Kilembe Trail Of The Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Kilembe trail/route, also known as the southern circuit trail route is an alternative trails route by Rwenzori Trekking Services for trekking Rwenzori Mountains in Rwenzori Naational Park. The Kilembe trail route starts from the sine hut (2,585 m), through Kalalama hut (3.147m) to Mutinda Camp (3.688 m), Bugata Camp (4.062 m), Butawu Camp (3.974 m), Margherita Camp (4,485 m). Return to Butawu Camp on the same day you will ascend to Margherita, descend to Kiharo Camp (3,460 m.), and finally returns to rangers’ post.
The Kilembe trail popularly known as the southern circuit, was opened in 2009, after the construction of the new huts in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This trail was opened, as an alternative route to be used by Rwenzori mountaineers to reach the peak, although it was first followed by Professor Scott Elliott in 1895, didn’t succeed to the Peak.
The circuit presents a rich vegetation and animal life that the Rwenzori Mountains have to offer, and the treks along this, offers the best mountaineering experience of the spectacular lake, magnificent peaks and the breathtaking glaciers among others.
The Rwenzori Kilembe trail route which is currently owned and managed by the Rwenzori trekking services, and offer a 7-8 days trek, which begins at 1450m, on the first day includes navigating through the magnificent mountains, and spending the first night at Kalalama camp at 3147m.
The second day trek kick starts at 9:00am, and continues through the steep bamboo-mimulopsis zone to Mutinda Camp at 4,688m.
Whereas day 3 trekking, navigates through the Alpine vegetation zone which consist of plants like giant lobelias, and spending an overnight at Bugata Camp.
Day 4 ascends up the Bamwanjara Pass (4,450m) which provides scenic views of the snow-capped peaks, where you will arrive at Hunwick’s Camp which is perched at the edge that overlooks Mount Baker.
The 5th day gradually increases to the highest point of the trek, leading to the Scott Elliott Pass on your way to Margherita Camp (4,845m).
On the 6th day, the hike normally starts at 3:00amp, because it involves climbing through the glaciers, before the sun rises. This is because, when the glaciers melt, the trail that leads to the Margherita becomes impassable. The mountaineers always have the longest route, which is the most inspiring and the rewarding section of the trek. The scenic views of the Margherita peak will remain with you for a lifetime.
On the 7th day, you will slope downwards, walking through the valley, up to the camp.
Top Rwenzori Trekking Trips – Kilembe Trail
3 Days Kalalama Rwenzori Trek
To Kalalama From $570 per person including park Entrance at $570. Rates include park entrance of Uganda Wildlife Authority per day for 2 nights, all porters, all meals, and all accommodations in the mountain.
4 Days Waterfalls Trail Trek
This 4 days trekking 6 waterfalls along the Kilembe trail of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, starts at Trekkers Hostel Kyanjuki, 12 kilometers from Kasese town past Kilembe Copper mines.
4 Days Mutinda Lookout Rwenzori Trek
4 days Rwenzori Trekking Mutinda Lookout offers a 4 day Mutinda Lookout Rwenzori trekking of the Kilembe Trekking Trail, starting from the Trekkers Hostel Kyanjuki, 12 Km from Kilembe Copper mines.
7 Days Rwenzori Kilembe Trek
This 7 days Kilembe trek takes you the most beautiful route starting at 1450m through the mountainous forest, through steep bamboo-mimulopsis zone, Alpine vegetation zone, Scott Elliott Pass, to the Margherita peak on Mount Stanley,then after descends down through the valley on your way back to base camp.
12 Days Rwenzori & Gorilla Trek
12 days Rwenzori Mountains Trek (Kilembe), wildlife and gorilla trek takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing on game drives and boat cruise and 7 days Kilembe trail Rwenzori Trek in Rwenzori National Park
8 Days Rwenzori Kilembe Trek
The 8 Days Kilembe Rwenzori trek includes a 7 nights/ 8 days climb with Margherita peak in the Rwenzori Mountains National park costs $1490 for 1 or persons, and 1410 for more than 3 persons excluding, UWA park entrance of $35/days and transportation including all porters, food (meals) and accommodation
RESUMPTION OF HIKING TO MARGHERITA PEAK IN RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is pleased to announce the resumption of hiking activities to Margherita Peak in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Following a temporary suspension due to safety concerns, UWA has successfully implemented safety enhancements to ensure the well-being of all hikers.
Key among these improvements is the construction of a bridge across the crevasse in the Margherita glacier. This bridge, along with additional climbing ropes installed in collaboration with our partners in the park, will enable safe passage through the challenging sections of the trail. With these safety measures now in place, hiking to Margherita Peak can safely resume. We are confident that these enhancements will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors seeking to summit one of Africa’s most iconic peaks.
We continue to encourage visitors to explore not only Margherita Peak but also the other stunning peaks within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, including Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Cheptegei Peak on the Stanley Range. Each of the routes to these peaks offers a unique adventure, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Rwenzori Mountains.
UWA will maintain close monitoring of the hiking routes to ensure ongoing safety and will provide updates as needed.
We look forward to welcoming adventurers back to the heights of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
