Imatong Mountains hold the beauty of Kinyeti, which has the highest peak at an elevation of 3,187 meters above sea level. It is located in Ikwoto County of Eastern Equatoria, near the Ugandan border.
The summit is rocky, with montane grassland and scattered low ericaceous shrubs, subshrubs, and herbs growing in rock crevices.
Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer, was the first foreigner to observe the Imatong Mountains when he trekked to the north and west in 1861. He was followed by Emin Pasha 18 years later and later by the Governor of Equatoria.
Botanist Thomas Ford Chipp was the first to visit Kinyeti Mountain, where he discovered Coreopsis chippy near the summit. The mountains where Kinyeti originates are sometimes called the Lomariti Mountains.
In 1984, it was reported that these mountains supported a healthy population of wildlife, including colobus and blue monkeys.
The easiest way to access the Imatong Mountains is through Katire, an old British forestry station, using a dirt road from Torit, the capital of Eastern Equatoria State.
Tourist Activities – Top Things to do at the Kinyeti Mountain
There are a variety of activities to take part in, such as:
- Game Drives – Tourists explore the area in safari cars while sipping cold water from mini-refrigerators. It is a safe experience, as each tourist is accompanied by a well-equipped tour guide who is knowledgeable about the area.
- Camping – Some tourists enjoy camping to experience nature up close. There are guidelines to follow, such as not urinating near the camping site, as urine attracts lions. Feeding wild animals is prohibited because it disrupts their natural behavior. Silence is key, as too much noise may scare away the animals.
- Trekking and Walking Safaris – Visitors can trek around the area, with some choosing to climb the mountain to see chimpanzees. However, tourists are not allowed to move alone without a guide, as the forest is very dense and can be scary. Some prefer walking through the jungle to experience nature while moving alongside animals such as giant elephants, lions (the kings of the jungle), giraffes, and zebras.
At the entrance of the forest, visitors are welcomed by the chirping of birds from afar, while monkeys and chimpanzees jump from one tree branch to another.
There is always a story to tell at Kinyeti Mountain—don’t hesitate to visit!
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