3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek | Best Rwenzori Mountains Hike 2026

A Short 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek Tour For First Timers

During this 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek, you will explore some of the 70 mammals & 217 birds in the Rwenzori. Cover a 28km trail with Rwenzori Trekking Safari Experts.

The 3-day Mahoma Trail Trek is the perfect first-timer’s escape into the Rwenzori’s wild beauty, a gentle, well-guided loop (about 2–3 days) that threads rainforest, bamboo, and heather slopes, ends at the mirror-still Lake Mahoma, and gives spectacular views of the “Mountains of the Moon” without technical climbing required. Guided porters, simple wilderness camping, and short daily stages make it friendly for novices while offering close encounters with turacos, colobus monkeys, and dramatic ridgelines, ideal if you want a short, achievable mountain experience with big scenery and expert support.

This 28km 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek takes you to explore a cross-section of the scenic Rwenzori mountains. The trail is an alternative to longer treks that lead to the high peaks. On this three-day night Mahoma trip, you will traverse the lower slopes of the mountains, finishing at Lake Mahoma, where the trail joins the existing ‘Central Circuit’ trail to return to the park gate. The entire circuit can be completed in 1-2 nights, or parts of it can be done as a day hike.

During this 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek, you will explore some of the 70 mammals and 217 birds that are found in Rwenzori, including 19 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift, as well as some of the world’s rarest plants. The plant life is a mixture of lush forest, bamboo forest, heather, everlasting flowers, giant lobelia, and a multitude of plant life endemic to this mountain. JimJam Safaris organizes tailored hiking experiences that suit budget, midrange, and luxury travelers.

Detailed itinerary: 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek Safari

Day 1: Nyakalengija 1560m – Omukakiza camp 2500m

Begin the day by approaching the Rwenzori mountaineering service reservation officer early to arrange guides and porters. Once the trek starts at the park gate, 1700m to Omukakiza camp, a distance of 6.5 km takes 4-5 hours and an ascent of 1000 meters. The trail after the gate takes you through the montane forest zones, seeing a lot of birds, three-horned chameleons, an endemic species, black and white colobus monkeys, and Rwenzori turaco birds.

It ascends steeply to Omukakiza camp (tent pitch) dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Omukakiza camp 2500m – Lake Mahoma camp 3000m.

From Omukakiza, the trail descends steeply for a couple of hours, passing through the bamboo forests, and then becomes easier, kind of like a flat area in the elephant zone.

From Omukakiza, Portal Peaks and Kinyangoma Hills can be seen. The flat area takes you to the boardwalk, and the vegetation around is a combination of Heather and Afro alpine zones with lots of Senecio plants, giant lobelia, and lobelia giberoa.

Finally, reach Mahoma Lake, the deepest in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. It is 12 feet deep and is fed by the melted snow from Mount Baker.

Distance covered 5-6 hours 6km.

Dinner and an overnight at Mahoma Lakes camp. (pitch tent)

Day 3: Lake Mahoma camp through Nyabitaba camp to Nyakalengijja.

Leave Lake Mahoma early, retracing our route to Nyakalengija. This 8km trail usually takes 3 hours, descending through the Mubuku River and fields to the park gate.

Dinner and an overnight to the lodge of your choice.

End of your 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek Itinerary

3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek Inclusions

1. -Park entrance fees
2. -Guides and porters
3. -Food and wages
4. -Camping tents
5.  -Chef
6. -Gas fuel
7. -Client’s food and VAT

3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek Exclusions

1. -Transport from the airport to Kasese
2. – Visas. air ticket
3. -Warm and rain gear
4. -Tips and gratuities
5. -Other items of any personal nature
6. -Other personal expenses that are not included in the package.

The Best Time for a 3-Day Mahoma Trail Trek in Rwenzori

The best time to tackle the 3-day Mahoma Trail is during the Rwenzori’s dry windows, ideally June–August or December–February, when trails are firmer, visibility is clearer, and Lake Mahoma makes for the most spectacular photos; these months give you the easiest, most pleasant short-trek experience. Outside those windows (notably the long rains around March–May and the short rains in October–November), footpaths get muddier, streams swell, and pace slows, so while the loop is possible year-round, first-timers do much better in the dry season.

What to pack for the 3 Days Mahoma Trail Trek

For the 3-day Mahoma Trail Trek, pack light but smart: sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, a rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and a comfortable backpack with a hydration system. Include a sleeping bag, headlamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, and basic medication. Bring snacks for extra energy, a power bank for your devices, and waterproof covers for gear. Don’t forget trekking poles for stability on muddy sections and a camera to capture the stunning Rwenzori scenery.