6 Days trek to Bamwanjara pass 4550m

This 6 Days trek to Bamwanjara pass 4550m and takes you to climb the Rwenzori Mountains, the largest in Africa (120km long /65Km wide) with an altitude range of 1600m to 5109m above Sea Level, making it the highest mountain in Uganda and third in Africa, Rwenzori Mountains are located in Rwenzori Mountains National Park and this is tagged as “The Mystical Challenge” Africa’s highest mountain range, the 5,109m Rwenzori or mountains of the moon is the snowy source of the Nile referred to by early geographers.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in western Uganda; it lies along the Uganda-Congo border protecting the highest parts of Rwenzori of 120km long and 65km wide. The national park is home to 70 mammals and 217 bird species including the 19 Albertine Rift endemic species. Apart from hiking mountain Rwenzori there is much more attractions to see and activities to do including the Bakonzo village walks, bird watching, sightseeing, nature walks where you will experience the local culture and day to day life of the Bakonzo.

(With an option to summit of Weismann’s peak 4620m or Visit the Kitandara Lakes)

Detailed itinerary for 6 Days trek to Bamwanjara pass 4550m

Day 1.  Hike to Sine Camp 2596metres 

We start by walking up the valley floor through tall forest trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb with multitudes of birds and a chance of seeing blue monkeys scampering off through the forest. At times visitors may see troupes of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys as they swing through the tree tops. There are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and with many moss and lichen covered vines hanging from the tall trees creating an awesome appeal. Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut and offer a splendid opportunity to capture a great screensaver for your memories.

Day 2. Hike to Mutinda Camp 3588metres.

Hike to Mutinda Camp at 3588 metres, through the Bamboo and Heather-Rapanea Zone, following the trail while it meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top and drops down the side of the valley crossing several small streams and passing close to moss covered waterfalls with very unique beautiful plant and flower species found above 3000 metres like Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches, approaching to Mutinda camp which is set near a small river and waterfall. In the afternoon one has an option of summiting Mutinda lookout at 3975 metres. Covering 6.1km, approximately 6 to 8 hrs of walking to Mutinda camp

Day 3. Hike to Bugata Camp 4100metres

The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs and crossing several bogs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters.  Bugata Camp is situated way up Bamwanjara Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), giant groundsel (Senecio adnivalis) and Giant lobelia (Lobellia gibberoa).  There are many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus) which are a sub-species only found in the Rwenzori Mountains. 4.9km starting at 3,588 meters climbing to 4,100 meters 

 Bugata Camp has good facilities, solar lights, good toilets and bathrooms where the guides may prepare some warm water in a basin for you to wash. Bugata also has a helicopter pad (GPS reading N 18.312 E29 53.457) in case of any need for rescue by helicopter but be warned that a helicopter in Uganda costs around $10,000 per hour flying time which is way more than other countries so you need insurance in case of rescue.

Day 4. Hike to Hunwick’s Camp 3974metres

Trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. As you leave Bugata Camp you pass up a ridge then drop down slightly before ascending to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters where we have a hut should the weather turn bad. From the pass on a clear day you get excellent views of the three main peaks. The trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick evergreen vegetation, moss. giant groundsel and lobelia. Here is possibly the best place in all the Rwenzori to observe the Malachite Sunbird as it feeds on the many lobelia flowers and a known breeding site. Further on there are some steep sections before a steady climb up and over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp which is situated on the top of a deep valley and has good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.

Day 5. Option to Summit Weismann’s peak or Visit the valley of Kitandara.

Have breakfast early morning and set off to either summit Weismann’s peak then down to Kiharo Camp or hike up higher to the valley of Kitandara lakes region and enjoy the stunning views of the Lakes before descending down too Kiharo Camp for the night.

Day 6. Descend down to the basecamp.

Distance Kiharo Camp to the park gate 12.2km and another 2.8km down to Trekkers Hostel Time to walk 5 to 8 hours so those who need to connect to flights back to Kampala or travel on to other activities need to leave Kiharo early.

The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This part of the trail took us six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough for tourists to use. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley.

Price of the 6 Days trek to Bamwanjara pass 4550m

1 to 2 people – $1330 hiking fees + $35 per night park entrance fees (paid separately at the gates of the national park) per person

3 people and more – $1180 hiking fees + $35 per night park entrance fees (paid separately at the gates of the national park), per person

The hiking fees are inclusive: Guides, Porters, Meals , Accommodation during the trek and Summiting equipment  

Exclusive of: Accommodation before and after the trek, Transport to and from the starting point, Insurance, Tips.

Trekking with us the 6 Days trek to Bamwanjara pass 4550m

We have a number of Trained supportive guides who are happy to lead you to the summit, with lots of experience in high and Low altitude summits, flora and fauna, first aid, abseiling, cooking, customer care and lots of stories to tell about the mountains since most of our guides come from the Rwenzori Regions. Their training never stops and it is usually done every year during the low season months of April, May and November since they keep updating as the mountains keep changing all the time, mostly for peak guides.

Our treks come with Porters who will be carrying your luggage during the hike and the maximum weight is 23kg per bag, we advise that you carry a big backpack which the porters will be carrying and a day pack for your personal equipment which you carry yourself. Backpack covers are a must have as Rwenzoris are always wet even in the dry seasons, please endeavor to invest in a good backpack cover to avoid wet equipment during the trek, or else use polythene bags inside the backpack to protect your gear.

All meals are provided during our treks and we pride ourselves to providing good meals which are prepared by our trained guides. Our meals are designed to keep you healthy and safe during your trek and we do cater for all meal allergies. Please let us know all your meal allergies when booking your treks for a better organization. We do advise one to carry favorite snacks as they’re a good motivator during your trek.

All accommodation during the trek is in huts with bunk beds dormitory style and mattresses unfortunately we cant provide twins or singles for during the hike as the conditions are tough to build huts and we have a policy of conserving the mountain environment hence less destruction of nature, but we endeavor to provide as much comfortable accommodation as we can. All you need is a warm four seasons and you will be covered up for the night.

The top huts have wood stoves inside to make a cosy environment, and solar power.  Hunwick’s and Kiharo camps even have solar with an inverter so you have 240v to charge your phone and cameras.

The lower huts too have solar power with an inverter so you can recharge your batteries, that is Kiharo Camp and Samalira camp.

Insurance is mandatory for all our treks and all clients should buy their insurance before arrival covering Medivac and evacuation at an altitude of 4000 meters and above. We as well advise one to carry insect repellent. Please note that no trek will depart without insurance.

Book with Eco Adventure Safaris the 6 Days trek to Bamwanjara pass 4550m