5 Days Rwenzori Weismann Peak Trekking Kilembe Trail
The 5-Days Rwenzori Trekking to Weismans Peak at 4620m, via Kilembe trail route begins at Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjuki, Kilembe, situated 1,450 meters above sea level and 12 kilometers from Kasese town. The ideal time to begin the walk is at 9 AM, although departure is allowed until 11 AM. It takes around an hour to travel 2.2 km to the UWA ranger’s post at an elevation of 1,727 meters. Following the payment of the admission fee, the rangers deliver a briefing on the regulations of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
This five-day Rwenzori Trekking expedition to Weismann Peak (4,620m) is not simply a climb; it is an enthralling exploration of the distinctive beauty of this remarkable site. Imagine traversing lush bamboo forests, ascending moss-covered boulders, and navigating clear lakes, while observing playful colobus monkeys and the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco birds. Each step unveils a new chapter in this natural odyssey, culminating in the exhilarating ascent of Weismans Peak at 4,620 meters. As the sun descends behind the mountain
A Detailed 5-Day Rwenzori Weismann’s Peak Trekking Via Kilembe Route
Day One
Begin from Trekkers at an altitude of 1,450 meters and ascend to Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, yielding a vertical increase of 1,146 meters.
We begin our rise through the valley floor, maneuvering around the tall trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb with several species of birds 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, a cultural emblem of the Bukonzo, are protected by the authority of the King or Omusinga, and one may also hear wild chimpanzees nearby.
A vast assortment of plant species is present, encompassing forest trees, bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and various moss- and lichen-adorned vines descending from the towering trees, creating a remarkable 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, offers wooden huts between towering forest trees on a small ridge, enabling you to see the beauty of the Afro Montane forest while overlooking a stunning waterfall tumbling 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 situated just below the bamboo zone, and the vicinity is home to a vast variety of bird types. Enock Falls, situated 150 meters from the camp, is enveloped by lush green vegetation and cascading vines. Truly magnificent. Individuals may repose at Sine, however those in optimal physical condition may proceed to Kalama Camp at an altitude of 3,134 meters. This alternative provides breathtaking vistas and affords more time at Mutinda Camp, enabling an ascent to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters for magnificent views.
Second Day
After a hearty breakfast, hiking begins at 8:30 AM as you approach the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, marked by a steep slope with many high steps. In the rainy season, the bamboo area becomes exceedingly muddy and treacherous, leading to hindered advancement. The atmosphere and the forest are remarkable as you climb 551 meters over 1.8 kilometers to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters, located in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you may take a short break and savor a cup of tea or coffee before continuing to Mutinda Camp. The path meanders over numerous minor hills along a ridge, drops into the valley, ascends again, crosses multiple small streams, and nears moss-laden waterfalls. You ascend gently beside a scenic moss-laden river that tumbles over rocks beneath the imposing Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are embellished with green moss and adorned with Usnea lichen.
The trail meanders as you climb the deep valley, which features a diverse assortment of vegetation and flowers. This valley is unique, featuring several Giant Heather plants that provide a scenic atmosphere often shrouded in mist.
In the afternoon, you may like to ascend to the summit of Mutinda Lookout, which takes one to two hours to ascend and one hour to descend. The views are magnificent as you stand on moss-laden rocks at 3,925 meters, gazing across the Rwenzori Mountains and down towards Kasese town and Lake George. Hikers ascending to Margherita Peak or any of the key peaks will discover that climbing Mutinda, at 3,975 meters, is an efficient means of acclimatization and reducing the risk of high altitude sickness.
Day 3
4.9 kilometers starting at 3,688 meters and rising to 4,062 meters
The route is boggy, particularly in the wet season; nevertheless, with little skill, one can navigate from tussock to tussock to aid mobility. We have created many boardwalks over the most arduous bogs and are continuing to build more to enable passage. You navigate the Mutinda Valley, maneuvering through tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with Giant Lobelias, before ascending a sharp slope to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which concludes suddenly with towering waterfalls and breathtaking views of the Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is vast, including various elevations and depressions, while crossing several wetlands as the route steadily ascends to Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters. Bugata Camp is situated at a high altitude on Bamwanjara Pass, with views of Bugata Lake, extending to Lake Kopello and Weismann’s Peak, often capped with snow, as well as down the valley towards Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika, across many minor peaks going to Mutinda Camp. The area is inhabited by tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), gigantic groundsel (Senecio adnivalis), and giant lobelia (Lobelia gibberoa). A substantial population of Red Forest Duikers (Cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus), a subspecies exclusive to the Rwenzori Mountains, is present.
Bugata Camp has noteworthy amenities, including solar illumination, well-maintained toilets, and bathrooms where guides may supply warm water in a basin for washing. Bugata features a helicopter pad (GPS coordinates N 18.312 E 29 53.457) for future rescue operations; nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that helicopter services in Uganda reach $10,000 per hour, far surpassing costs in other countries, hence requiring insurance for rescue situations.
Day 4
Climb Weismann’s Peak at 4,620 meters and Stella Peak at 4,626 meters.
3.7 kilometers to Weismanns Peak, followed by a further 800 meters to Stella Peak and return.
Total distance: 9 kilometers; duration: 4 to 6 hours.
The trip begins by navigating the hillside beneath the imposing cliffs that overlook Bugata Lake, continuing over a ridge to Lake Kopello, where we walk along the lake’s edge, which research indicates has an average water temperature of 2˚C. During the ascent, one acquires stunning views of the four lakes located in the valley below. The final hike to the top is steep on firm rock and may be difficult during snowfall or ice conditions, requiring the use of ropes for safety.
On a clear day, one can witness stunning views of the prominent peaks: Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, and Mt. Baker. The top of Weismann’s Peak is comparatively level or dome-like, embellished with thick moss on the rocks, which fosters a scenic atmosphere. Stella Peak, standing at 4,626 meters, is situated near Weismann’s and demands considerable technical proficiency owing to its hazardous characteristics, requiring both experience and a robust tolerance for altitude. We advise against proceeding to Stella Peak.
We promptly descend from the summit to Kiharo Camp, situated at an altitude of 3,460 meters in the Nyamwamba Valley. At the summit of the valley, a significant area of dense Giant Groundsel coexists with verdant evergreen undergrowth and moss, while the towering rocky peaks above create a unique habitat. As you descend the valley, you will see the scenery features some flat, marshy areas, relics of glaciers from millions of years past, which melted and deposited a barrier of big boulders at their original site. The valley contains multiple Red Forest Duikers (Cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus). At night, you may stay at Kiharo Camp, located at an altitude of 3,460 meters, an area rich in evergreen flora and flowing streams. Particularly in the dry months, the nocturnal atmosphere reverberates with the calls of the rock hyrax, situated on the lofty granite escarpments.
Fifth Day
The distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate is 16 km, and a further 2.8 km to Trekkers Hostel. Individuals needing to connect to planes returning to Kampala or attending other commitments must leave Kiharo early, as the trek requires 5 to 8 hours of trekking.
The descent through the Nyamwamba Valley is primarily downhill and remarkably scenic, showcasing stunning views, moss-covered rocks by the river, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges and forests that may be unmatched in the Rwenzori Mountains. It took six years to construct a traveler-friendly, passable route along this portion of the trail. In 1937, the explorer and geologist McConnell endeavored to traverse this valley but was unsuccessful and had to withdraw in pursuit of an alternative route up the mountain; however, this exceptionally gorgeous valley can now be explored.
The trail veers to the right, along the riverbed, a short distance from Kiharo Camp. In the open areas, one may witness a Duiker subtly foraging in small forests while navigating the riverside. This site probably contains the largest population of Rwenzori Red Duikers in the National Park. A few kilometers downstream, the river becomes steeper and showcases several stunning waterfalls. After the waterfalls, we climb a steep incline and drop into the dense forest, providing stunning views of the valley below. We halt at Forest View Camp for lunch before returning to Base Camp. A remarkable event and culmination of an unbelievable adventure.
Conclusion of the 5-Day Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary to Weismann’s Peak