8 Day Rwenzori Trek To Cheptegei Peak At 4907 Metres

A Complete 8 Day Rwenzori Trek To Cheptegei Peak Itinerary

Day One

Commence at Trekkers, situated at 1,450 meters, and overnight at Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, resulting in an elevation gain of 1,146 meters. Alternatively, those 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 can 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, a cultural totem of the Bukonzo, are protected under the authority of the King or Omusinga, and one may also hear wild chimpanzees in the distance. A diverse array of plant species exists, ranging from forest trees and bamboo thickets to low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and numerous moss- and lichen-covered vines cascading from the towering trees, producing a remarkable aesthetic. Enock’s Falls are located within 200 meters from Sine Hut, providing an excellent opportunity to snap a remarkable screensaver for your recollections.

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 right beneath the bamboo zone, and the surrounding area is home to a diverse array of bird species. Enock Falls, located 150 meters from the camp, is surrounded by vibrant green flora and cascading vines. Exceedingly 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 additional 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 featuring numerous elevated steps. During the rainy season, the bamboo region 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 you 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 then ascend gradually alongside a picturesque moss-covered river that cascades over the rocks beneath the towering Heather trees, whose trunks are adorned with green moss and draped with Usnea lichen. The path winds as you ascend the steep valley, abundant with 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 down to Kasese town and 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.

Reside at Mutinda Camp at an elevation of 3,582 meters.

Day Three

The path to Bugata Camp is marshy, especially during the wet season; but, with some dexterity, one can navigate by stepping from tussock to tussock to facilitate progress. Initially, traverse the Mutinda Valley, characterised by tussock grass and everlasting flowers, mixed with several Giant Lobelias, before ascending a sharp gradient to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), where sheer waterfalls abound and the vistas of the Mutinda Peaks are spectacular when viewed from behind. 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 traverse a ridge, descend slightly, and then ascend to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where a cabin is available in case of inclement weather. On a clear day, the pass offers superb vistas 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

From Hunwick’s, we go down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitendara, which is striking with its profound waters and exquisite vegetation. From this point, ascend Scott Elliott’s pass and continue up the ridge to Margherita Camp at an elevation of 4,485 meters, which is located amidst substantial boulders providing some protection from the fierce winds. This is the precise location where the Duke of Abruzzi established his camp during his ascent to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Please Note:

Today, you have the opportunity to ascend Mt. Baker if you are in good physical condition. The ascent of Baker is brief yet challenging, but it is highly rewarding, particularly on a clear day, as it offers exceptional vistas of Mt. Stanley, Margherita Peak, and the glaciers.

Day Six

Enjoy an early breakfast this morning; we will be prepared to depart between 4:30 and 5:30 AM, with the exact departure time contingent upon the strength and pace of the trekkers.

We ascend from the commencement of the Stanley Glacier to its midpoint, then veer left and go until we reach the terminus of the Stanley Glacier on the cliffs. The rocks are located just beneath the Stanley viewpoint, and traversing the glacier point to reach the rocks at the base of the viewpoint requires 20 to 30 minutes. We next embark on a brief rock scramble to the viewpoint, which is not particularly challenging but requires around 30 to 40 minutes due to the difficulty in breathing (restricted oxygen) during the ascent; yet, it is a pleasant climb.

From the summit of Cheptegei Peak at 4907 meters, one can observe portions of Alexandra, other cities on the Congolese side, as well as vistas of Mt. Speke, Bujuku Valley, the Portal summits, several summits of Elena, and a lake in Congo.

The top is non-technical and does not require rock scrambling, allowing for ascent without ropes; nonetheless, for safety reasons, we carry ropes for this summit.

Upon reaching the summit at 4,905 meters, you subsequently descend directly to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 meters.

Elevation increase: 422 meters followed by a descent of 933 meters

Estimated distance: 2 km ascent followed by a 7.1 km fall

Estimated duration: 4 to 6 hours to the summit and return to Margherita Camp, and 3 to 4 hours to Hunwicks Camp.

Day Seven

Distance to Kiharo Camp: 11 km Duration required for walking ranges from 4 to 7 hours.

We commence the day at Hunwick’s Camp by ascending a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, which offers the finest vistas of all three summits 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 gorge 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 was deposited by slowly advancing glaciers that ultimately ceased their movement, melted, and leaving a mound of rocks and debris at the former location of the glacier.

Day Eight

The distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 16 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 from Kiharo early, as the journey necessitates 5 to 8 hours of walking.

The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley is predominantly downhill and exceptionally 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 provide a navigable route suitable for travellers. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell attempted to navigate this valley but was unsuccessful and had to retreat in search of an alternative route up the mountain; nonetheless, you can now enjoy this remarkably magnificent valley.

A few km from Kiharo Camp, the trail diverges to the right to follow the river. In the open areas, one might observe a Duiker discreetly foraging in small clearings while traversing the riverbank. This location likely harbours the highest population of Rwenzori Red Duikers within the National Park. A few km downstream, the terrain becomes more precipitous, featuring numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Following the waterfalls, we ascend a steep slope and thereafter descend through the dense trees, offering breathtaking vistas of the valley beneath. We pause at Forest View Camp for lunch prior to returning to Base Camp. An exceptional experience and conclusion to an extraordinary adventure.

End of the 8 Day Rwenzori Trek To Cheptegei Peak Itinerary