5 Day Rwenzori Trekking to Weismans Peak at 4,620m

A Complete 5 Day Rwenzori Trekking to Weismans Peak Itinerary

Day One

Commence at Trekkers at an elevation of 1,450 meters and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, resulting in a vertical gain of 1,146 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 safeguarded by the authority of the King or Omusinga, and one may also hear wild chimpanzees in the vicinity. 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 striking 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, we provide wooden cottages nestled among towering forest trees on a narrow 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 may rest at Sine, while those in good physical condition may advance to Kalama Camp at an elevation of 3,134 meters. This option not only offers spectacular vistas but also allows for more time at Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters for stunning views.

Commence at Trekkers at an elevation of 1,450 meters and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, resulting in a vertical gain of 1,146 meters.

We commence our ascent along the valley bottom, traversing 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 navigate 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 calls 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 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 record a memorable screensaver.

At Sine Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,596 meters, we provide wooden cottages nestled among towering forest trees on a narrow ridge, where one may appreciate the splendour of the Afro Montane forest while gazing down at a magnificent waterfall cascading over the rocks below. Certain clients like to sit outdoors, relishing the warmth of the campfire while conversing with the guides about the mountains and their communal 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 foliage and cascading vines. Exceedingly exquisite. Individuals may rest at Sine, or those in good physical condition may advance to Kalama Camp at 3,134 meters. This option not only offers spectacular vistas but also allows for more time at Mutinda Camp, where one can ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters for remarkable views.

Day Two

Following a substantial breakfast, hiking commences at 8:30 AM as you enter 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 you may pause for a brief respite and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before proceeding to Mutinda Camp. The trail winds over multiple small knolls along a ridge, descends into the valley, ascends once more, traverses several small streams, and approaches moss-covered waterfalls. You ascend gradually alongside a picturesque moss-covered river that cascades over rocks beneath the towering 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 (one to two hours ascending and one hour descending). The vistas are spectacular as you stand on moss-covered rocks at 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.

Day Three

4.9 kilometres commencing at 3,688 meters and ascending to 4,062 meters

The path is marshy, especially during the rainy season; but, with some dexterity, one can traverse from tussock to tussock to facilitate movement. We have constructed multiple boardwalks over the most challenging bogs and are continuing to build additional ones to facilitate passage. You traverse the Mutinda Valley, navigating through tussock grass and everlasting flowers mixed with several Giant Lobelias, before ascending a steep incline to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which culminates abruptly in towering waterfalls and spectacular vistas of the Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is expansive, including numerous elevations and depressions, while traversing multiple marshes as the path ascends consistently to Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters. Bugata Camp is located at an elevated position on Bamwanjara Pass, overlooking Bugata Lake, with vistas extending beyond Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, frequently adorned with snow, and down the valley towards Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika, along with other minor peaks leading to Mutinda Camp. The region is populated with tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), gigantic groundsel (Senecio adnivalis), and giant lobelia (Lobelia gibberoa). A significant population of Red Forest Duikers (Cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus), a subspecies exclusive to the Rwenzori Mountains, exists.

Bugata Camp has commendable amenities, like solar lighting, well-maintained toilets, and bathrooms where guides can provide warm water in a basin for washing. Bugata is equipped with a helicopter pad (GPS coordinates N 18.312 E 29 53.457) for potential rescue operations; nevertheless, it is important to note that helicopter services in Uganda are over $10,000 per hour, much exceeding rates in other nations, necessitating insurance for rescue scenarios.

Day Four

Ascend Weismann’s Peak at 4,620 meters and Stella Peak at 4,626 meters. 3.7 kilometres to Weismanns Peak, followed by a further 800 meters to Stella Peak and back. Total distance: 9 km; duration: 4 to 6 hours. The hike commences by traversing the hillside beneath the towering cliffs overlooking Bugata Lake, proceeding over a ridge to Lake Kopello, where we stroll along the lake’s perimeter, which studies indicate has an average water temperature of 2˚C. While ascending, one obtains amazing vistas of the four lakes situated in the valley underneath. The final segment to the summit is steep on solid rock and can be challenging during snowfall or icy conditions, necessitating the use of ropes for safety. On a clear day, one can observe magnificent vistas of the principal peaks: Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, and Mt. Baker. The summit of Weismann’s Peak is relatively flat or dome-shaped, adorned with dense moss on the rocks, which creates a picturesque ambiance. Stella Peak, at 4,626 meters, is located near Weismann’s but requires advanced technical skills due to its perilous nature, necessitating experience and a strong disposition for heights. We do not recommend traversing to Stella Peak.

We descend immediately from the summit to Kiharo Camp at an elevation of 3,460 meters in the Nyamwamba Valley. At the valley’s apex, a substantial expanse of dense Giant Groundsel coexists with lush evergreen undergrowth and moss, while the imposing rocky peaks above establish a distinct microenvironment. Upon descending the valley, you will observe that the landscape has numerous flat, swampy regions, remnants of glaciers that existed millions of years ago, which melted and left behind a barrier of large boulders at their former location. The valley harbours several Red Forest Duikers (Cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus). At night, you may reside at Kiharo Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,460 meters, a place abundant in evergreen vegetation and flowing streams. Especially during the arid months, the night air resonates with the sounds of the rock hyrax, perched on the elevated granite cliffs.

Day Five

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, and profound gorges and woods that may be unparalleled in the Rwenzori Mountains. This section 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 short distance from Kiharo Camp, the trail diverges to the right, following the riverbank. In the open regions, 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 river steepens and features numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Following the waterfalls, we ascend a steep slope and descend into the deep 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 5 Days Rwenzori Trekking to Weismans Peak Itinerary