12-Day Rwenzori Trek, Gorilla Trekking, and Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Embark on a 12-day Uganda Gorilla & Rwenzori Trekking Safari through Uganda, featuring a 7-day Rwenzori trek in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.  This 12-day Uganda Gorilla & Rwenzori trekking through Bwindi, Rwenzori & Queen Elizabeth National parks combines  Uganda’s most remarkable natural wonders into an unforgettable experience.

The Rwenzori Mountains, adorned with snow, the historic rain forests of Bwindi, and the wildlife-abundant Savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 12 days Rwenzori & Gorilla trekking  in Uganda commences with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey proceeds to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where one can experience classic African wildlife safaris, enjoy boat cruises, and take in the expansive views of the Rift Valley plains. The expedition culminates with a 7-day trek through the Rwenzori Mountains.

The expedition culminates with a 7-day Rwenzori Mountains trekking via Kilembe Trail, a route renowned for its diverse vegetation zones, striking glaciers, expansive valleys, and the exhilarating ascent to Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley. This combination results in an itinerary that showcases the remarkable diversity of East Africa, incorporating rainforest exploration, alpine trekking, wildlife observation, and rich cultural landscapes.

Prepare for distinctive encounters with rare primates, a diverse array of bird species, magnificent volcanic landscapes, tranquil glacial lakes, verdant Afro-montane forests, and some of the most stunning high-altitude views in Africa. This itinerary is designed for individuals looking to immerse themselves in the diverse culture of Uganda, delving deeper than the typical attractions to reveal its authentic character.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is frequently considered one of the most transformative wildlife experiences available. Bwindi, a rainforest with a history spanning 25,000 years, serves as a sanctuary for more than 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and over half of the global population of mountain gorillas.

At the park headquarters, visitors receive a briefing on the specific gorilla family they will observe, along with information on trekking restrictions and appropriate conduct around gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park usually  begins at the crack of dawn. A team of trackers will be positioned in the impenetrable forest to monitor gorillas and assist your group in locating them.

Safari Highlights: 12-Day Uganda Gorilla & Rwenzori Trekking

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park: afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Day 4: Morning game drive – Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 5: Kilembe (1,450m) to Kalalama Camp (3,147m)

Day 6: Trek From Kalalama Camp (3,147 m) to Mutinda Camp (3,688 m)

Day 7: Trek from Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp (4,062 m)

Day 8: Trek from Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 m)

Day 9: Trek from Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp (4,485 m.)

Day 10: Ascend to Margherita Peak (5109M) to Hunswick Camp

Day 11: Head back to the Ranger post

Day 12: Departure for Kampala

A Detailed 12-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Rwenzori Trekking &  Wildlife Safari 

Day 1.  Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Your safari guide will collect you and transport you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. Following lunch in Mbarara town, you will proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Dinner and overnight stay at Agandi Lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing. The briefing provides an opportunity to gain insights into the appropriate and inappropriate behaviors regarding the gorillas.  Following the briefing, you will join a group and proceed to the forest.

During your gorilla trekking, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of monkeys and numerous bird species in the jungle. Upon encountering these mountain gorillas, you will have a limited timeframe of one hour to engage with them. This hour encompasses the opportunity to capture photographs as you observe these remarkable apes.

 

You will return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxing evening. Evening meal and accommodation at Agandi Lodge.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park; afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Following breakfast, you will be prepared for the transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This national park ranks as the second largest and is recognized as a prominent location known for its rich biodiversity. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the park, have lunch at your lodge, and prepare for your boat cruise.

The boat cruise offers an opportunity to observe various wildlife, including hippos and a range of bird species.

Accommodation at Buffalo Safari Lodge for one night.

Day 4: Morning game drive and transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Begin your day with a substantial breakfast, followed by a game drive in the park, and then proceed to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Please arrive in the afternoon at the Kilembe headquarters to complete your registration at the Rwenzori Trekking Services offices.  Proceed to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

 

Day 5: Kilembe (1,450 m) to Kalalama Camp (3,147 m)

The trail extends from the ranger’s post to the entrance of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, marking the beginning of the 7-day Rwenzori Kilembe trail trek. The path proceeds into the forested area.

Anticipate observing various primate species, including colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, as well as avian species such as the Rwenzori turaco, among others. You will proceed to Sine camp, where a lunch stop will be made. Next, you will continue to Kalalama camp (3,147 m), where dinner will be served, followed by a briefing the next day and an overnight stay for rest.

Day 6: Trek from Kalalama Camp (3,147 m) to Mutinda Camp (3,688 m)

Following a restful night, convene for tea and prepare to embark on your hike to Mutinda camp (3,147 m) from Kalalama hut. Depart at 9:00 AM for your trek through the bamboo-mimulopsis zone, which features a steep ascent with numerous high steps. A break will be taken before continuing through the heather zone, where you will encounter numerous streams, including waterfalls, all adorned with the characteristic green moss vegetation. The giant heather trees will be more visible, even in a misty atmosphere.

Arrive in the early afternoon at Mutinda Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,688 meters. This camp is named in honor of the Mutinda Peaks. If you possess sufficient physical stamina, you may continue your ascent to Mutinda Lookout at an elevation of 3,925 m, which requires approximately a 90-minute walk followed by a 60-minute descent back to the camp.

Mutinda Lookout is distinguished by its moss-covered rocks and offers breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese town, and Lake George, making it a worthwhile destination. Return to the camp in the evening for dinner, followed by the briefing for the next day, and then rest overnight.

 

Day 7: Trek from Mutinda Camp to Bugata Camp, which is located at an elevation of 4,062 meters.

Following breakfast, your trek will commence at 9:00 AM, proceeding directly through the boggy terrain marked by typical wet vegetation and tussocks. You will arrive at the Alpine vegetation zone, where you will encounter giant lobelias (Lobelia gibberoa), groundsel (Senecio adnivalis), and everlasting flowers as you traverse the Mutinda valley.

Proceed to ascend sharply towards Namusangi Valley (3,840 m), where you will be rewarded with the finest view of the Mutinda Peaks. Your journey will take you through various bogs, following the Namusangi Valley to Bugata Camp at an elevation of 4,062 m, which marks the day’s destination.

At this point, you will appreciate the stunning views of Weismann’s peak on Mount Luigi of Savoia, usually covered in snow. The vegetation in these surroundings is characterized by tussock grass, everlasting flowers, giant groundsel, and giant lobelia.

The Rwenzori Kilembe trek leads you through Lake Kitandara, extending towards the Democratic Republic of Congo. Experience stunning views near Plozza Rock, overlooking the nine lakes in the valley of Lake Nusuranja.

Bugata Camp offers outstanding facilities, including solar lighting, eco-friendly toilets, and well-maintained bathrooms. You will have dinner and stay overnight. You will receive a briefing regarding the following day and subsequently return to your cabins for the night.

 

Day 8: Transition from Bugata Camp to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 m)

Get up early for breakfast and start your journey to the Kilembe Rwenzori Hike, which is closely the  highest point of your seven-day trek. The hike will take you up the Bamwanjara Pass, characterized by a steady ascent and several extended, flat bog areas. As you continue on your journey, anticipate witnessing the glacial lakes nestled deep within the valley, along with remarkable views of the prominent snowcapped peaks upon arriving at the Bamwanjara pass at 4450 m. Here, you will find a small shelter where you can take a brief respite and enjoy refreshments while appreciating the stunning scenery.

The walk proceeds downward to both lower and upper Kachope Lake, characterized by steep and muddy conditions at all times, yet providing impressive views of Kachope Lakes and McConnell’s Prong. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Hunwick’s Camp, situated on a ridge offering a breathtaking view of snow-capped Mount Baker. You will enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the camp.

 

Day 9: Trek from Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp (4,485 m.)

On this day, you will embark on a trek along the ridge, navigating through various wet areas and small rivers that flow down from Mt. Baker and Fresh Fields Pass. Following breakfast, you will commence your trek up the Scott Elliot Pass to the drift of the Stanley Range, arriving at Margherita Camp at an elevation of 4,485 meters, situated just below the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services hut, known as Elena Hut.

Margherita Camp is encircled by a series of towering rocks and is historically recognized as the site first utilized by the Italian Prince Luigi Amadeo di Savoia, Duke of the Abruzzi. Experience stunning vistas of Mt. Baker, Scott Elliot Pass, and the glaciers of Mount Stanley.

The trek to Margherita Peak presents significant challenges, potentially leading to an arrival in the early evening. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to wait for dinner, followed by a briefing and an overnight stay. During the briefing, you will receive training on the proper use of ropes, harnesses, crampons, hiking shoes, and ice axes for breaking axes.

Day 10: Ascend to the Summit and return to Hunswick Camp

You will rise at 2:00 am for breakfast and gather to commence the trek.  Depart at 3:00 am after breakfast to ensure arrival at the peak before sunrise and to navigate trails that become difficult to traverse once the glacier melts.

To ascend Margherita Peak (5,109 m), one must possess the strength to traverse glaciers and skillfully navigate a bolted and roped section of rock. Upon reaching Margherita Peak, you will appreciate the stunning views of the surroundings before descending back to Hunwick’s Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11: Return to the Ranger post

Begin your day with the delightful calls of the Ruwenzori Turaco, enjoy a nourishing breakfast, and set off on your trek to the Rangers Post.

You will traverse the valleys, which host a variety of bird species that navigate in and out of the verdant forest and vegetation. Additional attractions you may observe include the colobus monkeys and the three-horned chameleon. You may also observe glimps, duikers, giant lobelias, and a variety of plant species.As you near the rangers’ post, you will ascend a climb of 200 meters to a ridge that provides a view of the valley. Following this, you will traverse several small valleys and streams on your way to Kyalavula. Ascend at your own pace to the base camp to collect your certificate for reaching Margherita Peak. Please make your way to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

 

Day 12: Departure for Kampala

On this day, you will depart for Kampala, with scheduled stopovers in Mbarara for lunch and at the equator for photography opportunities. You will arrive in Kampala in the afternoon at your designated drop-off location, concluding the trip.

What’s Included in the Hiking Fees

Professional mountain guides

Porters

All meals on the mountain

Accommodation in wooden mountain huts

Technical summit equipment (Ropes, ice axes, helmets, harnesses)

Free use of rubber boots

Not Included in the Package Fees:

Tips & gratuities

Personal expenses

Medivac and Evacuation insurance

Accommodation before/after the trek.

Transfers to/from the trailhead (can be arranged upon request)