Kazingo Trail in Mountain Rwenzori
The Kazingo trail in Mountain Rwenzori Mountains takes hikers to one of the most scenic and challenging hiking routes in Uganda. A journey along the Kazingo trail promises breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountain range. As you wind through this trail, expect to navigate through the lush vegetation while also spotting the diverse wildlife around the base area of the Rwenzori Mountain.
To most climbers who have made it to the summits of Mount Rwenzori, the appealing part of the Rwenzori Mountains lies in its scenery in surroundings. The Rwenzori Mountains feature the Equatorial snow and scenic vegetation. Climbers with a desire to explore the less strenuous peaks prefer exploring the enriching trails, such as Kazingo.
Kazingo Trail
Kazingo trail offers extensive treks through the North Rwenzori ridge between the Fort Portal plateau and Bundibugyo town along the Semliki Valley. The Semliki Valley lies along the western part of the Rwenzori Mountains. Access to the Kazingo trail is possible and requires you to trek via the surfaced Bundibugyo route, which is 10 km from Fort Portal.
The Kazingo trail is 17 km from the heart of Fort Portal Tourism City. The hike through Kazingo involves conquering the spectacular part of the Rwenzori Mountains, particularly the Karangura peak, which is 3012 meters above sea level.
Hikers embark on an enriching walk around the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to experience a mesmerizing hiking adventure. Compared to the rest of the Rwenzori Mountain trekking trails (Rwenzori Central Circuit route & the Bukurungu Wilderness Camping), Kazingo doesn’t usher hikers up to the Margherita peak. Visitors who embark on the hiking expedition on the Kazingo concentrate on exploring the Eastern end of the Rwenzori Mountain range. It is one of the amazing routes worth exploring by any enthusiastic hiker on a Uganda tour.
Hikes through the Kazingo can commence from the Kazingo Trading Centre in the Karangura sub-county, just at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain range. This is the same spot where community walks or cultural tours can also be arranged and conducted. It is the least hiked route, yet it rewards hikers with unforgettable hiking experiences.
Why hike through the Kazingo trail?
Kazingo trail offers climbers a chance to have a day navigating from the north Rwenzori Bridge between Fort Portal plateau and Bundibugyo town in the Semuliki Valley. Opting for the Kazingo trail means you embark on the hiking expedition on the unique trail very few hikers have explored. Thus guaranteeing you authentic hiking adventures.
How is the Kazingo trail managed?
The Abanya Rwenzori runs Kazingo Mountaineering Association (AMA). This is a community-based organization established in 1993 and is committed to enhancing the lives of the residents in the area. This Association plays a significant role by mobilizing and offering training services to the farmers and communities, mainly to provide insights into the sustainable use of resources to enhance livelihoods.
The Hiking group involves local community participation, especially communities adjacent to the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, in order to enable them to realize the various tourism opportunities accruing from the Rwenzori Mountains and also community tourism. AMA partners with other organizations, including the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Best time to hike the Kazingo trail
Kazingo trail can be trekked through at any time of the year, although the dry season remains the most preferred period. Luckily, expect to choose from the 2 phases of a dry spell, with the longest often occurring from June to September, then December to February. The rest of the months that come with heavy rains are usually avoided as they render the trail muddy or slippery, thus posing a challenge when hiking. They are referred to as the off-months or low/rainy seasons and often begin from March to May, then October to November.
What to pack for the hike through the Kazingo trail
It is essential to know what or how to pack for your hiking expeditions in the Kazingo trail along the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. The key items one may consider on their packing list include waterproof hiking or walking boots/shoes, a sweater, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a tin of insect repellent, a camera plus additional batteries, and memory cards to increase capacity for more pictures. You also require a medical kit or first aid kit, long pants, a daypack, a safari hat, energy-giving snacks, and bottled drinking water. Additional items to consider include sunscreen, sunglasses, a rain jacket or coat, comfortable socks, and more.
Where to stay?
When you think of conquering the Kazingo trail, you must plan for accommodation options for your overnight stay. The accommodation choices available are concentrated around Fort Portal City. They include;
Beseniya Camp: This comfortable camp is set at Nyakasura Falls, also most popular for its scenic Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves in Fort Portal. Beseniya provides family cottage accommodation services and also has a campsite where guests can pitch their tents.
Koi Koi Hotel: Book your accommodation at Koi Koi Hotel for an ultimate overnight stay in Fort Portal and be ready to connect easily to the Kazingo trail. Koi is set 3 km away from Fort Portal Tourism City.
Reinah Tourist Hotel: Built right in the middle of Fort Portal town, Reinah is known for comfortable accommodation experiences. It has an outstanding restaurant for you to grab some breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The hotel also has a conference room plus many comfortable rooms for visitors’ overnight stay.
Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge: Lying in the spectacular area over viewing the Rift Valley and surrounding mountain ranges, Aramaga Rift Valley is the right place to experience the ultimate luxury stay before or after conquering the Kazingo hiking trail.
Nyaika Motel: This boutique hotel property is located in Boma, about 2 to 3 km from Fort Portal Tourism City.
Additional places to consider for an overnight stay before or after experiencing the best of the Kazingo hiking trail include Kyaninga Royal Cottages, Rwenzori Travelers Inn, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Sunrise Apartments Fort Portal, Kalya Courts, etc.
More about the Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains are where the Rwenzori National Park derived its name. The park protects over 217 species of birds, also worth spotting during normal birding activity. Birds to find in the Rwenzori Mountains include long-toed lapwing, African emerald cuckoos, archer’s robin chat, white-spotted flufftail, regal sunbird, and others.
The base area of the Rwenzori Mountains also inhabits a diversity of mammals, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and many other antelope families. There are also lots of reptiles, amphibians, and floral species.
Nature walk opportunities are in abundance in the Rwenzori Mountains. Visitors can also embark on a nature walk in the Ruboni village for 3 hours or explore the traditional trails to the Margherita peak, including the Kilembe trail and Central Circuit.
How to reach the Kazingo Hiking Trail in Mount Rwenzori from Entebbe or Kampala
The Kazingo hiking trail isn’t only accessible from Fort Portal City, but visitors can also begin their journey from Entebbe or Kampala. Driving from Entebbe or Kampala to Kazingo involves navigating via the Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal tourism city route. It can take you about 6 hours, and in case you opt for the Southern route- Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara route, you may spend at least 7 hours on the road.
Using domestic flights, expect to depart from the Entebbe International Airport up to Kasese Airstrip. Get picked up by your driver and connect to the pre-booked accommodation for your relaxation and overnight stay.
