The Kilembe trail, popularly known as the southern circuit, was opened after the construction of the new huts in Rwenzori national park as an alternative route to be used by Rwenzori mountaineers to reach the peak. There are now two trails that lead to the summit. The first and the oldest is the central circuit trail, which has been used for a long time before the southern circuit was introduced in 2009. It is said that the southern circuit was first followed by Professor Scott Elliott in 1895, but unfortunately, he didn’t succeed at the summit.
The kilembe trail exhibits the rich vegetation, flora, and fauna that the mountains have to offer, and the treks along this, offer the best mountaineering experience of the spectacular lake, magnificent peaks, and breathtaking glaciers, among others.
The 7-day hiking package designed for hikers will begin from Kasese town. In order to beat the hiking time up to the highest peak, which is the Margherita peak on Mount Stanley, there is a possibility of disregarding the one-night camp, especially when you reach the summit. Instead of spending an overnight at the summit, you will descend instead to the ranger post to meet your driver to take you to your designated destination at the end of a 7-day kilembe hiking trail trip on Rwenzori Mountain. For more offers to experience the beauty of Mount Rwenzori, you can opt for our 9 days of hiking to Rwenzori Mountain for memorable expeditions.
Day 1: Trek from Kilembe (1,450m) to Kalalama (3,147m).
The hike will begin from the ranger’s post at the kilembe trail, which is approximately 1,450m, to the park entrance point. This will involve navigating through the thrilling mountain forests and experiencing different tree species on the mountain slopes while ascending. During the hiking process, birds like Rwenzori Turaco, flycatchers, and small primates like blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys are spotted. Have lunch and a little freshening at Sine camp before you continue to the other camp. You will spend the night and dinner at Kalalama camp, which is at 3,147m.
Day 2: Kalalama camp to Mutinda camp (3.688m).
Have breakfast prepared by the porters and after setting off from the camp while traversing the steep bamboo-mimulopsis zone on your way to Mutinda camp, which is at 4,688m, the hike is rugged and steep with towering steps that require a rest at a certain point. Rest and spend your night at the camp while preparing for another day.
Day 3: Mutinda camp to Bugata camp (4,062m).
This involves trekking through the mossy Alpine vegetation zone full of clusters that contain evergreen vegetation such as the groundsel, giant lobelias, and flowering plants. As you hike traversing Mutinda valley, you will experience a lot of steep patterns on your way to Namusangi valley, at about 3,840m, which offers a beautiful view of Mutinda peak. The route takes you to Lake Kitandara, which extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo. While on a high point, you will be able to view the other nine lakes, including Lake Nusuranja down in the valley. You will spend the night and dinner at Bugata Camp, seated at 4,062m.m.
Day 4: Bugata camp to Hunwick’s camp
Have breakfast in the morning and start your hike up to Bamwanjara Pass, which is about 4,450m. The trail climbs unremittingly with the long marsh. When you look back, you can see the glacial lakes far below. As you reach the top, you will be welcomed by magnificent views of snow-capped peaks. The hike leads to Hunwick’s camp, the transient point of the day that was built on a ridge overlooking Mt. Baker. It provides a wonderful view of Lake Kachope flowing down into a sharp and grimy landscape. Dinner and overnight at Hunwick’s camp.
Day 5: Hunwick’s camp to Margherita camp (4,485m)
This is the most challenging walk of this hike to the Margherita camp. Following it up to the summit will involve hiking and trespassing through fresh areas of Mt. Baker. The walk is enjoyable while hiking through the pass and up the headland of Mt. Stanley to Margherita Camp at 4,485m. This camp was originally used by Luigi Amadeo di Savoia, Duke of the Abruzzi, the Italian prince. It is well established on high rocks that offer a thrilling panorama of Scott Elliot Pass, Mt. Baker, and beautiful high glaciers formed on Mt. Stanley. Have a rest and a small nap while preparing to go through what will emerge the following day at the summit. Dinner and overnight at Margherita Camp.
Day 6: Hike to Margherita Peak (5.109 m) and back to Hunwick’s Camp.
Wake up very early in the morning at 4 am to take breakfast, and after the hike up to Margherita peak, it’s the longest and most challenging route, but illuminating with fascinating features attracted to your eyes. You will need to penetrate through the glaciers before sunrise, as the sun melts the glaciers and makes them impenetrable for hikers. As you reach the peak of Margherita, you will enjoy the magnificent visibility of the whole Albertine rift valley features and the entire body surrounded, as Margherita peak on Mt Stanley is the highest peak in Uganda. Have a rest and take lunch before descending. An overnight stay at Hunwick’s camp.
Day 7: Descend back to the base.
In the morning, you will wake up to the high-pitched whoop of different bird species, such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Acadian flycatcher, Malachite Sunbird, and other species. Take breakfast and slope down the valley, the home of various birds that plunge in and out of the vegetation. After descending a few kilometers, you will again climb a few meters to the ridge that commands a view of the valley before intersecting the streams and valleys, then hike back to the base camp from where you started to receive your hiking certificates.
End of your hike
