The trek starts at Trekkers Hostel Kyanjuki, 12 kilometers from Kasese town past Kilembe copper mines. It is best to begin by 8:30am, but you can also leave as late as 10am. After meeting your guides and receiving a briefing, you walk 2.2km to the UWA ranger post at 1,727m.
This first section is a fairly easy walk as you climb steadily through montane forest with tall trees, thick undergrowth, and many species of birds and primates. From there, the trail becomes steeper as you climb up a ridge below Omusita Rest Spot, where you join the path coming down from Samalira Camp. This is the highest point of the walk at 2,373m. The forests here are untouched and full of different trees and plants, while birds can be heard and seen throughout this rich habitat.
The first kilometers climb gently, crossing several small streams and rivers before reaching a turnoff onto the birding trail. Within a few hundred meters you may notice evidence of bush pigs that dig for roots and grubs in the soil. If you move quietly, you might have a chance to see these shy animals.
The trail then runs along the top of the Nyamwamba River, giving you views of the river and the forested ravine along its banks. A small side path leads down to the river edge, where you may see kingfishers and other water birds. As you climb higher, the trees grow taller, straighter, and thicker. It is common to hear primates calling, and sometimes the distant cries of chimpanzees echoing through the valley. You may even spot chimp nests built high in the trees with twigs and branches. These nests are often used for weeks during the fruiting season before the chimps move on in search of more food.
With some luck, you may also see a group of 10 to 15 black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the trees, especially when the forest fruits are ripe. Blue monkeys are also occasionally seen here.
The forest, the variety of plant life, and the scenery along the river make this part of the trek very rewarding and worth the effort to experience.
