Day 1: Arrive Entebbe
Arrive Entebbe. Overnight in a centrally-located hotel.
NB. We can arrange your international flights and accommodation in Entebbe for you. Please note that these are not included in the published climb rates.
Day 2: Transfer Entebbe to Kasese. Overnight at the Sandton Hotel.
Transfer from Entebbe to Kasese by road or air (to be quoted for separately). On arrival, you will be met at the airstrip by the local climb team and transferred to the Sandton Hotel for dinner and overnight.
N.B. There are a range of hotels and guesthouses available to suit different budgets in and around Kasese and in nearby Fort Motel, from very basic lodges (the Trekkers Hostel) to comfortable hotels (Hotel Sandton). Please contact us for alternative options.
Day 3: To Samalira Camp. Approx. 5 to 7 hours
Your trek departs from the Trekkers Hostel in Kilembe at approx. 10am. Meet with your climb team at 9am for a final kit check and briefing, before setting off on foot from the Hostel.
Today’s walk is 8.6 km, expected time 5 to 7 hours. The start height is 1,667 metres, climbing to 3,171 metres. Leaving the Trekkers Hostel at approx. 10am, you walk 2.2km to the UWA rangers post at 1,727m, where you will be briefed on the rules of the Rwenzori National Park.
As you leave the rangers post you walk along a path through tall grassland and ferns which gives way to magnificent rainforest. As this is a new route the forest is largely untouched and carries a wide variety of trees and plants. Many species of bird can also be heard and seen in this rich environment, as can Chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys.
Upon entering the forest, the first few kilometres of the trail climb steadily, crossing several small streams and rivers. The trail becomes gradually steeper as you enter the bamboo zone and ascend a high ridge, at the top of which is Samalira Camp, where you will rest for the night. As you near the top of the ridge you break out of the bamboo to fantastic views of the valleys and hills below looking across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the distance. The equator lies just north of Lake George.
Samalira Camp is situated amidst giant heathers, with stunning views over the lowlands below.
Day 4: To Kalalama Camp. Approx 4-6 hours
After a hearty breakfast commence walking. The trail becomes steeper as you enter the bamboo zone. During the rainy season this section of the trail can also become exceptionally muddy.
As you near the top of the ridge and exit the bamboo zone you will be greeted by fantastic views of the valleys and hills below. On a clear day, the view extends all the way across to Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As you continue to climb, the bamboo forest will gradually give way to forests of giant tree heather and lobelias of a kind that can only be found in the Rwenzori Mountains.
After 6.9km, you will approach Kalalama Camp (3,150m), where you rest tonight.
Overnight at Kalalama Camp.
Day 5: Descend to Kilembe
Leaving Kalalama Camp, you descend through the bamboo forest and down the ridge to the Rangers Post, arriving early afternoon. After a quick debrief, it is a short walk down to the Trekkers Hostel, where your trek ends.
After lunch and rest at the Trekkers Hostel, you will be collected by your driver for the short transfer to Kasese.
Dinner and overnight at the Sandton Hotel.
Day 6: Departure
Your itinerary ends this morning in Kasese. We can arrange for your transfer back to Entebbe/Kampala if required.
If you are continuing with a safari to Queen Elizabeth or gorilla tracking in Bwindi, your driver and guide will come to meet you this morning at your hotel for the start of your safari.
Kalalama Loop (3-day Trek)
3-day Rwenzori rainforest trek, most suitable as an extension to a longer safari or climb itinerary.
Kalalama Loop (3-day Trek)
This short 3-day trek into the Rwenzoris follows an easy circuit route, taking you through the rainforest and bamboo zones and to the high altitude heath. Please note that the Kalalama Loop is generally intended to be booked as an add-on to a longer itinerary, and the quoted price is for the trek and park fees only; if booking the itinerary as a standalone, transfers to/from Entebbe and accommodation before and after the climb are additional.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Pricing
6 days from £740pp
Uganda safari
A wonderful trip which has opened my eyes to the real Africa more than any other trip I have done before.
Mt Kenya via the Burguret Route
The local crew and the guide were fantastic; a great group of lads.