UGANDA

The ascent to the Mbunga camp was a beautiful introduction to the Rwenzori slopes. My husband Ian and I traveled from Kilembe on the back of local motorbikes, watching the valley fall away as our drivers masterfully navigated the steep, winding mountain tracks. As we ascended higher into the lush foothills, the air turned crisp and refreshing, revealing panoramic vistas that felt entirely untouched.

Once settled, we set out to explore the quiet footpaths that thread through the local farmlands. These narrow trails meandered past traditional homesteads and verdant groves of coffee and banana trees, offering a peaceful glimpse into the daily rhythms of life on the steep hillsides.

We eventually found a perfect vantage point on a high ridge just as the sun began to sink, casting a golden glow over the distant Rift Valley. While setting up our camera equipment to capture the light, a few local children approached with quiet curiosity. We showed them the digital displays, and the sight of their familiar, towering ridges appearing on a small screen sparked instant, genuine wonder. Sharing the landscape through a different lens created a brief, beautiful connection that completely defined the evening.

The night concluded with a robust, traditional dinner crafted from farm-fresh regional ingredients, followed by a quiet retreat to our timber bandas. Drifting off to the soft melody of the mountain wind whispering through the wooden walls, the secluded camp offered a serene, tranquil sanctuary before the commencement of our high-altitude trek.