12 Days Gorillas, Rwenzori Trekking, and Wildlife Itinerary Guide

Explore the Best of Uganda’s Wildlife and Landscapes

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Uganda, exploring the majestic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and vibrant cultures of this captivating country. Our expertly crafted 12-day itinerary combines the thrill of gorilla trekking, the challenge of Rwenzori Mountain hiking, and the excitement of wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Safari Highlights : Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwenzori hiking tour

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Rwenzori mountain hiking, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
• Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards
• Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife
• Exploration of Kigali city, including its bustling marketplaces and local cuisine

Detailed Itinerary : Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwenzori hiking tour

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where you will be warmly welcomed by our experienced guide. As you depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours, providing ample opportunity to absorb the natural beauty of the region.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you will assemble at the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking. Led by experienced guides, you will embark on a thrilling hike through the dense forest, tracking the majestic mountain gorillas. This unforgettable experience offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these incredible creatures, and you will be left in awe of their majesty and intelligence.

Day 3: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains | Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwenzori hiking tour

Following a leisurely breakfast, you will depart for the Rwenzori Mountains, located in western Uganda. The scenic drive takes you through the picturesque countryside, offering stunning views of the rolling hills, mountains, and valleys. As you ascend to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you will be struck by the sheer scale and beauty of this majestic range.

 

Day 4: Nyakalengeji (1645m) to Nyabitaba (2652m)

Your hiking adventure begins in earnest today, as you ascend from Nyakalengeji to Nyabitaba. The hike takes you through the lush forests of the Rwenzori Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As you climb higher, the vegetation changes, and you will encounter a variety of unique plant species, including giant heather and lobelia.

Day 5: Nyabitaba (2652m) to Johnmatte (3414m)

Today’s hike takes you from Nyabitaba to Johnmatte, passing through the bamboo zone and into the heather zone. The hike is challenging, but the scenery is breathtaking, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you ascend higher, the air grows cooler, and the vegetation becomes sparser, revealing the rugged beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 6: Johnmatte (3414m) to Bujjuku Hut (3962m)

Your hike today takes you from Johnmatte to Bujjuku Hut, passing through the upper bigo bog and into the alpine zone. The scenery is stunning, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. As you ascend higher, the air grows colder, and the vegetation becomes sparser, revealing the rugged beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 7: Bujjuku (3962m) to Ellena (4541m)

Today’s hike takes you from Bujjuku to Ellena, passing through the rocky areas and into the alpine zone. The scenery is breathtaking, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. As you ascend higher, the air grows colder, and the vegetation becomes sparser, revealing the rugged beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 8: Ellena to Magherita (5109m) and Descend to Kitandara Camp (4034m)

Your hike today takes you to the summit of Margherita, the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains. The scenery is breathtaking, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. After reaching the summit, you will descend to Kitandara Camp, where you will spend the night.

Day 9: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut (3505m)

Your hike today takes you from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut, passing through the rocky slopes and into the alpine zone. The scenery is stunning, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you descend lower, the vegetation becomes lusher, and the air grows warmer, revealing the natural beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 10: Guyeoman (3505m) via Nyabitaba to Nyakalengeji (1645m)

The final day of your Rwenzori hike has arrived, and you’ll begin with an early breakfast before embarking on your journey to Nyakalengeji. Your descent will take you past the stunning Kichuchu cliffs and through the lush forest, where you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the towering bamboo trees. A picnic lunch will be served at Nyabitaba camp, providing a welcome break before continuing your descent to Nyakalengeji. As you make your way through the dense forest, you’ll be met by your guide, who will transfer you to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11: Game Drive and Boat Cruise | Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwenzori hiking tour

Today’s adventure begins with a very early morning game drive, designed to coincide with the sunrise over Queen Elizabeth National Park. With a packed breakfast in hand, you’ll set out to explore the park’s scenic landscapes and spot some of its most famous residents, including lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards. This is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals begin their day in the savannah grasslands. Be sure to keep an eye out for the park’s renowned tree-climbing lions, a truly unique sight. Following the game drive, you’ll enjoy breakfast in the jungle before returning to your accommodation. In the afternoon, prepare for an exhilarating boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward. As you navigate the channel, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a diverse range of wildlife, including baboons, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali Airport

Your final day has arrived, and after a leisurely breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your guide will transfer you back to Kigali International Airport, a journey of approximately 6-8 hours, with a stopover in Kabale for a hot lunch. If time permits, you may have the opportunity to explore Kigali city, visiting its bustling marketplaces and sampling local cuisine. As your 12 Days Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwenzori hiking tour Itinerary comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve created during this incredible adventure. Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwenzori hiking tour

 

Included

Airport transfers

Accommodation as specified in the itinerary

Meals as specified in the itinerary

Gorilla trekking permits

Rwenzori mountain hiking permits

Queen Elizabeth National Park entrance fees

Game drive and boat cruise

Services of an experienced guide

 

Excluded

International flights

Travel insurance

Visas and passport fees

Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and tips

Any activities not specified in the itinerary