- Guided hikes and nature walks in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Camping at Rwenzori and overnight homestays
- Cooking, living and working with local families
- Transportation arrangements
- Information on native and medicinal plants
Experiences include:
- Excellent photography opportunities
- See a local blacksmith
- Visit a Bukonzo witchdoctor
- Chat with the Batwa ‘pygmies’
- Watching cultural dances
- Take a coffee tour
- Birdwatching in the Rwenzori Mountains and Semliki Valley
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is known for its spectacular cloud-covered mountain landscapes and extraordinary plant life. The park’s terrain ranges from mountain forests to bamboo stands. The Rwenzoris’ Margherita Peak is the third highest peak in Africa, glistening with equatorial glaciers.
Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association’s local guides offer unique opportunities to explore the northern circuits of Rwenzori Mountains National Park and learn about the histories, cultures, and daily lives of the three distinct tribes (the Bakonzo, Batooro, and Batwa ‘pygmies’) who have called the Rwenzori mountains home for hundreds of years; who better than them to be your guide?
The homestays are in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains at an altitude between 1800 and 2100 metres and are accessed by foot. Here you will stay under the same roof as a local family or in a house in the family compound. Homestays are located on the farms that supply most of the food (and income) needs for the homestays and their families. The crops grown include coffee, bananas, vegetables and other seasonal crops. The AMA homestays welcome men, women, couples, families and students.
Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association hikes and activities
Nature walks pass through the thick jungle of Rwenzori Mountains forest vegetation as you are entertained by the playful Rwenzori Colobus, Blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and the amazing giant earthworms. Then move into the peaceful swaying music of the dense bamboo forest with a chance of spotting the colourful Rwenzori Turaco.
Enjoy the climb onto the mossy wind-blown ridges of the Ericacecular zone on your way to Karangora peak at 3014 metres with its spectacular views of the Rift Valley, the Semuliki River, Congo and Central Uganda. Or descend on the Northern Spur ridge with the spectacular scenery of the meandering Semliki River and the Nile River below you on the Semliki plains, at an altitude of just 600m, the lowest point in Uganda.
Karangura Peak Hike to 3012m (9888 ft)
- Climbing Karangora Peak with Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association is an excellent one-day hike out of Kazingo village. Begin at 1500m, following the Mpanga River up a beautiful valley.
- Climb to the top of the mountain ridge (2300m), passing farms and stunning views of the Rift Valley, Lake George and western Uganda.
- Karangora is the highest peak of the Northern Rwenzori Mountains. At its summit, look west to Bundibugyo and the Congo, south to Kasese, east to Fort Portal, and north to the Rift Valley.
- The day-hike takes 6-8 hours. Camping inside or outside the park is also available.
- From $90 including National Park fees.
Rwenzori Mountains Mini-Hike / Bundibugyo Trail
- Beginning in Kazingo village, ascend to 2500m in the Rwenzori Mountains, before descending to 800m and the Rift Valley floor and on to Bundibugyo Town.
- Hike through cloud forests, enjoy unique bird species and scenic views of the Rift Valley, Semliki River and the DR Congo. The hike with Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association takes 7-9 hours.
- Prices include 3 meals, overnight at a hotel in Bundibugyo and transport from Bundibugyo to Fort Portal.
- From $120 including National Park fees.
Hikes to the boundary of Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Explore the Rwenzori Mountains without paying National Park fees on this three-day trip.
- Starting in the afternoon, hike to your first community homestay in the mountains. On day two, hike to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park boundary. Continue exploring the mountains before settling into the second evening of your homestay. Descend back to reality on the third day and return to Fort Portal.
- Experience the daily lives of the Bakonzo people, help with food preparation, and enjoy local meals and the local way of life. The tour is two nights / three days and costs are inclusive of homestay accommodation and meals; bedding is provided. Hiking is moderate, so bring good shoes and be prepared for wet weather.
- From $100.
Rwenzori Coffee Tour & Kazingo Community Walk
- Join Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association for a half-day visit to Kazingo village and nearby farms. Hike in the foothills for views of the Rift Valley as you learn about the Bakonzo culture and livelihoods.
- Visit coffee farmers, learn how coffee is processed and how it impacts the lives of subsistence farmers before finding its way into cappuccinos around the world. Finish the tour by learning how to roast beans and brew the perfect cup of coffee. No day is complete without a fresh cup of coffee grown in the farms you have just visited!
- A coffee tasting and lunch in a local restaurant is included.
- The half-day hike takes 2-3 hours.
All hikes can be customized to fit your needs, time and budget. For camping and other options, please contact Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association for pricing.
Who benefits from Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association’s tourism activities?
Established in 1993, AMA is a community-based organization that is committed to improving the lives of villagers from Kabarole and Bundibugyo districts in western Uganda AMA’s tourism programmes use local guides, and all profits go to community projects such as building fuel-efficient stoves, agricultural trainings, supporting microfinance schemes, developing our coffee cooperative.
Directions to the starting point for Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association’s activities
Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association’s main office is located in Kazingo village, nestled on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. Most hikes originate here, although transfers to / from Fort Portal can easily be arranged. It is about 13 km west from the Bundibugyo boda boda stage in Fort Portal to Kazingo Village. Hire a car, take a boda boda or ask us to arrange your pick-up.
Making an enquiry? If you call any businesses listed in this Travel Directory, please mention Diary of a Muzungu sent you.
