Mountains Of The Moon Hiking Adventure

From Kampala/Entebbe, we meander westward towards the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation: Wild Tracks Overland Camp

Meal Plan: Half-Board

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 travellers enter their rustic wooden huts for the night, others trade tales around a crackling campfire, surrounded by tranquil forest and the open night sky.

Accommodation: Sine Camp

Meal Plan: Full-Board

We set off from Sine Camp for a steep climb through bamboo forests interrupted 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 the climb 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.

Accommodation: Samalira Camp

Meal Plan: Full-Board

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.

Accommodation: Wild Tracks Overland Camp

Meal Plan: Full-Board

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. A stop at the Equator presents an opportunity to grab a few souvenirs and gifts from the delectable craft markets.

Meal Plan: Half-Board