Combining a trek in the Rwenzori Mountains with chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, and a wildlife tour in Uganda offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s diverse natural wonders. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 14-day adventure.
Entebbe Airport
Nyakalengija-RMS Offices, Kasese
Expect the trek to be physically demanding but equally rewarding, with each step unveiling the raw beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains. Throughout this immersive journey, expect to traverse a variety of terrains, from dense rainforests alive with the sounds of exotic birds to rugged alpine fields beautified with colorful wildflowers.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala
Day 2-3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 4-5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6-11: Rwenzori Mountains Trek via Central Circuit
Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Day 14: Return to Entebbe/Kampala
Arrive in Uganda and transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala. Spend the day resting and preparing for your upcoming adventure. Dinner and overnight at 2 friends hotel.
Travel to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its population of chimpanzees and other primates. This will take quite some good hours over 7 to 8. Enjoy your enroute lunch in Mbarara. Arrive in the evening. Enjoy your dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest lodge
Enjoy your breakfast and get to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and regulations of trekking chimpanzees. You will then be divided into groups of 8 who will then enter into the jungle and start the trekking. Once you come across these primates, you will be given a maximum time of over 1 hour with them as you are having fun and taking photos. Return to the lodge for lunch and then in the afternoon you can choose to go for bigodi community walk or rest. Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee forest lodge.
Enjoy your breakfast and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and an abundance of bird species. Spend two days on game drives, boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel, and exploring the park’s various ecosystems. Dinner and overnight at Buffalo safari lodge
Embark on a 6-day trek via the Central Circuit route in the Rwenzori Mountains, as outlined and detailed below.
Enjoy your breakfast and start your journey from Kasese to Nyakalengija, the trailhead for the Central Circuit trek. Register with the park authorities, meet your guide and porters, and begin the trek through montane forest, crossing the Mahoma River, to reach Nyabitaba Camp. Overnight at Nyabitaba Camp.
Enjoy your breakfast and depart Nyabitaba Camp to trek through the forest zone, encountering various bird species and primates along the way. Ascend steeply through bamboo and heather zones, with stunning views of the Rwenzori peaks. Reach John Matte Camp, situated in a beautiful valley. Overnight at John Matte Camp.
Trek through the giant lobelias and heather as you ascend further into the Rwenzoris. Pass by Lake Bujuku, surrounded by dramatic scenery. Arrive at Bujuku Hut, located near the shores of Lake Bujuku. Overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Ascend steeply to Scott Elliott Pass, offering panoramic views of Mount Stanley and Mount Baker.
Optionally, make a side trip to Mutinda Camp for acclimatization and to explore the area. Continue to Elena Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt of Mount Stanley. Overnight at Elena Hut.
Begin the early morning summit attempt of Margherita Peak, the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains. Ascend the steep slopes, navigating glaciers and rocky ridges.
Reach the summit of Margherita Peak (weather permitting), and enjoy breath taking views of the surrounding landscape. Descend back to Elena Hut and continue down to Kitandara Hut for the night.
Descend through the bamboo zone and montane forest to reach Nyabitaba Camp. From Nyabitaba Camp, continue the descent to Nyakalengija, where the trek began. Meet your transport and transfer back to Kasese where you will spend a night preparing for your next transfer
Enjoy your breakfast and Travel from Kasese to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey can take quite long. So, plan accordingly. Enjoy your enroute lunch and finally arrive in the evening. Check in. Dinner and overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Harvens lodge.
Enjoy your breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and regulations of trekking gorillas. You will then be divided into groups of 8 who will enter into the jungle ans start the trekking. Once you come across these primates, you will be given a maximum time of over 1 hour with them as you are having fun and taking photos. Drive back to the lodge for lunch and then you can prepare for an evening community walk where you will interact with the local people and get to know there ways of leaving. Drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at Rushaga gorilla harvens lodge.
Enjoy your breakfast and pack up your luggage to travel back to Entebbe/Kampala for your departure flight or onward journey.
This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of Uganda’s natural wonders, including encounters with chimpanzees, gorillas, and diverse wildlife, as well as trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. Be sure to book your trekking permits and accommodations well in advance, as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, hiring experienced guides and porters for the trek in the Rwenzoris and gorilla trekking is highly recommended for safety and support along the way.
