31 Days Mt. Rwenzori, Gorillas and Wildlife Safari

Enjoy the 31 Days Mt. Rwenzori, Gorillas and Wildlife Safari which begins at Entebbe International Airport and takes you on hiking safari along Mountain Rwenzori, Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Forest National Park, Golden Monkey Tracking at Mgahinga gorilla National Park, Chimpanzee Tracking at Kibale forest National Park and Wildlife Safari at Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda.

Detailed Itinerary of the 31 Days Mt. Rwenzori, Gorillas and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Arrival at the Entebbe International Airport where you are welcomed and taken through a meet and greet session by the driver guide. He shall then transfer you to explore the Mabamba Wetland Swamp. Transfer for 1 to 2 hour and when you reach her get on a canoe ride to the swamp in company of guides. On reaching here, yo shall view various species of birds as well as the overly sought-after Shoebill stork. Take many photos to keep then later proceed back to check-in lodge or hotel for Dinner and Overnight. Protea Hotel Entebbe.

Day 2: Transfer to the Nyakalengijja Base Camp

Breakfast in the morning then transfer to Mountain Rwenzori National Park. Transfer for a period of 7 to 8 hours with lunch en-route. After a while, you shall reach the park and register to hike the next day and later proceed to check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Equator Snow Geo Lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to the basecamp, briefing and hike to Sine Camp 2,596metres

Start at the base camp where you are briefed on conduct regarding your hike to the highest point (Margherita peak). You leave the base camp and proceed on hike through green vegetation till you reach the Sine Hut at 2,596 meters. If you feel fit enough, you shall continue to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 metres and along the hike have stunning views of numerous bird species, black and white colobus monkeys, various plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and with many moss and lichen covered vines hanging from the tall trees. You can alco visit Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut.

At Sine Camp 2,596 metres, there are wooden huts set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge where you may sit and enjoy the beauty of the Afro Montane forest while you look down at a fantastic waterfall crashing over the rocks far beneath. Some clients prefer to sit outside enjoying the warmth of the campfire and chat to the guides about the mountains and life in their community. Dinner and Overnight at Sine Camp 2

Day 4: Hike to Mutinda Camp 3,588 meters

Start trekking at 8.30 am following through the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone known to be very steep, muddy and slippery. You shall proceed through the forest for approximately 551 metres altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters which includes the Heather-Rapanea Zone. While here, rest and have a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp. The trail follows up and over many candid knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again. Continue on climb along the side of a beautiful mossy river that tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley with a range of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist.

In the afternoon, you may want to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout for two hours enjoy amazing views as you stand on moss covered rocks at 3,925 meters with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town as well as Lake George. Dinner and Overnight at Mutinda Camp.

Day 5: Hike to Bugata Camp 4,062 meters

Breakfast then embark on transfer to Bugata Camp along a trail that is boggy especially in the wet season. Trekking will require you to be good at hiking as you shall move from one tussock to tussock. Proceed on trek traversing from the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with various Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters) with sheer waterfalls. You shall have views of the Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,100 metres.

Day 6: Hike to Hunwicks Camp 3,974metres

Breakfast then embark on trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. As you leave Bugata Camp you pass up a ridge then drop down slightly before ascending to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters. From the pass on a clear day, you shall have stunning views of the three main peaks. Continue along the trail downwards the valley and around the edge of some bogs, ever green vegetation, moss, giant groundsel and lobelia. You shall watch the Malachite Sunbird as it feeds on many lobelia flowers. Continue following more steep sections steadily climbing up and over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp. Located on the top of a deep valley, enjoy good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.

Day 7: Summit Mt Baker 4,842m and sleep at Hunwicks Camp 3,974meters

Breakfast then embark on a 4.3 kilometer climb for about 4 to 6 hours up and 2 to 3 hours back down. You shall leave by 6.30 am to climb Mount Baker Peak 4,842 metres. Follow along steep rocks where you need a good head for heights as some sections like the crevice climbing down to the glacier. Although steep Mt Baker is considered non-technical except in the snow season (wet season) of April-May and September-October when it is very slippery on the ice-covered rocks, nevertheless safety ropes will be used at all times on steep sections. After climbing up you descend along a crack in the rock face to the glacier and a short 300 metre walk to the peak.

When the weather is good, you can view the main peaks of Magherita, Alexandria, Stanley’s plateau and the glaciers. You shall see the stunning snowcapped mountains. Sleep at Camp 4.

Day 8: Hike to Margherita Camp 4485 meters.

Breakfast then embark on trek to Margherita camp at 4485 meters passing down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara. The Lake is beautiful with deep water and beautiful vegetation, climbing through Scoot Elliot pass to Margherita camp.

Day 9: Summit Margherita peak 5,109 metres on Mt Stanley

Wake up at 1:30am and have early breakfast then prepare to hike Mt Stanley at 2.00am. Climb up to Stanley plateau where you cross the first glacier before descending to the base of Margherita glacier. The lower part of the glacier is steep and low level technical hence using ropes and belays. On reaching near to the top of the glacier you have some steep rocky climbs for about 60 metres to get up to the ridge heading to Margherita peak at 5109metres. Descending the glacier down past Irene lake to Bujuku valley crossing a long bog to the bottom of Mt Speke 4890 metres where you will precisely camp in a small rock shelter.

Day 10: Summit Vittorio Emmanuel at 4,890m on Mt Speke, Sleep at Hunwick’s Camp

Climb up to Mt Speke 4890 metres then return to cross the Bujuku valley and climb up to Scott Elliot pass and down to Hunwick’s Camp 3974metres.

Day 11: Summit Weismann’s peak 4,620m on Mt Luigi di Savoia and hike down to Kiharo Camp 3430 meters.

Leaving Hunwicks Camp, start the day by climbing up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong where you get the best views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass before reaching Oliver’s.

Pass at 4,505 metres. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Oliver’s Pass is 3km The trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River. You can opt to take on the summit of Weismann’s peak for those that will still be strong enough coming down and continue to Kiharo camp at 3430 meters. Overnight at Kiharo Camp, set in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation.

Day 12: Descend down to the basecamp

Distance Kiharo Camp to the park gate 12.2km and another 2.8km down to Trekkers Hostel Time to walk 5 to 8 hours so those who need to connect to flights back to Kampala or travel on to other activities need to leave Kiharo early.

The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This part of the trail took us six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough for tourists to use. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley. Debrief and awarding of certificates.

Day 13: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Wake up in the morning have breakfast then transfer to the prominent Kibale Forest National Park located a few kilometers off the busy town of Fort Portal. On your journey, view the green terrain vegetation, bird species as well as have lunch. After a while, you shall proceed on journey and after reaching here, proceed to the park headquarters to register for chimpanzee Tracking. After the registration, you shall go and check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Primates Lodge Kibale.

Day 14: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Early morning breakfast then transfer to the park headquarters for precise briefing on conduct around the Chimpanzees. You shall be welcomed by a park ranger guide who informs you about Kibale Forest National Park, Chimpanzee tracking adventure as well as the other safari activities travelers can do in the park. After briefing, he shall locate you into groups of 8 then assign lead park rangers who lead you into the green forest vegetation to trek the rare species of chimpanzees.

You shall leave the starting points and follow varying tracks in the park for a period of 2 to 4 hours. After a while, you shall meet the chimpanzees and stay in their presence taking many photos to keep in a period of 1 hour. Take photos of them foraging, communicating, leading, playing, patrolling, breast feeding then later proceed back to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Primates Lodge Kibale.

Day 15: Bigodi Walk and Crater lakes Exploration

Wake up early have breakfast then embark on transfer to explore the Bigodi Wetland Swamp. You transfer for 1 to 2 hours and when you get here, enjoy guided nature bird watching walks as you traverse from one point to the next watching bird species like Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Oliveback, White-winged Warbler, Hornbills, Turacos, Parrots, Cranes, Kingfishers, Red-headed bluebill · Snowy-crowned robin-chat · Yellow-billed barbet etc. After the walk, you shall break off for lunch then transfer to visit the crater lakes in Fort Portal. Watch the lush green terrain, bird species, then later after the exploration, return to lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Primates Lodge Kibale.

Day 16: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Breakfast in the morning then transfer to the stunning Queen Elizabeth National Park located a few kilometers off requiring you to transfer for a period of 4 hours watching the green terrain, bird species, Rwenzori Mountain at a distance and lunch. After a while, you shall reach the Park and continue to check-in lodge for relaxation, Dinner and Overnight. Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 17: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Delicious breakfast in the morning then transfer to the Park for a Game Drive. You shall traverse from one point to another watching many wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat. The wildlife animals you watch include; jackson’s hartebeest, bush bucks, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes etc.

After the Game Drive, break off for lunch then later get to the banks of Kazinga Channel where you meet guides who take you through briefing on conduct while on the cruise. Later you shall jump onto the boat for cruise which takes you 3 hours. Watch various wildlife animals along the shores, schools of hippo and crocodiles beneath the waters. After the cruise, return back to lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 18: Game Drive in Ishasha (Tree Climbing Lions)

Wake up early have breakfast then drive to the Ishasha Sector. You shall reach here and embark on Game Drive around the sector watching wildlife animals wander around their natural habitat as well as the Tree Climbing Lions which are fond of seating within the fig tree branches. Take many photos to keep with you about the experience then later in the late evening, transfer to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 19: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Very early morning breakfast then transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park. You transfer via the Ishasha Sector and when you are lucky, you will view the tree climbing lions. The journey takes you a period of 4 to 6 hours viewing the green terrain, bird species as well as lunch. After a while, you shall reach the park and check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Buhoma Lodge.

Day 20: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park

Wake up have breakfast then transfer to the Park headquarters for short briefing on conduct around the Gorillas. On reaching here, get welcomed by a park ranger guide who offers you information regarding the Impenetrable Forest, vegetation, Gorilla Trekking and other activities you can do in the park. After a while, he shall relocate you into groups of 8 with lead ranger guides who transfer you into the thick forest to trek the Gorillas. Follow varying trails for a period of 3 to 5 hours then later meet the Gorillas and stay in their presence taking many photos for a period of 1 hour. After a while, you shall transfer back to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Buhoma Lodge.

Day 21: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Morning breakfast then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. The journey takes you a period of 3 to 4 hours watching the green terrain, bird species until you get to the Lake. On reaching the Lake, embark on canoe ride or Boat Cruise along the lake viewing Islands at a distance, green forest terrain then after a while, you shall check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Bunyonyi Overland Resort.

Day 22: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Early morning breakfast then transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You transfer for a period of 2 to 3 hours via Kisoro watching the green terrain, bird species then later you shall get to the park and go to check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Ikoro Lodge.

Day 23: Golden Monkey Tracking at Mgahinga

Wake up have breakfast then transfer to the Park headquarters for short briefing on conduct around the Golden Monkeys. On reaching here, get welcomed by a park ranger guide who offers you information regarding the Impenetrable Forest, vegetation, Golden Monkey Trekking and other activities you can do in the park. After a while, he shall relocate you into groups of 8 with lead ranger guides who transfer you into the thick forest to trek the Golden Monkeys. Follow varying trails for a period of 2 to 4 hours then later, you shall meet the Golden Monkeys and stay in their presence taking many photos for a period of 1 hour. After a while, you shall transfer back to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Ikoro Lodge.

Day 24: Guided Batwa Cultural Walk

Breakfast in the morning then transfer on guided community walk visiting the local Batwa communities. You shall transfer from one point to another visiting their communities and engaging in various activities which make the whole adventure so worthwhile and unforgettable. Join the various dancing groups, storytelling adventures then later proceed back to lodge for relaxation, Dinner and Overnight. Ikoro Lodge.

Day 25:  Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Breakfast in the morning then transfer to the green Lake Mburo National Park on a journey of 8 hours via Mbarara. You shall view the green terrain, bird species as well as have lunch. After a while, you shall reach the Park and embark on an afternoon en-route game drive as you proceed to check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Mburo Safari Lodge.

Day 26: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Lake Mburo

Breakfast in the morning then transfer to the Park for a Game Drive. You shall traverse from one point to another watching many wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat. The wildlife animals you watch include; jackson’s hartebeest, bush bucks, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, hyenas, Buffaloes etc. Afterwards, you shall break off for lunch then after continue on an afternoon Boat Cruise along Lake Mburo. The Cruise takes a period of 3 hours watching wildlife animals along the shores, crocodiles and hippos beneath the waters. After the cruise, proceed to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Mburo Safari Lodge.

Day 27: Transfer to Jinja

Breakfast in the morning then embark on transfer to Jinja Town located in the Eastern Part of Uganda. You shall transfer on a journey of 4 to 5 hours watching the green terrain, bird species as well as have lunch. You shall visit Mabira Forest shortly where you enjoy zip lining or guided forest walk. After your adventure, proceed on journey to Jinja and when you reach, check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Haven Lodge Jinja.

Day 28: White Water Rafting along River Nile

Enjoy breakfast in the morning then proceed to enjoy your white-water rafting adventure along the prominent River Nile. The driver shall transfer you along the banks where you go through briefing on conduct and later, you shall be located to groups with lead guides.

Afterwards, you shall get onto your boat according to the Grade you chose and raft the vigorous rapids of the Nile for a period of 2 to 5 hours. After the rafting adventures, you shall proceed back to the banks where you have some refreshments and proceed to check-in lodge/ hotel for relaxation, Dinner and Overnight. Haven Lodge Jinja.

Day 29: Bungee Jumping along River Nile then Kampala

Morning breakfast then transfer to enjoy Bungee Jumping to touch River Nile. You shall reach here and sign a waiver form then later embark on the adventure. This is more like an agreement signed by the travelers so that in case they get issues, no one would be liable. After signing this, you shall get to the top and where you are equipped with the right gear to enable you bungee jump. You then shall be released out in the air to drop down and touch the water of the River Nile. You do this for a period of 2 to 3 hours and when you are done, you shall get back to the banks for refreshments then later proceed on journey to Kampala. On reaching Kampala, get to check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight. Cassia lodge Buziga.

Day 30: Transfer on City Tour around Kampala

Breakfast in the morning then transfer to Kampala to enjoy a city tour as you visit the various safari attractions around Kampala. The attractions you visit include; King’s Palace Bulange, Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Uganda Martyr’s shrine, Bahai Temple, Namirembe Cathedrals, etc. After the City Tour, you shall transfer to your lodge/ hotel for Dinner and Overnight. Cassia lodge Buziga.

Day 31: Departure to Entebbe Airport

Breakfast then with your luggage embark on departure to the Entebbe International Airport to board flight back home.