day, one can observe magnificent vistas of Margherita, Mt Stanley, Mt Speke, and Mt Baker.

Upon traversing the confluence, the trail descends into the valley leading to Kiharo Camp, located within a profound valley characterised by towering cliffs and lush foliage. As you descend the valley, after each bog, you will traverse a ridge of stones and soil that appears incongruous; yet, it was deposited by slow-moving glaciers that ultimately ceased their movement, melted, and left a mound of rocks and debris at the location where the glacier formerly existed.

Day Seven

The distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 12.2 km, followed by a further 2.8 km to Trekkers Hostel. Individuals requiring connections to flights back to Kampala or proceeding to other engagements must depart Kiharo early, as the journey necessitates 5 to 8 hours of walking.

The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley is predominantly downhill and remarkably picturesque, featuring exquisite vistas, moss-laden rocks adjacent to the river, flowing waterfalls, profound gorges, and trees that may be unparalleled in the Rwenzori Mountains. This segment of the path required six years to identify a navigable route suitable for travellers. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell attempted to traverse this valley but was unsuccessful and had to retreat in search of an alternative route up the mountain; nonetheless, you can now witness this remarkably magnificent valley.

A few kilometres from Kiharo Camp, the trail diverges to the right to follow the river. In the open areas, one may observe a Duiker discreetly foraging in small clearings while traversing the riverbank. If desired, one may choose to traverse the river by jumping across the rocks along its course. A few kilometres downstream, the terrain becomes exceedingly steep with numerous waterfalls, necessitating a diversion from the river to traverse a short ridge in order to circumvent the steep areas. At the base, we encounter the river once more, featuring a substantial rock shelter and a suitable area for repose. Upon traversing a minor creek, you ascend a gradual incline before descending down to the river to circumvent another series of insurmountable waterfalls. The forest in this area is spectacular and teeming with wildlife, including numerous birds, primates, dikers, and hyraxes. An exceptional experience and conclusion to an extraordinary adventure.

End of the 7 Day Rwenzori Trek to Mount Baker And Weismann Peak Itinerary