Kilembe Trail ( Southern sector)

The Kilembe Trail

The trail is named after Kilembe, a small town at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Before it became a trekking route, the path was primarily used by the Baamba communities to move between villages, access highland pastures, and collect forest resources. In 2009, the route was officially opened as a path to reach different peaks of Rwenzori mountains after the construction of new huts.

Known for its scenic landscapes, gradual ascent, and less crowded paths, the Kilembe trail offers an excellent alternative to the Central Circuit. It begins from Kilembe near Kasese and passes through beautiful valleys, alpine lakes, and high mountain passes before reaching the central peaks. The trail is best for trekkers aiming to summit major mountains such as Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, and Mount Speke while enjoying quieter and more varied scenery. Taking 7 to 8 days to complete, Kilembe climbs steadily through forest, bamboo, moorland, and Afro-alpine zones, eventually reaching glacier terrain near the highest peaks.

Just like the Central Circuit, Kilembe offers several scenic features such as the Sine valley, mutinda valley, Kalalama camp, bugata lake, dramatic valleys and beautiful sights of glaciated peaks.