The Imatong Mountains

The Imatongs rise green and unexpected along the Uganda border, lifting the country's roof at Kinyeti - 3,187 metres of forested summit above ridges where montane forest holds colobus, turacos and orchid gardens, streams drop in waterfalls through the tea-cool air, and the old hill station at Gilo recalls the range's colonial-era summer role. The range lies some 190 kilometres south-east of Juba and runs on into Uganda; since the mid-twentieth century much of its forest has been cleared for farming and the slopes have eroded. Trekking runs village-arranged from the Torit side when the standing terms allow: forest paths to ridge camps, summit pushes at dawn, and highland hospitality in communities that see visitors rarely enough to remember each one.

What you'll find

• Kinyeti's summit - the national high point at 3,187 metres.
• The montane forests - colobus and turacos in the cool belt.
• The stream falls - cascades through the highland green.
• Gilo's hill station - the range's cool-air heritage.

When to go

December to February, the driest window, suits the trekking in principle. Arrange the trip through specialist local operators.

Before you go

On the range: trails are village knowledge, camps are carried, and the mountains' generosity repays expedition-grade preparation - this is highland travel at its most unbrokered.

Nearby

Torit and the Eastern Equatoria hills.

Key facts