This 10 days Mountain Rwenzori and Uganda gorilla safari gives you an outstanding wildlife and Hiking adventure that most world travelers look for. Hiking to the top of mountain Rwenzori lets youjoin a millions tourists who committed to reaching the summit of this great mountain of the moon. The trip will also take you to the ugly mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kasese
On arrival at the airport, be picked by our experienced driver guide to briefly take you through the trip movements. Alternatively, be picked from the hotel where you would have stayed the previous night and start the journey to Kasese.
A lunch stop will be in Mbarara at Igongo cultural center. This is Uganda’s largest museum displaying almost all the western Cultures of the Banyankole, Bakiga, Bahima and many others. Then directly proceed to Kasese at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight as you prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Climb to Nyabitaba (2650m) through Bakonjo Homestead
After a very early breakfast, drive to Nyakalengija trailhead. This is the starting point for the Rwenzori hike, have a simple briefing from the local ranger guide and start on the hike to the top of the mountains of the moon. The trail takes you through the banana sambas, past the Bakonjo homesteads. Hike along River Mubuku, through rocks and bluffs across Mahoma River and then climb steeply through fern slopes and podocarpus forest to finally reach Nyabitaba Hut for an overnight.
Day 3: Climb to John Matte Hut (3380m)
Hike past the Bujuku and Mubuku rivers, turning right to the bridge. Start climbing up the central circuit, this is one of the most challenging and scary trails on the Rwenzori Mountains of the moon. Climb through the bamboo forest. This hike to John Matte hut takes roughly five hours. On reaching the hut, you will stay here for dinner, relaxation and an overnight.
Day 4: John Matte to Bujuku hut (3962)
From John Matte Hut, cross Bujuku River to the lower Bigo Bog. Just after the hut, a steep section leads upwards to Bigo, here you will have a half board walk, an easy hike at that point. Have a lunch stopover at the upper end of the Bog, enjoying the beautiful sights of an amazing stream. You will also have clearer and sweeter views of Mountain Baker in the south, Mountain Stanley in the west, and Speke Mountain in the north. Dinner and overnight will be at Bujuku hut.
Day 5: Elena or Kintandara Hut (4023m)
From Bujuku, you will walk through more bog climbing up the steep slopes besides the lake. Walk through the beautiful Groundsels Gully ascending to Scott Elliot Pass at an altitude of 4372m. Towards the end of this amazing gully, you will climb up a steep section on a metal ladder hitting down to Kitandara lakes. The night will be spent at Elena Hut and be prepared for a cold and Icy night. .
Day 6: Climbing to Margerita Peak
This is the toughest walk, passing over almost three glaciers, slippery rocks exposed to ice yet areas very open to many sides. This hike to Margerita peak is only for the physically fit and you will need technical requirements like crampons, appropriate equipment for coldness and the health should be able to sustain the very low temperatures.
Climb up the glacier, across the Stanley plateau, and then scramble up the top of Margerita. Because of the altitude that creates tough conditions, not all hikers will make it to the top, so let it not hit by surprise if you don’t make it. At the top, you will have stunning views of Speke and Stanley mountains. You won’t spend a lot of time here because of the very low temperatures, then walk through the alpine zone of sparse vegetation and descend to Kitandara Hut for an overnight.
Day 7: Guy Yeoman Hut (3260M)
From Kitandara, the trail will ascend steeply, spreading out from Mountain Baker’s base. Continue along the south side of the mountain to the Fresh field pass. Walk through the long muddy descent via the rock shelter at Bujangolo; the historical camp of the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.
Day 8: Travel to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Waking up on this day will be very early in the morning for a palatable breakfast and then travel to Bwindi impenetrable national park. This is the prime home of mountain gorillas in Africa, with more than 700 mountain gorillas calling it a home. The journey rewards you with spectacular views of the Virunga ranges and the green lush that lies along the highway. Arrival at the lodge will be in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Gorilla trekking and the Batwa Community
In the morning travel to the park headquarters, obviously after an early breakfast. Have a simple briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. You will be divided into groups of eight, the maximum number of trekkers to visit a gorilla family per day. Now enter into the forest to trek the might apes. Being guided by the park rangers, you will follow the slippery trails to finally meet the gorillas in their natural habitats. Upon meeting the apes, spend one magical hour watching them feed, play with each other and carry on their daily lives. After an hour, descend back to the headquarters, and to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the evening, visit the Batwa community. These pygmies are believed to be the first inhabitants of the impenetrable forest. You will see how they used to hunt and gather fruits while in the forest. Enjoying the traditional performances and tasting the local cuisines is a guarantee except to the ones who don’t want. Returning to the lodge will be very late in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Travel back to Kampala
Early morning, have breakfast, check out of the lodge and travel back to Kampala, Either straight to the airport or to any hotel of your choice. That will be the end of the trip.
