Rwenzori Trek to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975m - 4 Days
4-days Rwenzori Trekking to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters, returning via Hunwick’s Pass and Kiharo Camp.
The 4-Day Rwenzori Trekking to Mutinda Lookout Expedition in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, generally lasts 4 to 6 days and ends at the 3,975m (13,000ft) Mutinda Lookout, thus offering spectacular views of the mountains. This moderate climb provides an immersive nature experience, guiding trekkers through many ecosystems, including tropical forests and heather zones characterized by moss-laden ridges, waterfalls, and distinctive flora like as Giant Heather, along with opportunities to observe species including black and white Colobus monkeys.
A Detailed 4-Day Rwenzori Trek Itinerary to Mutinda Lookout:
Day One
Begin at Trekkers at an elevation of 1,450 meters and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, achieving an altitude increase of 1,146 meters. Start by navigating the valley floor among the majestic trees of the Afro-Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady incline with several bird species and the potential to observe blue monkeys traversing the forest. Visitors may occasionally witness groups of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys navigating the treetops. Infrequent observations of the L’Hoest monkey, essential to Bukonzo traditions, are protected under the jurisdiction of the King or Omusinga, although distant calls of wild chimpanzees may also be audible. A rich assortment of plant species is present, encompassing forest trees, bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and various moss- and lichen-adorned vines hanging from lofty trees, creating a striking visual appeal.
Enock’s Falls are situated within 200 meters of Sine Hut, offering an exceptional opportunity to capture a fantastic screensaver for your memories.
Sine Camp, located at an altitude of 2,596 meters, features wooden cabins nestled among tall forest trees on a little ridge, enabling guests to admire the beauty of the Afro Montane forest and a stunning waterfall flowing over the rocks below. Some clients prefer to sit outdoors, enjoying the warmth of the campfire while discussing the mountains and their communal life with the guides. Sine is located just beneath the bamboo zone, and the adjacent region is home to a varied assortment of species of birds. Enock Falls, situated 150 meters from the camp, is enveloped by lush greenery and green vines. Extremely exquisite. Individuals recuperating at Sine, or those in perfect physical condition seeking to ascend to Kalama Camp at 3,134 meters, may continue. This alternative provides stunning views and permits extra time in Mutinda Camp, where one can climb to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, hiking begins at 8:30 AM as you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, marked by several switchbacks to aid the ascent. The atmosphere and the forest are remarkable as you climb 551 meters over a distance of 2 kilometers to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, located in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you may take a little break and savor a cup of tea or coffee before continuing to Mutinda Camp. The path is direct, navigating the hillside before descending into the valley and ascending again, while crossing multiple tiny streams and nearing moss-covered waterfalls.
You ascend gently beside a scenic creek that flows over moss-covered rocks beneath the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are embellished with green moss and Usnea lichen hanging from the branches.
The trail meanders upward through the deep valley bordered by towering cliffs, where a diverse assortment of vegetation, including Giant Lobelia, may be discovered. This valley is unique, featuring several Giant Heather plants that provide a scenic atmosphere often shrouded in mist.
Mutinda Camp, situated near a minor river and waterfall, offers an opportunity for purification, revitalization, and repose. In the afternoon, you may like to ascend to the summit of Mutinda Lookout, which requires one to two hours for the ascent and one hour for the descent. The views are magnificent from moss-covered cliffs at an altitude of 3,975 meters, overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains, the town of Kasese, and Lake George. Clients approaching Margherita or other major summits will discover that climbing Mutinda to 3,975 meters is an efficient acclimatization strategy, hence reducing the risk of altitude sickness at higher elevations.
Day 3
We begin the day by navigating a rocky riverbank, crossing a vast area of wetlands with occasional boardwalks, before reaching to the peak of a majestic waterfall. Next, we turn right and climb a little before dropping into Hunwick’s Pass, a recently created trail that crosses two high peaks called Twin Peaks. Alongside the potential to observe a Hyrax or Red Diker with acute vision, one may also encounter diverse types of hawks and eagles nesting on the cliff cliffs above.
At the foot, one navigates a swamp teeming with lobelia plants, thereafter passing past towering heather trees and numerous sizable, moss-laden boulders en route to Kiharo Camp. Kiharo Falls, a notable waterfall descending over moss-laden rocks, is situated approximately 200 meters from the camp and warrants a visit.
Day 4
The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley from Kiharo Camp is primarily downhill and remarkably scenic, with stunning views. The moss-covered rocks beside the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and forests are undoubtedly the most exquisite in the Rwenzori Mountains. This section of the route necessitated six years to establish a traversable passage appropriate for travelers. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell endeavored to traverse this valley but was unsuccessful and had to withdraw in pursuit of an alternative way up the mountain; however, you can now appreciate this extraordinarily lovely valley.
A few kilometers from Kiharo Camp, the path diverges to the right to parallel the river. In the wide regions, one may witness a Duiker subtly foraging in minor clearings while navigating the riverside. A few kilometers downstream, the path descends a steep section of the river, incorporating multiple switchbacks to aid navigation. We have established little deviations off the primary path, enabling you to encounter the waterfalls intimately and partake in a refreshing swim. The primary waterfall is Cathy’s Falls, which is especially magnificent following substantial rains. Next is Nyamwamba Falls, which has a total height of 52 meters and features a deep pool at its foot that is good for swimming. Over the next 600 meters, the river precipitously descends over a succession of rapids, culminating in Ajarova Falls and Plozza Falls.
The chain of waterfalls was first discovered in August 2020 by John Hunwick, who, during the initial Covid shutdown, found himself restricted in the National Park and utilized his time to explore new sites and devise route concepts. John named the third waterfall in tribute to his mother, Kathleen Plozza, and the spirit of his great-great-grandfather, Antonio Plozza (1850–1923), who lived on the mountainside of the lower Poschavio valley near Tirano along the Swiss-Italian border and had a fervent passion for mountain exploration. Below Plozza Falls, other waterfalls culminate in Bridal Falls, where water rushes over a wide, flat rock, creating an effect akin to a bride’s veil.
At the halfway of these falls, the bamboo zone begins, creating a magnificent atmosphere as the mist from the falls nourishes the moss-covered bamboo, evergreen grasses, and herbs that support the Rwenzori Duiker. This region often accommodates Duiker and is home to the Rwenzori leopard, distinguished by its dark pigmentation and endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains.
The forest in this region is magnificent and abundant with species, including various birds, monkeys, duikers, and hyraxes. Upon reaching Forest View Camp, located at an altitude of 2,580 meters, we have a well-deserved lunch and refreshment while seeing the lush forest and the valley below, including Kilembe township. A great experience and an extraordinary conclusion to the journey.
Conclusion of the 4-Day Rwenzori Trek to Mutinda Lookout Itinerary