How to Combine Rwenzori Hiking, Game Safari & Gorillas in Uganda
How to Combine Rwenzori Hiking, Game Safari & Gorillas in Uganda
To combine Rwenzori Hiking, Game Safari & Gorillas in Uganda, you need at least 15 days of adventure. This journey takes you through three incredible experiences: ten days trekking the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, followed by thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and finally an unforgettable gorilla encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The entire trip costs around $4,300 per person, which covers budget accommodation (Mid-Range & Luxury Options available upon request), gorilla permits, transportation and hiking fees. You’ll witness snow-capped peaks, encounter Africa’s big cats, and come face-to-face with mountain gorillas. This combination offers the complete Uganda experience, blending high-altitude mountaineering with classic safari adventures and rare wildlife encounters.
Day 1: Getting Started – Your Journey from Entebbe to Kasese
Your adventure begins the moment you leave Entebbe. The drive to Kasese town takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, where green hills roll endlessly toward the horizon. You’ll spend your first night at Sandton Hotel Kasese, resting before the challenging trek ahead. The air feels different here—cooler and fresher—as you stand closer to the mountains. Tomorrow, your mountain journey begins.
Day 2: Entering the Mountain Kingdom – Trek to Sine Camp
Early morning brings excitement as you transfer to Trekkers Hostel Kilembe. Then, you start climbing toward Sine Camp at 2,596 meters. The forest welcomes you with towering trees and singing birds. Blue monkeys dart through branches while black and white Colobus monkeys swing overhead in groups of twenty. Sometimes, you might hear wild chimpanzees calling in the distance. The trail winds steadily upward through bamboo thickets and moss-covered vines that hang like curtains from ancient trees. After five to seven hours of walking, Enock’s Falls appears just 200 meters from camp—a perfect reward for your first day.
Day 3: Climbing Higher – Trek to Mutinda Camp
The next morning, you continue toward Mutinda Camp at 3,588 meters. The landscape transforms as you climb higher. Giant heather trees appear, their trunks wrapped in green moss with old man beards hanging from every branch. The trail crosses small streams and passes close to beautiful waterfalls. Everything feels magical above 3,000 meters. After reaching camp, you can climb to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters for spectacular views. The six-hour trek challenges you, but each step reveals something extraordinary.
Day 4: Into the High Valleys – Trek to Bugata Camp
Day four takes you through boggy terrain toward Bugata Camp at 4,100 meters. The trail becomes trickier now, with wooden boardwalks helping you cross the wettest sections. Tussock grass surrounds you, mixed with everlasting flowers and giant lobelias that stand like sentinels. You climb steeply into Namusangi Valley, where waterfalls thunder down from Mutinda Peaks. The valley rises and falls constantly, testing your legs and lungs. Finally, Bugata Camp appears high above Bugata Lake. From here, views stretch across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, often dusted with snow. Red Forest Duikers—found only in these mountains—roam nearby.
Day 5: Crossing the Pass – Trek to Hunwick’s Camp
Day five brings the challenging Bamwanjara Pass at 4,550 meters. You climb up ridges, drop down into valleys, and climb again. When you reach the pass, the three main peaks reveal themselves on clear days. The sight takes your breath away. Descending through thick vegetation, you watch Malachite Sunbirds feeding on lobelia flowers. The trail eventually leads to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,974 meters, perched above a deep valley. Mountains surround you now—Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong all visible from camp.
Day 6: First Summit – Mt Baker and Trek to Margherita Camp
Summit day arrives early. You set off at 6:30 AM toward Mt Baker at 4,842 meters. The climb turns steep and rocky, requiring careful footwork and a steady head for heights. Safety ropes help you through the trickiest sections. After three to four hours, you reach the glacier and walk across to the peak. The views stun you completely—Margherita, Alexandria, and Stanley’s glaciers spread below in brilliant white. This moment stays with you forever.
After descending Mt Baker, you continue to Margherita Camp at 4,485 meters, passing the stunning Lake Kitandara and climbing through Scott Elliot Pass. Rest comes tonight, but tomorrow brings Uganda’s highest challenge.
Day 7: The Ultimate Peak – Summit Margherita
The next morning comes extremely early—you wake at 2:00 AM for Mt Stanley. Starting at 2:30 AM ensures you avoid afternoon clouds and snowfall. The weather changes quickly here, and safety comes first. You must turn around by 10:00 AM regardless of your progress. The climb proves demanding, with steep glacier sections exceeding 60% grade. When you finally stand atop Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters—Uganda’s highest point—pride overwhelms you. Then begins the long descent to Hunwick’s Camp, covering nearly nine kilometers downhill.
Day 8: Another Summit – Mt Speke’s Vittorio Emmanuel
Day eight offers another summit: Vittorio Emmanuel at 4,890 meters on Mt Speke. You cross the Bujuku Valley and climb to Scott Elliot Pass before returning to Hunwick’s Camp. The mountain still holds you in its grip, but you feel stronger now, more confident with each step.
Day 9: Rest Day – Extra Time in the Mountains
Day nine gives you a rest day in the mountains—time to recover and absorb your achievements. Your body needs this break after conquering Uganda’s highest peaks. You spend the day relaxing, sharing stories with fellow trekkers, and taking in the incredible surroundings.
Day 10: Optional Summit and Descent – Weismann’s Peak to Kiharo Camp
On day ten, you optionally tackle Weismann’s Peak at 4,620 meters on Mt Luigi di Savoia before descending to Kiharo Camp at 3,430 meters. The views from Oliver’s Pass show all three peaks one final time. You’re heading down now, leaving the high mountains behind.
Day 11: Farewell to Mountains – Descent and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
Your final mountain day brings mixed emotions. You descend 16 kilometers from Kiharo Camp through the breathtaking Nyamwamba Valley. Waterfalls cascade everywhere, moss covers every rock, and the forest feels primeval. Duikers, primates, and countless birds appear along the trail. After five to eight hours, you reach the park gate and receive your completion certificate. Pride fills every trekker who conquers these peaks.
However, your adventure isn’t finished. You transfer immediately to Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The landscape changes dramatically—mountains give way to savannah. Tonight, you rest beside the wild plains.
Day 12: Safari Adventures Begin – Game Drives and Boat Cruise
Morning arrives with lions roaring. Your game drive through Kasenyi sector reveals Uganda Kobs grazing in huge numbers. Lions and leopards hunt here, and you might spot these magnificent cats stalking prey. Elephants and buffaloes wander past your vehicle while yellow-throated longcrows and grey-crowned cranes strut through the grass.
Afternoon brings a peaceful boat cruise along Kazinga Channel. Hippos yawn from the water while crocodiles bask on muddy banks. Hundreds of bird species live here, creating a photographer’s paradise. The cruise relaxes you completely after days of intense hiking.
Day 13: Tree-Climbing Lions – Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi
Next morning, you explore Ishasha Sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. These rare cats lounge on fig tree branches, escaping ground heat. Watching them sprawl lazily above the savannah creates unforgettable memories. Elephants, buffaloes, and topis roam freely while birds fill the air with song. After lunch, you drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through rolling hills and vibrant villages. Uganda’s countryside unfolds in stunning beauty. You arrive at Gorilla Valley Lodge ready for tomorrow’s highlight.
Day 14: The Ultimate Encounter – Gorilla Trekking
Everything leads to this moment. After breakfast and briefing at park headquarters, you enter Bwindi’s dense forest. Mist hangs between trees as you follow your guide deeper into the jungle. The trek might last 30 minutes or six hours—gorillas move constantly. Then suddenly, you see them. A massive silverback sits calmly, watching over his family. Juveniles play nearby while mothers nurse their babies. You spend one precious hour observing these gentle giants. Their eyes meet yours with startling intelligence. They move with surprising grace despite their size. This hour changes you forever. Nothing compares to standing mere meters from mountain gorillas in their natural home.
Day 15: Journey’s End – Return to Entebbe
Your final morning brings bittersweet feelings. After breakfast, you begin the long drive to Entebbe. A stop at the Equator provides photos and souvenirs. As you travel, memories flood back—frozen peaks, roaring lions, gentle gorillas. Uganda has given you everything: adventure, beauty, challenge, and wonder.
