Mahoma trails Rwenzori mountains : There are many trails in Rwenzori mountain national park and famous are three Rwenzori central circuits, kilembe trail, and Bukurugu trail which are popular for Stanley ascent in Rwenzori mountains national park. There a small trails that include the Mahoma trails, kazinga trail that is known for nature walks and birding tours in mountains of the moon.
The mahoma trails is 28km and it takes you through the lower slopes of the mountain up to Lake Mahoma where it joins the main Rwenzori central circuit trail.
Mahoma hike
During hike through the amazing mahoma trail, expect to explore several species like about 70 mammals’ species, insects, reptiles like the 3-horned chameleons, about 217 bird species including the 19 species that are endemic to the Albertine to the Albertine rift, and unique vegetation zone.
The visitors will also enjoy the breathtaking views of Mubuku River trailing along the valley. For your precious nights in the mountains, you will camp at different campsite and huts with in and among these include; omuka kiiza camp at 2,977 meters and lake mahoma camp which is located besides the largest lake in the mystical mountains – lake mahoma.
The second hike starts at omuka kiiza rest camp after morning breakfast. The hikers continue to trek through a bamboo and heather forest following the footprints of the forest elephant until you get to Lake Muhoma.
The lucky visitors 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 stretchers up to rukenga valley. Trekkers will rest and have an overnight stay around Lake Mahoma at an elevation of 3515 meters high.
Mahoma nature trail tour in Rwenzori mountain is an alternative tail to the longer trails that take up to the highest summit of mount Rwenzori the “margherita” the mahoma trail is located within mountain of the moon national park that houses over 70 mammals, 217 bird species with 19 endemic birds to the Albertine rift.
Apart from the nature walks, there are also other activities to do Rwenzori mountains national park and among these include;
- Mountain hiking
- Birdwatching
- Community visit
- Local people home stay
Things to carry while hiking mahoma trails
- Hiking backpack
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Hiking boots
- Hat and sunglasses
- Energy giving foods
Best time to hike Mahoma trails
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 will encounter less rains, making the trail more manageable and the view 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 elevation 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 monkeys along the heavy 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.