The trek starts at Trekkers Hostel Kyanjuki, 12 kilometers from Kasese town, past Kilembe copper mines. It is best to start by 8:30am, but you can leave as late as 10am. After meeting your guides for a briefing, you walk 2.2km to the UWA ranger post at 1,727m.
3-Day Rwenzori Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Hike to Sine Camp (2,596m)
- Day 2: Hike to Samalira Camp (3,170m)
- Day 3: Hike down to Basecamp (1,450m)
Detailed 3-Day Rwenzori Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Hike to Sine Camp (2,596m)
The hike begins along the valley floor through tall trees of the Afro-Montane forest. The first six kilometers are a steady climb, then after crossing a river the trail becomes steeper until you reach Sine Camp. The forest is alive with many birds, and you may see blue monkeys running through the trees.
Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut. The waterfall, together with green lichen growing on the trees, creates a wonderful spot for photos.
Sine Camp has wooden huts set on a narrow ridge among tall trees. From here you can look down at rapids and a waterfall crashing over rocks. Many visitors enjoy sitting outside by the campfire, talking with the guides about the mountains and local life. Sine Camp is just below the bamboo zone, an area with many bird species. Only 150 meters away is Enock’s Falls, surrounded by green vegetation and hanging vines.
Day 2: Hike to Samalira Camp (3,170m)
From Sine Camp, the trail climbs steeply through the bamboo forest. As you reach the upper bamboo zone, the forest opens into small patches of mixed trees, many with fruits and berries that attract birds. You may hear the calls of the Rwenzori Turaco, a bird with bright red wings, or see the female Malachite Sunbird feeding on flowers during the dry season.
At about 3,000m you enter the Heather Zone, where giant heather trees can grow up to 15m tall. At 3,147m you reach Kalalama Camp, an alternative sleeping spot with wide views of the valleys and Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From here, the trail climbs along a mossy ridge before crossing more heather forest to 3,515m. Then the path descends into a flat valley filled with lobelia plants and their tall flower stems. A short climb brings you to Kyalavula, followed by a descent along a moss-covered ridge to Samalira Camp, set in a small dip with wide views.
Day 3: Hike down to Basecamp (1,450m)
The descent takes you back through the bamboo forests and into the Afro-Montane zone, home to many birds and primates. Just below Omusita Rest Area, you can either continue straight down or take the left path that slopes toward the Nyamwamba River. This trail follows the river through a rich forest before reaching the park entrance and returning to basecamp.
