Seven Days Trek To Mount Baker And Weismann's -Rwenzori Mountains

seven days trek to mount baker and weismann's -rwenzori mountains

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Day one

Start trekking the Rwenzori mountains at 1,450 meters and stay at Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, a height gain of 1,146 meters. Alternatively, fit individuals can continue on to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters, which gives them more time at Mutinda Camp and allows them to ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters. Pass through the Afro-Montane Forest Zone's large forest trees that line our path as we ascend the valley floor to begin. There are several birds along this slow ascent, and there's a chance to spot blue monkeys darting through the jungle. Visitors may occasionally catch a glimpse of groups of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys swinging through the trees. Rare sightings of the L'Hoest monkey, which is protected by the King of Omusinga and is one of the cultural symbols of the Bukonzo, are possible. You may also hear wild chimpanzees in the area. Explore the forest trees to bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and numerous moss and lichen-covered vines dangling from the tall trees; the area is home to a broad range of plant species. Only 200 meters from Sine Hut, Enock's Falls presents a wonderful opportunity to create a wonderful screensaver for your memories.

 

At Sine Camp, 2,596 meters above sea level, there are wooden cottages positioned between large forest trees on a ridge, where you may sit and take in the grandeur of the Afro Montane forest as you gaze down at a magnificent waterfall thundering over rocks far below. The warmth of the campfire and the opportunity to talk with the guides about the mountains and local customs appeal to certain customers. Sine is located close below the bamboo zone, and the neighborhood is home to a wide variety of bird species. Enock Falls, which is surrounded by vibrant green flora and hanging vines, is located 150 meters from the camp. genuinely lovely. Sleep at Sine, or if you're in shape and want to, go on to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 meters. Aside from the breathtaking views, this option allows you additional time at Mutinda Camp, from which you may ascend to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters.

 

Day two 

Starting at 8.30 am, the trek begins in the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, which is a difficult climb with numerous tall stairs. The bamboo zone gets quite muddy and slippery during the rainy season, which makes moving slowly. However, as you go 1.8 kilometers and gain 551 meters in elevation to reach Kalalama Camp, located at 3,147 meters in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you may pause and grab a short cup of tea or coffee before continuing to Mutinda Camp, the scenery and the forest are both stunning. The trail meanders up and over a few small knolls along the top of a ridge, then descends into a valley before ascending once more. Along the way, it crosses many small streams and passes by moss-covered trees. 

Then, you gradually incline your way up the bank of a lovely river that is lined with moss and cascades over rocks beneath giant Heather trees, the trunks of which are coated in green moss and with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches. As you ascend the deep valley, which is home to a huge diversity of plants and flowers, the trail winds and turns. Because there are so many giant Heather trees in this valley, it has a certain beauty that is frequently obscured by mist.

 

When you stand on moss-covered rocks at 3,925 meters with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town and Lake George, you may choose to hike to the summit of the Mutinda Lookout (one to two hours up and one hour down). Climbing Mutinda, which is 3,975 meters high, is a fantastic opportunity for clients who are climbing Margherita or any of the other major summits to acclimate and lower their risk of experiencing high altitude sickness. Sleep at 3.582-meter-high Mutinda Camp.

 

Day three

The path leading to Bugata Camp is muddy, especially during the rainy season, but with some practice, you can move from tussock to tussock to make the traveling smoother.  Before hiking a steep part up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), with spectacular waterfalls and fantastic views of the Mutinda Peaks in the distance, you must first cross the Mutinda Valley via the tussock grass and everlasting flowers mixed with several Giant Lobelias. The trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters across the vast Namusangi Valley, which has numerous ups and downs.

 

Day four 

trek through Bamwanjarra Pass to Hunwick's Camp. You ascend a ridge as you leave Bugata Camp, then descend a bit before climbing to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters, where we have a cabin in case the weather turns bad. On a clear day, the three main peaks are very visible from the pass. The path meanders through bogs, tall, evergreen foliage, moss, gigantic grasses, and lobelia as it descends a valley. As it feeds on the numerous lobelia blooms and is a known breeding site, this area of the Rwenzori Mountains may be the finest in the entire park to watch the Malachite Sunbird.

A tough hike up and over a ridge leads to Hunwick's Camp, which is located at the top of a deep valley and offers good views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Weismann's Peak, and McConnell's Prong, further along.

 

Day five 

4.3-kilometer ascent A 4–6-hour ascent and a 2–3–hour descent. Set off at 6.30 a.m. to climb the 4,842 meters of Mt. Baker Peak. Three to four hours are needed for the ascent, and three hours are needed for the descent from McConnell's Camp (Camp 4). You must have an excellent sense of height to complete this strenuous, rocky climb, as some sections, like the crevice descending down to the glacier, have a sizable drop off the cliff. Mt. Baker is steep, although it's not considered challenging unless during the snowy (wet) months of April through May and September through October.

 

However, safety ropes will always be utilized on steep slopes, even when the ice-covered rocks are exceedingly slick. Following the ascent, you drop down a crevice in the rock face to the glacier and proceed the final 300 meters to the peak.

The main peaks of the Margherita, Alexandria, Stanley's Plateau, and the glaciers are spectacular to observe when there is clear weather or a break in the clouds because you can admire the splendor of these stunning snow-capped mountains. The view is fantastic! After taking in this once-in-a-lifetime event, we cross the glacier again, ascend up the rock face again, and then descend to McConnell's Camp. Doze off in Camp 4.

 

Day six 

the 11 kilometers from Kiharo Camp Walking time: 4 to 7 hours Before arriving at Oliver's Pass at 4,505 meters, we begin the day by ascending a ridge from Hunwick's Camp towards McConnell's Prong, where you can see all three peaks to their fullest, as well as Scott Elliott's Pass. Three kilometers separate Hunwick's Camp from the summit of Olivers Pass. The route continues beyond Weismann's Peak to the Nyamwamba River's confluence, where it runs through Kilembe and Kasese before arriving at Lake George in Queen Elisabeth National Park.Weismanns Peak, which rises 4,620 meters above sea level, can be climbed for an additional $20 per person. You get spectacular views of Margherita and Mt. Stanley, Mt. Speke, and Mt. Baker on a clear day.

 

The trail meanders down the valley to Kiharo Camp, which is located in a deep valley with towering cliffs and abundant flora, after crossing the confluence. After each bog, you will climb over a ridge of stones and dirt that appears out of place but was actually forced there by glaciers that moved slowly until stopping, melting, and leaving a pile of boulders and debris in front of where the glacier once stood. This is on the way down the valley after each bog.

 

Day seven 

The distances from Kiharo Camp to the park gate are 12.2 km and 2.8 km, respectively. The hike takes between 5 and 8 hours, so those who need to catch planes back to Kampala or continue on to other destinations must depart Kiharo early.

The trail near the Nyamwamba Valley in the downhill, incredibly gorgeous, and features some of the nicest scenery in the Rwenzori Mountains, including deep valleys, woods, moss-covered rocks beside the river, and tumbling waterfalls. It took us six years to find a path through and a route that is simple enough for tourists to use on this section of the trail. The explorer and geologist McConnell attempted to ascend this valley in 1937 but was unsuccessful, forcing him to turn around and look for another path up the mountain. Fortunately, you can now visit this breathtaking valley.

 

Near Kiharo Camp, the trail branches off to the right and follows the river for a few kilometers. You might see a duiker peacefully feeding as you pass along the river in the places that are clear. If you'd like, you might choose to stroll down the river itself, dodging boulders as you go. A few kilometers down the river, the gradient increases and there are numerous waterfalls, so we must leave the river and follow a small hill to avoid the severe areas.

 

At the bottom, where the river once more meets us, there is a sizable rock shelter and a spot to stop and rest for a while. You cross a small stream and then ascend a mild incline before turning around and returning to the river to avoid another set of impassable waterfalls. The forest along this stretch is spectacular and teeming with animals like hyraxes, dikers, and primates. A wonderful experience and a fitting finale to an amazing adventure.