The Rwenzori Mountains have long been dubbed the mountains of the moon, calling to life the ethereal beauty of the snow-capped peaks rising, luminescent, in the moonlight. There is profound power in the verdant flora that sprouts from the base to the top of this mountain range. Embrace this elemental journey as a return to a pristine wilderness that exists outside of time. These five days will give you the perfect adventure to the mountains of the moon.
Entebbe International Airport
From Kampala/Entebbe, we meander westward towards the fabled mountains of the moon, also known as the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. It’s quite a sight that will most definitely blow your mind. We will journey through Fort portal where we will spend the night.
Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Accommodation:
Wild Tracks Overland Camp
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks
Our preparations for the hike begin at Kilembe. Along the steady trek from the valley floor to Sine camp, we meet a multitude of birds and black & white colobus monkeys swinging in the canopies. With luck, we might see L’Hoest monkeys, which are cultural emblems among the Bakonzo and therefore under the protection of Omusinga, the King. The woods bloom with bamboo, flowers, fungi, moss, and hanging vines covered in lichen. We come upon Enoch’s Falls which opens to a breathtaking view.
We reach Sine Camp at 2,596 meters above sea level, overlooking Enoch’s Falls and the lush forest beyond. As some traveler’s enter their rustic wooden huts for the night, others trade tales around a crackling campfire, surrounded by tranquil forest and the open night sky.
Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
In or near Rwenzori Mountains
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks
We set off from Sine Camp for a steep climb through bamboo forests characterized by fruit and berry trees. The call of Crimson winged Rwenzori turaco bird rings through the crisp air. At 3,000 meters, the bamboo gives way to towering heather trees, some 15 meters high. Tucked away in the heather trees is Kalalama Camp, with a view of Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We continue with the ascend until we turn and descend to a flat valley of lobelia plants. A short jaunt takes us to Kyra Villa where we again descend to enter Samalira Camp, which is cusped in a small dip carved from the landscape.
Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
In or near Rwenzori Mountains
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
We begin the descent back through the serene bamboo forest, accompanied by bird calls and chimpanzees screeching in the distance. At Omusita Rest Area, we may continue a straight descent or divert to the scenic route, a trail following Nyamwamba River. All paths reunite at the park entrance and we continue from there back to Wild Tracks Overland Camp.
Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Accommodation:
Wild Tracks Overland Camp
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
The mountains of the moon diminish in the rearview mirror, but they loom large in our memories as we return to Kampala and on to Entebbe International Airport for our flight back home. A stop at the Equator presents an opportunity to grab a few souvenirs and gifts from the delectable craft markets.
Main Destination:
Entebbe International Airport (Airport/Airstrip)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
