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14-Day Uganda Adventure Trek: Rwenzori, Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Safaris

Dive into a 14-day Uganda Adventure Trek journey that showcases the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s wilderness. Explore the stunning peaks of Rwenzori, marvel at the mesmerizing wildlife of Queen Elizabeth Park, and soak in the tranquil ambiance of Lake Mburo Park. During your adventure, get ready to encounter gorillas, colorful wildlife, and stunning landscapes that will leave you with unforgettable memories. And, amidst all these natural wonders, let the chimpanzees of the lush forests add a touch of magic to your journey. Come and experience the Pearl of Africa – explore Five Parks in just 11 days.

Here are some of the Highlights of our 14-Day Uganda Adventure Trek

• Margherita Peak Ascent: Conquer the highest peak of Mount Stanley at 5,109m above sea level, crossing three glaciers.
• Scott-Elliot Pass Views: Spectacular vistas of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke.
• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: An exhilarating close encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha: A rare sight, exclusive to select regions in Africa.
• Lake Bunyonyi Retreat: Rest and unwind by one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park:
  • Game Drive: Spot lions, elephants, and solitary buffaloes in their natural habitats.
  • Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel: Home to hippos, hippos and hippos, with elephants, antelopes, and crocodiles gracing its shores.
  • Katwe Explosion Crater Drive: Traverse around picturesque explosion craters with panoramic views.
• Lake Mburo National Park:
  • Boat Safari: Engage with the park’s aquatic wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and otters.
  • Savannah Morning Game Drive: Chance to spot elands, giraffes, zebras, and more.
• Cultural Insights:
  • Bujongolo: Historical base camp of the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1906 expedition.
  • Mpambire: Engage with the Royal Drum Makers, guardians of a centuries-old drum-making tradition.
• Crossing the Equator: A signature photo opportunity as you traverse hemispheres.

And now, the Uganda Adventure Trek itinerary in detail:

Arrival Day in Uganda – A Warm Welcome to East Africa 14-Day Uganda Adventure Trek:

Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, your friendly driver will be ready to receive you with a warm greeting. After swiftly completing immigration and customs procedures, head to the arrivals area, where our driver or your hotel’s representative will await your arrival. Rest assured, entering Uganda is a smooth process facilitated by helpful officials. Typically, the airport formalities take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Most lodges and guesthouses in the Entebbe vicinity offer complimentary airport transfers, or we can arrange transportation to your chosen accommodation if we need to. Ensure you have your Uganda Tourist Visa and Yellow Fever Certificate ready. We are based in Kampala, an hour away. We can arrange your arrival and the final night upon your request. As you arrive in Entebbe, please note that you will need to purchase a standard Tourist Visa for $50 beforehand, with a Yellow Fever Certificate being a mandatory requirement. Exceptions may apply in specific cases, such as pregnancy. If you’re planning to venture into Rwanda or Kenya, we recommend the East Africa Tourist Visa.

We kick off our 14-day Uganda Adventure Trek with a pick-up from your hotel in either Kampala or Entebbe at 7:15 a.m., and then we will head toward Kibale Forest Park. This is where the West African Jungle meets East Africa in Uganda. The drive from Kampala to Kibale Forest usually takes around five
hours, but it is a shorter drive from Entebbe if your hotel is in Kampala.

After reaching Kibale Forest, you will check into the Lodge that you have chosen. You can find moderate to upmarket lodging options near the park, whereas several exclusive luxury lodges are located 45 minutes away from the forest.

Lunch

At 3 p.m., we’re off for a captivating nature walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. This enchanting jungle swamp lets you tread on elevated planks above the water, ensuring an adventurous experience. With our expert guide leading the way, you’ll discover the sanctuary’s wonders and secrets.

Bird enthusiasts will marvel at the diverse avian life, including the majestic Large Blue Turaco, Brown Parrots, White-spotted Flufftail, and the vibrant Yellow-billed Barbet, among over 200 other species. Beyond the birds, the sanctuary teems with primates like Chimpanzees, red colobus, and blue monkeys. You might also spot mammals like the elusive Sitatunga semi-aquatic Antelopes, nimble mongooses, and playful otters. Every corner of Bigodi Wetlands offers a new discovery, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Lodging included: Isunga Lodge – All meals.

Other options in the area: Moderately priced Turaco Treetops Lodge, Upscale Papaya Lake Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking –Kibale Forest & Transition to Kasese at the Base of the Rwenzori Mountains

Begin your day with breakfast at the Lodge, then set out for the Kibale Forest Headquarters to embark on a Chimpanzee Tracking adventure. Guided by experts, this trek promises rich wildlife encounters. With 13 primate species in the park, spotting at least 5 or 6 distinct primates is common.

Beyond the thrill of tracking chimpanzees, the forest unveils its rugged charm. The park bursts with vibrant butterflies and exotic birds, showcasing nature’s finest spectacles. The surrounding natural setting is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, plants, and trees. The chimpanzees you’ll meet are habituated, meaning they’re accustomed to human presence. The trek spans approximately 3½ hours. Optionally, instead of the standard trek, consider the all-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience for an immersive encounter. After the morning’s adventures, unwind with lunch.

Transfer to Kasese area, at the base of the Rwenzori mountains, for pre-trek orientation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Lodging: Equator Snow Lodge

Day 3: Trekking from Nyakalengija (1615m asl.) to Nyabitamba Camp (2651m asl.)

Kick off your Rwenzori hiking adventure with breakfast, then meet park offices in Nyakalengija. We suggest you pop in early in the morning, giving you plenty of time to gear up and get acquainted with your awesome guides and helpful porters. Our journey begins with a leisurely stroll through charming farmlands until we reach the park boundary. From here, we’ll meander through a lush forest alongside the Mubuku River. We’ll cross the scenic Mahoma River and then gear up for a thrilling ascent onto a breathtaking ridge, all the way to the welcoming Nyabitaba hut. Keep your eyes and ears open! The forest echoes with the playful sounds of chimpanzees, and you might just spot a graceful black and white colobus, a cheeky blue monkey, or even the dazzling Rwenzori turraco.

Brace yourself for a fulfilling trek that lasts around 6-7 hours. Let’s make some memories!

Day 4: The Uganda Adventure Trek Continues as we Journey from Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp (3505m asl.)

Rise and shine at Nyabitaba! Today, we’ll meander through the captivating forest, making our way to the picturesque Kurt Shafer Bridge, where the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers embrace. We’ll wander through a peaceful bamboo forest, but here comes the fun part: a thrilling trek across moss-draped rocks. Watch your steps, they can be a bit slippery! At the Nyamuleju rock shelter, take a breather and drink in the views of the magnificent Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. Our path will then lead us among the towering giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel. The day’s highlight? Reaching John Matte Hut after an adventurous journey through the bog. Let’s recharge with a delicious dinner and cozy up for the night in the hut.

Ready for a day packed with around 7-8 hours of unforgettable trekking? Let’s do this.

Day 5: Trek from John Matte to Bujuku CampP (3962m asl.)

Ready for another day of adventure? Starting from John Matte Hut, we’ll descend to cross the enchanting Bujuku River, leading us into the mesmerizing Lower Bigo Bog, home to the majestic giant lobelias. Here’s a fun challenge: hop from tussock to tussock, but be prepared! While the aim is to stay dry, you might just get a taste of the chilly ooze beneath your feet. As we leave the bog behind, the serene Bujuku Lake unfolds before us, offering stunning glimpses of Mt Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Nestled between the shadows of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, our destination, the Bujuku Hut, awaits in a quaint valley just below Stuhlmann Pass. If you’re eyeing the summits of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke, this spot is perfect for acclimatizing. Let’s wrap up the day with a hearty dinner and a restful night at Bujuku Hut.

Gear up for an exhilarating 4-5 hour trek. Let’s make today unforgettable!

Day 6: Trek from Bujuku to Elena Camp (4541m asl.)

Alright, adventurers, are you set for Day 6? Departing from Bujuku, expect to navigate more challenging bog terrains. But as you ascend the steep slopes west of the lake, you’ll be welcomed by the enchanting forest of Groundsel Gully. As the paths diverge, a right turn will lead you on a steep trail filled with grand boulders, directing you to Elena Hut and the magnificent Mount Stanley. On the other hand, a left turn will guide you through the scenic Scott-Elliot Pass and further down to the serene Kitandara Lakes. If Margherita Peak isn’t on your itinerary, the left trail will take you to the inviting Kitandara Hut. But, for those with their sights set on the peak, you’ll cozy up for the night at the chilly and icy Elena Hut after a delightful dinner.

Prepare yourselves for a rewarding 5-6 hour hike. Today’s the day for new discoveries!

Day 7: From Elena Hut to Margherita Peak  (5109m asl.) – then to Kitandara Camp (4430m asl.)

Rise and shine, adventurers! Today’s the big day! As dawn breaks, gear up for the ascent to Margherita, the highest peak of Mount Stanley. Reaching the summit can take about 4-5 hours, depending on the weather and your pace. This challenging trek leads you across three impressive glaciers, navigating slippery rock, icy patches, and breathtakingly open vistas. As you traverse the Stanley Plateau and ascend further, be ready for foggy conditions, potential altitude challenges, and chilly temperatures. But the effort is all worth it when you scramble up to stand atop Margherita, the crowning glory of the Rwenzori range—feeling accomplished? Well, hold onto that energy! The descent back to Elena Hut will require another 2-3 hours of your time.

Once back at Elena Hut, you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Energized? Let’s continue our journey, descending to the Scott-Elliot pass (4372m asl.), which promises awe-inspiring views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke. The day’s adventure isn’t over yet! Traverse through an alpine zone marked by limited vegetation and rugged boulders, heading past the serene Kitandara Lakes. As the day concludes, settle in for dinner and a restful night at Kitandara Camp. What an exhilarating day!

On average, it takes 3-4 hours to descend.

Day 8: From Kitandara to Guy Yeoman (3261m asl.)

Adventure awaits on Day 6! Starting at Kitandara, brace yourself for a trail that will challenge and inspire. We’ll ascend sharply up the headwall, tracing the base of Mount Baker and journeying along its southern side to the Freshfield Pass, standing tall at 4282m asl. Pause here and let your eyes wander. To the west, you’ll glimpse the vast expanse of the Congo while the majestic Mount Stanley beckons from the north.

With the pass behind us, it’s time for a unique experience: navigating the sprawling high alpine mossy terrain. As we descend, the trail will test us with its rocky challenges. Along the way, take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of Bujongolo, which once served as the base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi’s notable expedition in 1906. Our day concludes with a well-deserved rest at the Guy Yeoman camp.

Ready to tackle a rewarding 6-7 hour trek? Let’s make today another day to remember!

Day 9: Journey from Guy Yeoman, through Nyabitaba, to Nyakalengija (1615m asl.) and Drive to Queen Elizabeth Park

Our 14-Day Uganda Adventure Trek continues, and day 9 beckons with the promise of completing our circuit! Setting forth from Guy Yeoman, we’ll navigate the imposing cliffs of Kichuchu. The adventure doesn’t stop there! Beyond Kichuchu, prepare to test your skills on a muddy path as we twice cross the rushing Mubuku River. The soothing bamboo forest will then guide our descent to Nyabitaba, bringing our circuit nearly complete circle.

But we are still going! Continuing our descent from Nyabitaba Camp, the familiar base camp of Nyakalengija, awaits our triumphant return by evening.

Today’s descent promises thrills and memories over a 7-8 hour journey. Let’s wrap up this adventure with a flourish!

Proceed to Queen Elizabeth Park in a 1½ drive.

Lodging: Bush Lodge – All meals

Other options: Moderately priced Enganzi Game Lodge, Upscale Kasenyi Safari Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, and luxury Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

Day 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park; Safari/game drive, the Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, and Explosion Crater Drive or Game Drive.

Rise and shine! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out on a game drive along the Kasenyi Track in the park’s northern part. We are set on spotting majestic lions, towering elephants, and elusive solitary buffaloes. Thanks to the significant population of Uganda Kobs, this area offers the best chance to see these magnificent felines in their natural habitat. Prepare for close encounters and unforgettable moments with the park’s diverse wildlife.

At 3 p.m., gear up for a Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of hippos. This ride is a must-visit when in Queen Elizabeth Park. As we glide along the waters, keep your cameras ready for elephants, antelopes, and crocodiles, and monitor lizards sunning on the shores. And, if luck is on our side, we might just capture the perfect shot of a hippo with its massive jaws agape.

But the day isn’t over! Post our boat safari, we’ll embark on the picturesque Katwe Explosion Crater drive, spanning a scenic 27 kilometers. As we reach the park’s highest point, prepare to be awed by panoramic views. It’s a visual treat from the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, the sprawling savannah below, to the interconnected Lake George and Lake Edwards through the Kazinga Channel. We’ll traverse by around 12 explosion craters, one of which was recently showcased in National Geographic. Another day packed with nature’s marvels awaits!

Lodging included: Bush Lodge – All meals.

Day 11: Transition to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha’s Tree-Climbing Lions:

Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast as we head towards the mesmerizing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explicitly targeting the Buhoma area. Our journey south takes us around 2½ hours before we detour into the lesser-traveled Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth Park. Here, we’ll embark on a unique game drive, where our eyes will be set on spotting the fascinating tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, a spectacle found in only a few places in Africa.

But Ishasha is not just about lions! The region offers a plethora of wildlife experiences. Be ready to encounter vast herds of elephants, graceful topi antelopes, formidable buffalo herds, and elusive leopards, often seen solitarily prowling the region.

Having feasted our eyes on the wonders of Ishasha, we’ll head to Savannah Resort for a replenishing lunch. Once refueled, our journey continues to the Buhoma Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, we’ll settle into the welcoming embrace of the Haven Lodge. This mid-range lodge promises comfort and relaxation, making it the perfect base as we gear up for the upcoming Gorilla Trek.

Lodging: Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija. A cozy haven that preludes our gorilla adventure!

Other options: Moderately priced Haven Lodge – Buhoma, Upscale and Luxury: Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Gorilla Forest Camp.

Day 12: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – and Move to Lake Bunyonyi

Start your day bright and early with a hearty breakfast. Remember to grab your packed lunch from the Lodge. For the trek, ensure you’ve packed your daypack with essentials: 2 liters of water, jeans, a long-sleeved shirt for protection, sunglasses, and a sturdy hat. Cotton gardening gloves will be invaluable, offering grip and protection as you navigate using branches and vines. While a hat protects from the sun, a light rain jacket protects against unexpected showers. Nothing beats a pair of reliable hiking boots for traversing the forest terrain.

Thinking of making your trek a tad more comfortable? Consider purchasing a walking stick or hiring a porter to carry your gear – though these come with an extra cost of 20 USD and aren’t included in your safari price.

Your gorilla trekking adventure varies in length, potentially spanning over five hours, depending on the movement of the gorilla family you’re tracking. Keep in mind these magnificent creatures are constantly on the move. Even before your journey begins, pre-trackers set out early to pinpoint the location of your assigned gorilla family or band, ensuring a smoother trekking experience for you.

After an exhilarating day with the gorillas, return to the lodge.

We may stay here another night, but it is recommended that we drive about a 2½-hour drive and spend the rest of the day at Lake Bunyonyi for exploration and relaxation. The activities here (at Lake Bunyonyi) are optional and not included in the offer.

Lodging: Lake Bunyonyi Eco-Resort – a cozy retreat to unwind and reminisce about your gorilla encounter.Other options: BirdNest Resort

Day 13 – Discovering Lake Mburo National Park:

After our incredible gorilla trekking adventure, it’s time to change scenery as we journey to the enchanting Lake Mburo Park. We’ll kick off the day with an early breakfast to ensure a head start on our travels. Given that it’s a 5-hour drive, it’s ideal for us to hit the road by 7 a.m.

Lake Mburo serves as an idyllic pit stop, breaking up our journey and introducing us to another gem of Uganda’s natural beauty. By lunchtime, we’ll reach our destination and settle into the charming Rwakobo Rock Lodge, perched gracefully on a ridge that offers panoramic views of Lake Mburo Park. Here, delightful cottages await alongside a refreshing swimming pool, perfect for a midday dip.

Following a replenishing lunch, we’ll embark on an afternoon boat ride over Lake Mburo’s placid waters. Expect to be mesmerized by the aquatic wildlife — hippos, crocodiles, and playful otters. The lake also beckons a myriad of water birds and thirsty mammals. Our boat safari is an intimate experience conducted in a compact motorboat, allowing for closer encounters over a serene 1.5 hours.

Lodging: Rwakobo Rock Lodge – where comfort meets nature’s splendor.

Other options: Budget Eagles Nest Lodge and upscale Mihingo Lodge, and Kigambira Safari Lodge.

Day 14 – From Savannah Sunrise to City Sunset:

We’ll start our day with a delightful breakfast, fueling up for an invigorating morning game drive across Lake Mburo’s captivating savannah hills. Here, nature puts on a show as we catch glimpses of majestic elands, swift antelopes, towering giraffes, and playful Burchell zebras. If we’re lucky, we might even spot the elusive leopard stealthily navigating its territory.

With our morning adventures wrapped up, it’s time to set our sights on Kampala and Entebbe, marking the next phase of our journey. But before that, we’ll relish a hearty lunch to keep our spirits high.

Our journey offers exciting pit stops: First, we’ll pause at the iconic Equator line, an unmissable photo opportunity! Then, we’ll take a cultural detour to Mpambire, where we’ll meet the Royal Drum Makers. This community holds the torch for a centuries-old drum-making tradition, offering a rhythmic and cultural immersion.

By late afternoon, the urban landscapes of Kampala or Entebbe will greet us, signaling the conclusion of our 14-day Uganda Adventure Trek. The memories, however, will remain vivid and evergreen in our hearts. Safe travels!

• 7-day Central Circuit trek to summit the Margherita peak in the Rwenzori Mountains
• Gorilla Permit
• Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
• Lodging with all meals,
• 4 Wheel Drive Safari Vehicle with a pop-up roof, Fuel, English Speaking Driver
• Park Entrance fees,
• Game Drives, and
• Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo Boat Safaris
• Complimentary bottled Water on all Drives

Not included in Safari: Air Travel to and from Uganda, Uganda Visa Costs, Laundry, Tips, and Drinks, except those included in the lodging meal price.