Rwenzori Mountains - Weismann

This trip provides a superb trek for those who want to get a panorama of the main summits and enjoy some of the best walking in the Rwenzori. There is enough time for acclimatisation but although you never have to walk fast or cover great distances a good degree of fitness is required as the terrain is quite demanding.

Programme

Arrive in Entebbe, transfer the hotel. (Lake Victoria Serena resort for Luxury and Backpackers hostel for Budget)
Transfer to Kasese. Depart by 8am so that can get to the Rwenzori in the mid-afternoon, organize all our trekking equipment ready to depart by 8.30am the next morning. (Sandton Hotel for Luxury and Trekkers Hostel for Budget)
Kilembe to Samalira. 8.6km, 5-7 hours, from 1,667m to 3,171m.The trek starts at Trekkers Hostel just beyond Kilembe. Meet your guides, briefing at 8am, start walking at 8.30am. Walk 2.2km to the RMNP rangers post, 1,727m. Here you pay your park fees and sign in.
Now walk along a path through tall grassland and ferns which give way to magnificent pristine montane forests with tall trees, thick undergrowth and a multitude of different species of birds, butterflies and primates.
Here it is common to see various primate and hear the cries of chimpanzees echoing around the valleys. Around our lunch spot at 2,570m it is often possible to see the black and white Colobus monkeys, Blue monkeys and also the Red tailed monkey.
After lunch we continue to climb, now more steeply, passing a rock shelter (2,785m) previously used by hunters. Soon we enter the bamboo zone. Above this we reach more open ridges with fantastic views of the valleys and hills below looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance. Samalira (meaning "lookout") Camp is at 3,147m. (Mobile network available at this camp). Fine stream nearby.
Samalira to Kiharo, 6.9 km, 4-5 hours from 3,171m to 3,380m. After a hearty breakfast we first cross a small stream and then climb steeply for about 200 metres up a narrow ridge. The thick moss covering the ground and rocks under the giant heather trees is spectacular. The views give us the impression that we could take off and fly across the many ridges and valleys far below. You can see Kilembe village deep in the valley and across Lake George. Soon the trail becomes less steep as we pass over Chavumba (meaning heaven) at 3,316m them cross a small flat valley to climb up a steady ridge through moss covered trees and misty forests to the top of the ridge at 3,515 metres. Now we descend steadily for about 1 km. before descending a steeper drop of about 200 metres into the Nyamwamba valley and a well-earned lunch break at Polies Rock Shelter 3,249m.
After lunch we climb steadily following the Nyamwamba River for 1.6km though old giant heathers covered in old man's beard moss to Kiharo Camp at 3,380m. located below an overhanging cliff, with towering peaks above.
Kiharo to Bigata, 6.8 km, 4-5 hours from 3,380m to 4,059. After an early breakfast we follow the Nyamwamba valley to the watershed at 4,183m. This is a spectacular walk through towering lichen-covered giant heathers, mossy rocks, passing beneath towering peaks till you reach the wider upper Nyamwamba. From here you climb steadily along the valley floor with small bogs and forests of giant lobelias. Both sides of the valley are lined with sheer cliff faces as we near the watershed. Bigata camp at 4,059m, lies beyond this above Lake Kopello commanding spectacular views over the Nyamugasani valley with its 9 lakes.
Bigata to Weismann, 6 km, 5-6 hours from 4,059m to 4,620 m. We start by climbing up a long valley with fantastic views of the Nyamugasani valley, as we near the main ridge the trail steepens till the gentle upper sections of mossy slabs lead to the summit of Weismanns. As we look behind we see Kachope Lakes far below then just as we near the top we see Mt Baker and Mount Stanley. The energetis can take a gentle walk across the moss covered domed ridge to Stella Peak 4,635 metres. Return to camp for the night.
Bigata to Kalalama, 10 km, 6-8 hours from 4,059m to 3,134m.We start down the Nyamugasani valley across open moreland and large areas of tussock grass. As this is a valley floor it is relativately flat and boggy. We cross an open pass to gain the Mulyambuli valley. After passing several small waterfalls and moss covered valleys we reach the Mutinda with fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks directly ahead.
Aftwr lunch we walk down to Kalalama following a rocky river where in places you are required to rock hop down alongside the stream. The atmosphere is truly unique as the valley is closed in and often misty, creating the ideal environment for mosses and lichen. As we near Kalalama Camp we pass though a flat valley dotted with Gaint Lobelia. Some say this is one of the most beautiful sections of the entire trip. Sleep in Kalalama Camp which is perched on a high ridge overlooking the Kilembe valley and Kasese town.
Kalalama to Kilembe, 11.7 km 4 hours. Descend down through the bamboo forests along a steep ridge. As we leave the bamboo the ridge steepens through mountain montane forest the Mulyambuli river. Now the going eases to the Rangers Post 1,727m. After lunch and signing out of the park we walk down to Trekkers Hostel. Overnight at the Trekker's hostel for Budget and Fort Motel for Luxury.
Transfer to Kampala or the Airport.

Rwenzori Ruwenzori Mountains Trek

Rwenzori Trek to Weismann

9 days