11 Days Rwenzori & Gorilla Trekking Safari

Duration

11 days

Max People

20

Min Age

16+

Pickup

Motobike

Overview

The 11 Days Rwenzori & Gorilla Trekking Safari is an exceptional adventure that combines high-altitude mountain trekking with Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and primate experiences. Designed for travelers seeking both physical challenge and close encounters with nature, this journey explores the legendary Rwenzori Mountains (the “Mountains of the Moon”), the wildlife-rich savannahs of western Uganda, and the ancient rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The safari begins with a scenic drive from Kampala to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, followed by a multi-day trek along the Central Circuit Trail. Over several days, hikers pass through changing ecological zones ranging from tropical montane forest and bamboo to surreal afro-alpine landscapes marked by giant lobelias, groundsels, glacial valleys, and high mountain passes. The trek is paced for acclimatization and offers spectacular views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Mount Speke, and alpine lakes such as Bujuku and Kitandara, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding mountain experiences.

After completing the Rwenzori trek, the itinerary transitions into classic safari terrain at Queen Elizabeth National Park, where travelers enjoy game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This section of the journey provides opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, offering a perfect contrast to the mountain environment.

The adventure culminates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Guided gorilla trekking through the dense rainforest provides an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. The safari concludes with a scenic drive back to Kampala, including a stop at the Equator.

Overall, the 11 Days Rwenzori & Gorilla Trekking Safari offers a rare and comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s natural diversity, blending mountain trekking, savannah wildlife safaris, and primate encounters into one unforgettable journey ideal for adventurous and nature-loving travelers.

Tour Highlights

  • Be enveloped in the beauty of towering trees, remote beaches, and mountains of the Canadian wilderness
  • Have close encounters with BC’s coastal wildlife; sea lions, seals, pacific white sided dolphins, otters, birds and some of the largest starfish in the world
  • Be on the lookout for Humpback whales that have made a strong resurgence in the Discovery Islands
  • Coastal cuisine designed by a local gourmet chef
  • Quality expedition tents & warm sleeping bags all included in the price of the trip

Included/Excluded

  • Airport Transfers
  • English speaking guide
  • Park entry fees
  • Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits
  • Accommodation in Full Board during safari
  • All activities stipulated in the itinerary
  • Hiking fees
  • Visa
  • Flights

Tour Plan

Day 01 Kampala to the Foothills of Rwenzori Mountains National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Kampala for western Uganda on a scenic drive toward the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The journey passes through Mubende, Fort Portal, and Kasese, offering beautiful views of tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural countryside. You will stop in Fort Portal for lunch before continuing to the foothills of the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Arrival is in the late afternoon at Ruboni Community Camp, located at the edge of the park. Dinner and overnight are enjoyed at the camp on a full-board basis, allowing time to relax and prepare for the mountain trek.

Day 02 Nyakalengija (1,615 m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m)

After breakfast, transfer to Nyakalengija, the official starting point of the Rwenzori trek. Following registration and a detailed briefing by guides and porters, the climb along the Central Circuit Trail begins. The trail starts through cultivated farmland before entering the park boundary, where it follows the Mubuku River and crosses the Muhoma tributary. A long and steep ascent leads through forested slopes to a prominent ridge. After approximately five hours of hiking, you reach Nyabitaba Hut at 2,651 meters, your first overnight stop on the mountain. Dinner and overnight are at Nyabitaba Hut.

Day 03 Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut (3,505 m)

Today’s trek takes about seven hours and introduces more demanding terrain. The trail descends from Nyabitaba Hut into the Bujuku River valley, crossing the Kurt Shafer Bridge before continuing through heath and moss-covered forest. You pass Nyamileju Hut, where you stop for lunch, before beginning a steeper and rockier ascent through dense woodland. The vegetation becomes more dramatic as altitude increases. The day ends with arrival at John Matte Hut, situated near the river in an alpine environment. Dinner and overnight are at John Matte Hut.

Day 04 John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut (3,962 m)

This day presents a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, often made demanding by muddy conditions. The trail climbs steadily from John Matte Hut through the famous Bigo Bog, aided by wooden boardwalks winding through giant lobelias and groundsels. As you ascend, breathtaking views open up toward Mount Speke, Mount Baker, and Mount Stanley. After 4–5 hours of trekking, you arrive at Bujuku Hut, located near Lake Bujuku at the base of Mount Speke. At this point, trekkers may decide whether to continue with the Central Circuit or prepare for a summit attempt via Elena Hut. Dinner and overnight are at Bujuku Hut.

Day 05 Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut (4,023 m)

The trek begins with a steep ascent from Bujuku Valley toward Scott Elliot Pass (4,372 m), the highest point on the Central Circuit Trail. The climb involves negotiating rocky slopes and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Bujuku Valley below, with Mount Stanley and Mount Baker towering above. After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the scenic Kitandara Valley. The day ends at Kitandara Hut, located beside the lower Lake Kitandara, a stunning setting surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Dinner and overnight are at Kitandara Hut.

Day 06 Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,505 m)

Today’s hike is another demanding but scenic stage of the trek. The trail ascends from Kitandara Hut toward Freshfield Pass (4,282 m), passing impressive waterfalls and Kabumba Cave along the way. The route involves steep climbs and scrambling sections that add to the adventure of hiking Uganda’s highest mountain range. After approximately five hours, you descend toward Guy Yeoman Hut, which sits near the Mubuku River and offers striking views of Mount Baker to the north. Dinner and overnight are at Guy Yeoman Hut.

Day 07 Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyakalengija, Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, begin the descent from Guy Yeoman Hut back toward Nyabitaba Hut, a trek of approximately four hours. The trail runs down the slopes of the Kichuchu Valley, crossing the Mubuku River twice before descending through forested terrain. Upon completing the Central Circuit at Nyakalengija, you enjoy lunch before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrival is in the evening, followed by dinner and overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 08 Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Drive to Bwindi

Rise early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, antelopes, and warthogs as predators retreat from their ночurnal hunts. After returning for lunch, embark on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. The cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife. After the cruise, drive onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for dinner and overnight at your lodge on a full-board basis.

Day 09 Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Following breakfast, drive to Kyambura Gorge for a guided chimpanzee tracking experience. You will spend up to one hour observing chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat. After the trek, continue the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Lunch is taken en route. Arrival in Bwindi is later in the day, with dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 10 Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out to track mountain gorillas. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you hike through dense rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Once found, you spend up to one hour observing these remarkable primates as they feed, groom, and interact. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, sheltering nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight are at your lodge in Bwindi.

Day 11 Transfer Back to Kampala

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for the drive back to Kampala. En route, stop in Mbarara for lunch and later pause at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. Arrival in Kampala is in the evening, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure combining mountain trekking, wildlife safaris, and primate encounters. Dinner and overnight are at your preferred hotel.

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