15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwenzori Safari

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwenzori Safari driver/guide, who will drive you to your accommodation for the night.

Relax and unwind as you prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: No.5 Boutique Hotel
• Meal plan: D

Today, you will head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, offering beautiful views of Uganda’s countryside.

En route, stop in Mbarara for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling Ugandan cuisine. Continue your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Uganda, arriving at the lodge in the evening. Settle in for dinner and rest up for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal plan: B, L, D

This day promises to be one of the most memorable of your trip. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. In small groups, you will set off into the dense forest with experienced 15-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwenzori Safari guides to track a gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, with steep and muddy paths, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Upon finding the gorillas, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watch as they play, feed, and interact, gaining insight into their daily lives. After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the evening, visit the local Bakiga and Batwa communities to learn about their traditions and way of life.

Important to Know

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal plan: B, L, D

You will have breakfast very early in the morning and be driven to Kasese Town. You will enjoy a packed lunch along the way as it is a fairly long drive, taking around 7 hours.

When you reach Kasese, check into the lodge where you will spend the evening resting and preparing for the trek ahead.

• Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Safari
• Meal plan:  B, L , D

Begin your Rwenzori trek by hiking from Trekkers Hostel at 1,450 meters and sleep at Sine Hut at 2,596 meters with a height gain of 1,146 meters. The hike takes about 5-6 hours taking you through the Afro-Montane Forest Zone, where you will see towering trees, many birds, and occasionally spot blue monkeys or chimpanzees.

The path is well-maintained but requires careful footing as you navigate the muddy and sometimes slippery terrain. As you climb higher, you’ll notice a change in vegetation, with the forest becoming denser and the air cooler. Sine Hut is situated just below the bamboo zone on a ridge overlooking a stunning waterfall. Enjoy the serene forest surroundings and the sounds of nature as you settle into the hut for the night. In the evening, share stories with fellow trekkers around a warm fire.

• Accommodation: Sine Hut
• Meal plan:  B, L, D

After having breakfast, you will begin your hike at 8:30 a.m. into the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone. The hike takes about 6-7 hours, offering breathtaking views as you climb higher. This trail can be quite challenging, with sections that require scrambling over rocks and careful maneuvering through thick bamboo thickets.

Along the way, you may take breaks for a quick cup of coffee or to admire the beautiful scenery and listen to the calls of the forest’s inhabitants.

You will reach Mutinda Camp in the late afternoon, where you can rest and take in the surrounding beauty.

• Accommodation: Mutinda Camp
• Meal plan: B, L, D

Today, you will hike through the boggy Mutinda Valley, carefully navigating through tussock grass and everlasting flowers with many Giant Lobelias. The trail leads you to the Namusangi Valley, where sheer waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. The hike takes about 5-6 hours, with stunning scenery throughout. The landscape here is otherworldly, with strange and beautiful plant species that are unique to the Rwenzori Mountains.

Bugata Camp is situated high above Bugata Lake, offering spectacular views. This makes it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. In the evening, you will gather with your fellow trekkers in the communal area to share a hot meal and reflect on the day’s adventures.

• Accommodation: Bugata Camp.
• Meal plan:  B, L, D

Wake up early and continue your trek through Bamwanjara Pass, characterized by bogs, thick vegetation, and breathtaking mountain views. The hike takes about 6-7 hours and involves ascending and descending several ridges with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This trail can be physically demanding, but the incredible scenery and sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile.

When you arrive at Hunwick’s Camp, you will be rewarded with views of Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, and Weismann’s Peak. Enjoy a hot meal and rest in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

• Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
• Meal plan:  B, L, D 

The hike today is about 6-7 hours, with steep climbs and rocky terrain. You will descend to the valley floor of Lake Kitendara and then climb up to Scott Elliott’s pass to reach Margherita Camp. The air becomes thinner, and you may feel the effects of altitude, so it’s important to pace yourself and stay hydrated.

Margherita Camp is a historic base once used by the Duke of Abruzzi for his 1906 climb. The camp is located near the glacier, and temperatures can drop significantly at night. Settle in and prepare for the summit attempt the following day, making sure to get plenty of rest and stay warm. Your 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwenzori Safari guides will provide a briefing on what to expect and how to prepare for the early morning start.

• Accommodation: Margherita Camp.
• Meal plan: B, L, D

Today, you will start early at 2 am for the final ascent to Margherita Peak. The climb takes 7-9 hours, involving glacier travel and rock scrambling. This is the most challenging and exhilarating part of this adventure and requires technical skills and stamina.

You will navigate the glacier with crampons and ice axes following the 15-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwenzori Safari guides who will ensure your safety. The goal is to summit before 10 am before the weather changes to clouds and snow.

Upon reaching Margherita Peak, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and glaciers. Take time to capture the moment with photographs before beginning the descent.

Retrace your steps carefully as you descend back to Hunwick’s camp. The descent can be equally challenging, so maintain focus and take breaks as needed. Celebrate your achievement with a hearty meal and well-earned rest at Hunwick’s Camp.

• Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp.
• Meal plan: B, L, D

The hike today begins with climbing a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, where you can see all three peaks. The trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River, which flows down through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After crossing the confluence, the trail meanders down the valley to Kiharo Camp, which is situated in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation. Kiharo Camp offers a perfect place to relax and reflect on your mountain adventure.

• Accommodation: Kiharo Camp
• Meal plan: B, L, D

The hike today takes about 6-7 hours and takes you through the lush Nyambwamba Valley. The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill, meandering through moss-covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and forests offering opportunities to spot duikers and other wildlife.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Forest View Camp before continuing to Kilembe.  You will arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to Trekkers Hostel for a well-deserved rest.

• Accommodation: Trekkers Hostel.
• Meal plan: B, L, D

After breakfast, drive to Fort Portal for a hike around the stunning Crater Lakes. The hike takes you through scenic trails, offering panoramic views of the crater lakes and surrounding landscapes. After lunch in Fort Portal, continue to Kibale National Park, known for its rich primate population and diverse birdlife.

When you reach your accommodation, settle in and enjoy the natural surroundings. The evening is yours to relax, perhaps with a walk around the camp or a quiet moment to absorb the sounds of the forest. Dinner will be served at the camp.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal plan: B, L, D

You will start your day with an early morning breakfast before heading to the park office for a briefing about chimpanzee tracking.

The chimpanzee tracking experience is undoubtedly the highlight for anyone visiting Kibale National Park. This adventure will take you through the dense rainforest in search of a troop of chimpanzees.

With experienced 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwenzori Safari guides, you will go into the dense forest, heart racing with anticipation and suddenly, the air fills with the calls of chimpanzees. In a short while, you will find yourself in their midst, watching them play, groom, and interact.

After spending an hour with the chimps, return to the starting point and on to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and bird-watching opportunities. Take a guided walk through the swamp and engage with the local community to learn about their culture and way of life. Later, return to your accommodation for dinner & overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal plan: B, L, D

After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Kigali. You will stop for lunch along the way and continue to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Meal plan: B & L