15-Day Rwenzori Mountain, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi National Park Safari

15-Day Rwenzori Mountain, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi National Park Safari

Embark on an exhilarating 15-day safari adventure that combines hiking the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains, exploring the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and trekking gorillas in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and wildlife, designed for hikers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Start your journey with a scenic hike in the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, culminating at the famous Margherita Peak, the third-highest point in Africa. After conquering the mountains, you’ll venture into Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will track chimpanzees in the stunning Kyambura Gorge and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Finally, the safari wraps up with a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the Rwenzori Mountains: Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this rugged, snow-capped range offers one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Africa.
  • Reach Margherita Peak: Hike to the summit of Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters, experiencing stunning panoramic views.
  • Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Enjoy game drives and a boat cruise to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
  • Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge: Track chimpanzees in the dramatic landscapes of Kyambura Gorge.
  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an unforgettable wildlife experience.
  • Optional Community Walk: Interact with local communities and learn about the Batwa culture in Bwindi.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Your Hotel

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or take a brief tour of Entebbe’s attractions, such as the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Entebbe/Kampala
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Drive to Kasese for Overnight Stay

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kasese, a town nestled at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. The drive will take approximately 6-7 hours, passing through lush countryside, small villages, and the beautiful tea plantations of the western region. Upon arrival in Kasese, check in to your hotel and spend the evening preparing for your hike.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Kasese
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Drive to Rwenzori National Park Headquarters – Begin Hike

Today marks the beginning of your thrilling Rwenzori Mountain hiking adventure. After an early breakfast, drive to the Rwenzori National Park headquarters at Nyakalengija. You will meet your hiking team, including guides and porters, and go through a briefing on what to expect during the hike. From here, start your trek towards the first camp, trekking through the dense montane forest filled with rich flora and fauna.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 4: Hike from Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut (3,505m)

Today’s hike takes you through the bamboo and heather zones of the mountain, with the terrain becoming steeper and more rugged. Keep an eye out for the Rwenzori Turaco, a vibrant bird species endemic to the area. You’ll cross several rivers and reach John Matte Hut for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Hike to Bujuku Hut (3,962m)

After breakfast, continue ascending through the heather zone, where you will encounter giant lobelias and groundsels, some of the unique plants found in the Rwenzoris. Cross the Bigo Bog, using wooden planks to avoid getting stuck in the marsh, and arrive at Bujuku Hut. The hut is located near the stunning Lake Bujuku, surrounded by towering peaks.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Day 6: Hike to Elena Hut (4,541m)

Today’s trek will take you above the tree line as you approach the glacier zone of the mountain. The air will become thinner, and the temperatures colder as you climb towards Elena Hut. This hut is positioned just below the Stanley Glacier, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 7: Climb Margherita Peak (5,109m) – Descend to Kitandara Hut

Today is the highlight of your Rwenzori trek as you attempt to summit Margherita Peak, Africa’s third-highest point. Starting before dawn, you will trek across the Stanley Glacier and scramble up the rock faces to reach the peak. At the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire mountain range. Afterward, descend to Kitandara Hut for the night.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours

Day 8: Descend to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261m)

Begin your descent towards the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. The trek will take you through diverse ecosystems, from glaciers and alpine meadows to montane forests. The descent is steep, but the scenery is truly remarkable, offering spectacular views of the valleys below.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 9: Descend to Nyakalengija – Drive to Kasese

On your final day of trekking, descend back to the Rwenzori National Park headquarters at Nyakalengija, where you will receive a certificate of completion. Afterward, you will drive back to Kasese for an overnight stay at your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible hiking experience.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Kasese
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today, you will leave the Rwenzori Mountains behind and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy a leisurely afternoon, preparing for the next day’s activities.

Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge – Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Wake up early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes.” After a briefing from your guide, descend into the gorge to track a habituated group of chimpanzees in their natural environment. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which teems with wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. After the game drive, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check in to your lodge upon arrival and relax.

Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in Bwindi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking – Optional Community Walk

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set out on a trek through the dense forest to find a gorilla family. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend an hour observing and photographing these magnificent creatures. In the afternoon, you can opt for a community walk to visit the Batwa people, the indigenous inhabitants of the forest.

Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in Bwindi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Drive Back to Entebbe via Mbarara

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Entebbe, stopping for lunch in Mbarara. Along the way, you will cross the equator and have the opportunity to stop for photos and souvenirs. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will check in to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 15-day adventure in Uganda.

Meals: Breakfast.

This 15-day safari through the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers the ultimate combination of adventure and wildlife exploration. From conquering the towering Margherita Peak to encountering chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, this safari will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

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