Kilembe Trail
The Kilembe Trail was the 2nd climbing route on the Rwenzori mountains Established in 2009, as an alternative trekking route in the Rwenzori Mountains, besides the traditional central circuit route.
The Kilembe southern circuit, though quite challenging, takes about 7 to 8 days trekking with an inclusive reach to Magherita Peak, as well as the stunning views of Valleys, trees and other vegetation cover.
The Kilembe trail trek starts from the Rwenzori mountains national park Mulyambuli Rangers Post proceeding to Sine Camp, then to Mutinda Hut via Kalama hut.
The trek then continues to Bugata camp, then to Hunwick’s camp (3,874m asl), which leads to Magherita camp. It is from this point, that it continues to Magherita peak, after which you descend back to Butawu Hut.
Proceed to Hunwick’s camp (3,874m asl), after then to the Kiharo camp and finally to the entry point to exit the mountain.
The Kilembe trail is a concession by Rwenzori Trekking Services which provides huts and porter services. The clearance and park fees are paid at the Mulyambuli rangers post at the entry point into the Rwenzori Mountains national park.
Margherita Peak is Africa’s third highest peak, however the real beauty in the climb up the Kilembe route, the forests and valleys, the flora is diverse with trees and valleys of ferns.
The trees are alive with many species of birds and primates and as you walk up the trail you will see chimp nests high up in the tall trees, if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the resident chimpanzee as they scamper away.
Climbing Magherita Peak is more of a hard scramble than a climb except for a few difficult moves and when it snows it is more difficult however the rewards and exhilaration of reaching the top is enormous as you look across Albert Peak to the DRC (Congo) then east across the spectra of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Apart from the 8 days Margherita peak summit along the trail, the route has more exciting treks like the 4 days trek to Mutinda Lookout, 5 days trek to Weismann’s peak, etc.
The Kilembe Rwenzori climbing route offers magnificent facilities from new mountain huts installed with solar lights and water heaters which offers you an extra comfort as you acclimatize on your way trekking through the Rwenzori mountains.
Trekking through the Kilembe Rwenzori trail requires mandatory MedEvac insurance. This is just a safety precaution and shouldn’t be a reason for you to worry about trekking through the Rwenzori mountains.
The most outstanding part of the Kilembe route in the Rwenzori mountains apart from Margherita peak is the Mutinda Lookout which offers magnificent views with beautiful scenery overlooking the Nyamwamba valley.
For Rwenzori mountain climbing via the Kilembe trail contact us to plan your trip;