Hiking Mount Baker

Day 1: Hike to Sine Camp

The trek begins at Trekkers Hostel in Kilemba (1,450 metres). Today's hike takes us to Sine Camp at 2,596 metres (altitude gain of 1,146 metres). Those who are particularly fit can proceed to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 metres. Hiking to Kalalama gives you more time at Mutinda Camp where you can climb to the Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 metres. 

The trek begins by passing through tall forests in the Afro Montane Forest zone. There are a multitude of birds in the forest, and at time you can see troops of 15-20 black and white Colobus monkeys. 

The beautiful Enock's falls are just 200 metres from Sine Hut. As you settle into camp for the evening, sit around the campfire with your guides and learn about the mountains and their life the community. 

Day 2: Hike to Mutinda Camp

Today's trek starts at 8:30am. Almost immediately, you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis zone, and the trail becomes steeper. In the wet season, the trail becomes muddy and slippery, making the going slow. 

The atmosphere of the forest is beautiful, and you climb 551 metres over 1.8km from Sine Camp to Kalalama Camp in the Heather-Rapanea zone. Stop for a coffee/tea break at Kalalama before pressing on to Mutinda Camp at 3,582 metres. The trail meanders up several small knolls along a ridge top and then drops down the side of the valley, before rising once again. You'll pass a number of waterfalls en route, the trail twists and turns and passes an enormous variety of plant life.  

In the afternoon, you have the option to climb to the top of the Mutinda Lookout at 3,925 metres (1-2 hours ascent, 1 hour descent). From the lookout you have incredible views across the Rwenzoris, down to Kasese town and Lake George. 

Day 3: Trek to Bugata Camp

Cross the Mutinda Valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley at 3,840 metres. Here there are beautiful waterfalls and great views of the Mutinda Peaks. 

The Namusangi Valley is wide, and the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,100 metres.

Day 4: Trek to Hunwick's Camp

Trek to Hunwick's Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. On a clear day, the pass provides excellent views of the 3 mains peaks of the range. 

A few steep sections later and we begin the steady climb up over a ridge to Hunwick's Camp, situated on the top of a deep valley with great views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Weismann's Peak, and McConnel's Prong. 

Day 5: Summit Mount Baker

Today is the Mount Baker summit hike. It's a 4.3km climb lasting 4-6 hours on the ascent, and 2-3 hours on the descent. We'll set off by 6:30am to climb the Mount Baker peak at 4,842 metres. 

The ascent is a steep, rocky climb where you need good fitness, and you need to be comfortable with heights - there is some crevice climbing with sharp drops. The routes are safe, but not recommended for the vertigo-afflicted!  

Although it's a steep climb, Mount Baker is not considered a technical climb except in the wet season from April-May and September-October when it can get very slippery and icy. Safety ropes will be used at all times on steep sections. 

After climbing up you descend along a crack in the rock face to the glacier, and then it's a short 300-metre walk to the peak.  On a clear day, you have incredible views of the peaks of Margherita, Alexandria, Stanley's plateau and the glaciers of the range. One of the most stunning viewpoints in the range. 

After admiring the view, head back down to McConell's Camp for overnight. 

Day 6: Hike to Kiharo Camp

We start the day by climbing up a ridge towards McConnel's Prong where you have great views of all 3 peas and Scott Elliott's Pass before reaching Oliver's Pass at 4,505 metres. The train cuts across below Weismann's Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River which flows down though Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

You have the option here to climb Weismann's Peak at 4,620 metres. On a clear day you get stunning views of Margherita Peak, Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Mount  Baker. 

The train then heads down the valley to Kiharo Camp situated in a deep valley flanked by high cliffs and surrounded by dense vegetation.

Day 7: Return to Basecamp 

Today we head from Kiharo Camp back to the Kilembe, covering a distance of about 15km. The walk is 5-8 hours depending on fitness and weather conditions. 

The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and the views are absolutely beautiful, with moss covered rocks, rivers, cascading waterfalls, valleys and forests. The route took 6 years to develop.