Special mountains, double Gorillas Climb the Rwenzori & See Gorillas twice
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
Uganda Rwanda Adventure Safari
Quick Overview
This 13 day Uganda Rwanda adventure safari takes you on an epic adventure to climb the Rwenzori mountains, and then see gorillas in the wild – twice!
You will start in Kampala and go to Kasese where your climb of the Rwenzori Mountains starts. It will take about 7 days for you to climb up the mountain, and back. You will see the various climate zones and spend so much time surrounded by the beauty of this mountain.
After conquering the Rwenzori, you will drive to Bwindi for your first gorilla trekking experience. On the way, you will spend some time in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive to see the Savannah wildlife. In Bwindi you will see gorillas and visit with the locals to learn about their lives.
From Bwindi, you will drive to the nearby Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda where you will see gorillas again, but also see golden monkeys. You will leave Volcanoes for Kigali where you will catch your flight back home.
This adventure safari is well suited for people who are adventurous at heart and want to experience the best that nature has to offer.
Highlights
Destinations: Kampala, Kasese, Rwenzori Mountains NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Volcanoes NP, Kigali.
Activities: Climbing Mount Rwenzori, Hiking, Gorilla trekking, Golden monkey tracking, cultural experiences
- Day 1:
- Day 2:
- Day 3:
- Day 4:
- Day 5:
- Day 6:
- Day 7 & 8:
- Day 9:
- Day 10:
- Day 11:
- Day 12:
- Day 13:
Drive from Kampala to Kasese, via Mbarara
Meet and greet at 7:30 am in Kampala or Entebbe, and then transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Kasese.
You will drive through Ugandan countryside with farms, ranches and small towns along the way. There will be a stopover at the equator for some photography moments, and another one in Mbarara for lunch.
- Accommodation: Margarita Hotel
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut
You will start the day by going to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Head Quarters at Nyakalegija where you will be briefed by guides before setting off to start the hike.
Any equipment to be hired is also done at this point. Your climb will go through the homes of the local native Bakonjo people and gradually rise and follow the Mobuku river.
Along the way, you might see some monkeys and birds and even the rare Rwenzori Turacos. The trail goes through Bracken fern slopes and podocarpus forest to Nyabitaba Hut. This whole climb will take five to six hours of hiking. At Nyabitaba Hut, You will have stunning views of the Portal Peaks and Mount Kyniangoma. You will then rest and await the next day's climb.
- Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nyabitaba Hut to John Mate Hut
You will leave Nyabitaba Hut and descend the ridge to the Mubuku river, and then climb through the bamboo forest toward John Matte Hut. The afternoon is a tiring boulder hoping ascent along the northern side of the Bujuku river through the giant heather forest.
The entire climb for the day will take approximately 6 hours to reach John Matte Hut where you will spend the night. At the John Matte Hut, you will enjoy captivating views of Mount Stanley and the Snow Capped Margherita and Elena Peaks.
You will have your well-needed rest at the John Matte Hut and ready yourself for the next day's battle.
- Accommodation: John Matte Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
John Mate Hut to Bujuku Hut
Undertake an early morning trek to cross river Bujuku and then enter the notorious bogs of the Bujuku valley with are wet and muddy - but add to the thrilling experience. You will then cross to drier ground, up to Lake Bujuku that overlooks Mount Baker and Mount Speke.
Along the way, look out for the 'everlasting flower', that is known to remain on the plants for 40 long years. From lake Bujuku, you will continue for a short one-hour trek to Bujuku Hut where you will have your rest and spend the night.
- Accomodation: Bujuku Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bujuku Hut to Kitandara Hut
From Bujuku hut you will ascend to the highest point on the Loop Trail, Scott Elliot Pass (4,372m) before descending to the two Kitandara lakes.
The hut is next to the second lake.
- Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut
This is a 5-hour walk, starting with a steep ascent to fresh field Pass (4,282m) then descent to Bujongolo cave (3,720m), the base used by the 1906 expedition.
Further along the trail at kabamba cave (3,450m) there is so attractive waterfall and rock shelter where you can stay overnight as an alternative to Guy Yeoman Hut.
- Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyakalegija
It is a 5-hour descent from Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba Hut. You can either stay overnight at the hut or else continue at Nyakalengija which will take 3 hours. You will again meet with you guide ready for a transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Margarita Hotel
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kasese, to Queen Elizabeth NP, Continue Bwindi
You will start the day with an early breakfast and then drive to the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive to see the savannah wildlife this park is popular for.
You will see animals like hippos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards and much more.
After your game drive, you will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will leave the flat savannah and ascend the Kigezi highlands - passing through the winding mountains roads, terraced hillsides and village homesteads.
You will reach your accommodation in the evening, with some time to rest and relax in anticipation for the next day's gorilla experience.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable N.P
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park offices for a briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, you will be assigned the gorilla family and experienced ranger guide to lead your gorilla tracking experience.
The rangers are experienced and know the forest very well and will lead your hike to see the gorillas. Your hike goes through dense untamed rain forest, steep slopes and simple trails and it can take 2-8 hours depending on how the gorillas move around.
During your gorilla trek, the rangers will share a lot of information and insights about the gorillas and the forest. You can ask any questions you have and they will answer you.
Upon meeting the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them, watching them play, eat, groom and go about their day. You will ask more questions, get to take pictures and take in the moment of peace among the gorillas.
After your time with gorillas, you will hike back to the starting point for your gorilla trekking certificate.
You will go back to the lodge to refresh and relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Drive from Bwindi to Volcanoes NP in Rwanda
After breakfast, you will leave Bwindi and drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The drive is not long and you will reach with enough time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area.
After breakfast, drive to Rwanda as you enjoy what is referred to as the Land of A Thousand hills which Rwanda is well known to Ruhengere. The evening is spent on sightseeing and relaxing around your safari Lodge
Accommodation
- Budget: Muhabura Guest House
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
After breakfast, you will go to the park offices where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the upcoming gorilla trekking.
After assigning your gorilla group you will then enter the jungle for your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. You will hike through the park and after meeting the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them and then return to the starting point to meet your guide.
After the trekking, the evening is spent on a community walk in Ruhengere to take you through the local communities, how they live plus their ordinary life style especially those staying near the park.
Accommodation
- Budget: Muhabura Guest House
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Golden Monkey Tracking, Drive to Kigalei, Departure
Today, you will go back for more primates, but this time it is the jolly and stunning golden monkeys.
While they are not as popular as gorillas, golden monkeys can only be found in the Virunga massif which covers the 3 connected parks of Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga in Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Cong respectively.
They are very playful and intelligent animals with intricate social structures, and of course the distinct golden fur which stands out against the green background of the bamboo forests where they like to spend their day.
After seeing the golden monkeys, you will have your lunch and then transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation
- (X) - Last day
Notes of Chimp & Gorilla Trekking
Here are some important things to know about tracking gorillas or chimps in Uganda and Rwanda.
- Minimum age allowed to track chimps is 12 years old.
- Minimum age allowed to track gorillas is 15 years old.
- Tracking gorillas is quite strenuous and one should be physically fit to best enjoy the experience.
- Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will not be allowed to track chimps or gorillas.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas or chimps is 1 hour.
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing Exclusive African Safaris, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.