Mahoma Trail in Rwenzori Mountains is a 28 kilometer hiking trail that takes you around the lower hills of mount Rwenzori ending at the magnificent lake Mahoma. The trail is one of Uganda’s off the beaten tracks and it takes you to explore Mahoma Lake and have a close look of the Rwenzori Mountains summit and you will then hike through different Afro-montane regions. Hitting and experiencing the Mahoma trail takes about 3 days and 2 nights minimum. Hikers can choose to increase their mountain climbing to John matte Hut.
Nature walks at Mahoma trail starts at Ibanda or Nyakalenjija with a briefing from the guide who will advise about the trekking trail and what the necessities to carry along during the hike are. Once prepared on the first day you set off from the starting point and hike up through the virgin rainforest. You will go through a jungly ridge called Kyambogho ridge that is a home to a number of blue monkeys and black and white monkeys. Along the ridge, there are attractive views of the Mubuku valley.
The first day of the hike takes you to Omuka Kizza rest camp at an elevation of 2,997 meters high where you spend the first night. At this camp, you will have an opportunity see clearly Kasese town and the Rwenzori foothills.
The second hike starts at Omu’ka Kizza rest camp after morning breakfast. The hikers continue to trek through a bamboo and heather forest following the footprints of the forest elephants until you get to Lake Mahoma.
In a lucky hike, you will have a great chance of finding forest elephants quenching their thirst at the hot springs. You get to trek through a small ridge that stretches up to Rukenga valley. Trekkers will rest and have an overnight stay around Lake Mahoma at an elevation of 3515 meters high.
Normally in the last day which is the third day, tourists gets a chance to tour around Lake Mahoma before they embark on the trip way back to the starting point. You will be amazed with clear views of Mt Stanley and baker. Visitors come down from Lake Mahoma through Mpanga ridge up to Ibanda or Nyakalenjija in Ruboni Village. Mpanga ridge joins Mubuku valley which is known to have three horned chameleons. Tourists can choose to have nature walks through the village and interact with the locals “bakonzo” and know more about their lives. During your cultural tour to this village, you can visit the traditional healers, black smith and the homes of Bakonzo.
Mahoma nature trail tour in Rwenzori mountains is an alternative trail to the longer trails that take you up to the highest summit of Mount Rwenzori the “Margherita“. The Mahoma trail is located within mountains of the moon national park that houses over 70 mammals, 217bird species with 19 endemic birds to the Albertine rift.
Other activities to do while in Mahoma trail
Wilderness Camping: The Mahoma Trail is a 3-day trek that takes you through pristine rainforests, offering breathtaking views of the Mubuku Valley. Camping in the wilderness along the trail is nature immersive experience.
Primate Spotting: As you hike through the heavily forested ridge, keep an eye out for black and white Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and occasionally the L’hoest monkey. These apes inhabit the area and also adds to the natural beauty of the trail
Accommodation facilities in Mahoma trail
While hiking on Mahoma nature walk trail or coming back from the trail, hiker can have a stay at any of the close accommodations on the slopes of mount Rwenzori such as Mahoma lake rest camp, Omu’ka Kizza Rest camp , Ruhoni community camp, Equator snow lodge, Rwenzori backpackers, Tours Holiday inn and more. Or you can opt to either stay in Queen Elizabeth national park or Kibale national park in Fort portal given that both destinations have about 2 hours’ drive from Mount Rwenzori national park respectively. The Mahoma trail tours does not involve so much steep hiking but it tests your level of strength and stamina.
Things to carry while hiking Mahoma trail
Hiking backpack
Weather appropriate clothing
Hiking boots or shoes, ensure proper footwear to protect your feet and provide traction on rocky terrain.
Hat and sunglasses, Shield yourself from the sun.
Plenty of energy giving foods and enough drinking water and food to eat since no restaurants along the trail.
First Aid Kit such as basic medical supplies, bandages, and any necessary medications.
Navigation tools such as map and compass
Knife or multiple color.
Sunscreen and lip balm; Protect your skin from UV rays.
Insect repellent; the bugs can be intense
The best time to hike Mahoma trail
The best time to hike the Mahoma Trail is during the dry season, which typically runs from late December to February and June to August. During these months, you’ll encounter less rain, making the trail more manageable and the views clearer. The weather in the Rwenzori Mountains can be unpredictable, but the dry season offers more stable conditions. However, be prepared for sudden changes, especially at higher elevations. If you’re interested in spotting wildlife, consider hiking during the dry season. You may encounter black and white Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and occasionally the L’hoest monkey along the heavily forested ridge. During the dry season, the trail is less muddy, making it easier to navigate. However, be prepared for some slippery sections due to moss-covered rocks.
