Day One: Journey to Ruwenzori

From Entebbe International Airport we meander westward towards the Ruwenzori Mountains.

Day Two: Trek through the Bamboo Forest

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 and 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 blooms with bamboo, flowers, fungi, moss, and hanging vines covered in lichen. We come upon Enoch’s fall which opens to a breathtaking view.

We reach Sine Camp at 2,596 meters above sea level, overlooking Enoch’s fall and the lush forest beyond. As some travelers enter their rustic wooden huts for the night, others trade tales around a crackling campfire, surrounded by tranquil forest and the open night sky.

*Start at Trekkers (1,450 meters) and sleep at Sine Hut (2,596 meters), a height gain of 1,146 meters. Those who prefer can proceed to Kalalama Camp (3,134 meters).

Day Three: A Valley of Splendor

We set off from Sine Camp for a steep climb through bamboo forests interrupted by fruit and berry trees. The call of crimson-winged Ruwenzori Turaco bird rings through the crisp air. In the dry season, the Malecite Sunbird might fly down from the peaks to the forest to feed on nectar. 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 the climb until we turn and descend to a flat valley of lobelia plants. A short jaunt takes us to Kyravilla where we again descend to enter Samalira Camp, which is cusped in a small dip carved from the landscape.

Day Four: Descent along Nyamwamba River

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 to Marafiki Safari Lodge.

Day Five: Departure from Mount Ruwenzori

The mountains of the moon diminish in the rear view mirror, but they loom large in our memories as we return to Kampala and on to Entebbe International Airport.