A 5-day trekking adventure on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains via the Mahoma Trail.
5 DAYS
USD $$$$
Type
Private, Tailor-made
Activity
Physical
Overview
- You'll be nature trekking in the foothill shadows of the mighty Rwenzori Mountains soaring peaks. The Mahoma trail makes a loop around Lake Mahoma, trailing through tranquil alpine rivers, scenic ridges, and a fascinating array of plant and animal life.
- For nature hikers, the 3-day trek will be an exciting and superbly scenic experience straying through forests, pristine landscapes of alpine vegetation studded with groundsels, heathers, and charismatic giant lobelias specifically unique to the Rwenzori Mountains.
- The combination of spectacular snow-capped peaks above your shoulders, V-shaped valleys, fast-flowing rivers with magnificent waterfalls, clear blue lakes, and unique flora make the Mahoma trail a top hiking trail in Uganda for nature walks.
- You'll spend two nights along the trail sleeping at designated camps with the help of porters and a local guide. Expert trekkers will operate your Rwenzori trekking trip, fixing a night at the base to prepare for the journey and when you get off the trail.
Price includes/excludes
- Local English-speaking guides/driver
- Tourist Visa (apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug)
- Accommodation & Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Trekking permit, park fees, porter fees
- Land transport in 4x4 safari truck with fuel
- Return domestic flight (Entebbe-Kasese)
- Activities & excursions as shown in itinerary
- Extra meals, snacks, gratuities, souvenirs, service tips
- AMREF evacuation cover, and government taxes
- Travel Insurance
Detailed Itinerary
Hiking the Mahoma Trail on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains is an incredible way to explore the heavenly biodiversity of the ethereal mountains without climbing to the peaks.
The 28-kilometer trekking trail explores a cross-section of the natural heritage of the Mountains of the Moon, an excellent choice for hiking starters which leads to the peaks of Ibanda and Kilembe. This trail ends at Lake Mahoma, where it snakes into the longer Central Circuit trail to the park gate.
Although they are not as spectacular as the Himalayas, Andes, or the Alps, there is something ethereal about the Rwenzori Mountains that enthralls trekkers. Its perpetual mists, the wild plants that seem better suited for some paranormal science fantasy world. Is it the rime-encrusted glaciers less than 50 kilometers from the equator, its long and fabled history? Or is it the difficulty to access the mountains and the historical insecurity around them that makes the Rwenzoris the world's greatest treasures?
Let's take a close look at the detailed itinerary below:
Your private safari driver will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe and drive west through the beautiful countryside to Kasese Town. Kasese sprawls at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains near the DR-Congo border, and it will be your base for the trekking adventure.
Check into your lodge, ask your guide to help you with your trekking gear and pack, and acclimatize to the altitude change.
You'll stay at: Equator Snow Lodge / Mihunga Lodge
The first hours on the Buhoma trekking trail will go through a verdant rainforest along the Kyambogho Ridge, where you can see the Mubuku valley below.
Trekkers have reported Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and occasional chimpanzee sightings on the Mahoma trail. On rare occasions, trekkers report spotting forest elephant spoor, and the fortunate ones bump into the giant beasts on the trail.
Birds are abundant here, and one of the birders’ favorite ones is the Rwenzori Turaco. Keep a lookout for the colorful Three-Horned Chameleon.
You will camp at Kizza Rest Camp for the night. From the camp area, you have an up-close view of the Rwenzori Mountains, the foothills below, and the town of Kasese glowing in Legoland-evening light.
Dinner takes some time to prepare at the trekking camp; it is good to have bites like granola bars and dried fruit to snack on the walking trail. You must have carried a water bottle to refill from the reserves we take.
After an early breakfast, get on the mountain hiking trail; your goal is to reach Mahoma Lake. Hike along the bamboo and heather forest, where guides often lead trekkers on forest elephants' footprint trail to the hot springs. Maybe you bump into them, one of the most breathtaking encounters hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains.
You'll trek along a ridge leading to the Rukenga Valley, where you will see Everlasting Flowers and Giant Lobelias that can grow up to 8 meters in height.
Once again, there is no restaurant, and you probably traveled with the food guy; making dinner at the camp may take a while. Marvel at the enchanting mountain lake scenery while your chef makes you dinner.
After breakfast, take a walk around Lake Mahoma and descend back through the Nyabitaba ranger post and the Mpanga ridge to adjoin the Mubuku valley. Look around the valley for the unique three-horned chameleons hanging on plants.
We return to the trekking base at Ruboni Village right outside Kasese town for the night.
Check-in at Equator Snow Lodge or Mihunga Lodge.
Your private driver will pick you up in the morning after your breakfast. It's about a 6-8-hour drive from Kasese to Entebbe. We can get you a place to freshen up before your late flight. Otherwise, you can check in at Papyrus Guesthouse for the night (not included in the itinerary pricing unless requested).
Local experts
Lydia
Cathy
Our safari specialists work with customers to prepare a journey that will deliver the best subjective experience. We understand that most guests will be travelling to unfamiliar places and dealing with mind-boggling logistics that require skilful guidance from local experts. These local safari specialists will help you plan this gorilla safari in your own way!
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