12 Days Mount Rwenzori Hiking and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Today is the day! After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Then, with your guide and trackers, you'll enter the dense, verdant jungle in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the moment you lock eyes with these gentle giants, every step is forgotten. You'll spend one magical hour observing them as they go about their daily lives. After lunch back at the lodge, we'll visit a local Batwa community to learn about their profound connection to this forest, a beautiful contrast to the morning's adventure.

We say goodbye to Bwindi after breakfast and drive to the world-renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our route takes us through the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique population of lions that lounge acrobatically in the fig trees! We’ll keep our eyes peeled for these incredible cats and other wildlife during an en-route game drive before checking in to our lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains offers a chance to see elephants, buffalo, and antelope against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Later, we trade the safari vehicle for a boat on the Kazinga Channel for a relaxing cruise. This is a photographer's paradise, with huge concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and magnificent birdlife lining the shores.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services base at Nyakalengija. Here, you'll meet your hiking crew, receive a briefing, and begin your ascent! Today's trek takes you through local settlements and lush rainforest to Nyabitaba Hut, with the sounds of the Mubuku River and the call of the Rwenzori Turaco accompanying you.

We cross the Kurt Shafer Bridge and venture into a landscape that feels like a fairy tale. The trail weaves through bamboo forests and giant heather, with the terrain becoming more rugged and beautiful. Our goal for the day is John Matte Hut, where we'll rest and acclimatize.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Hut

A challenging but rewarding day awaits as we traverse the famous Bigo Bog. Boardwalks help us across the muddier sections as we ascend into the high alpine zone. The dramatic scenery of the glacial valleys unfolds around us, with stunning views of Mount Stanley on a clear day. We overnight at Bujuku Hut, nestled beside the tranquil Lake Bujuku.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Hut

The air gets thinner and the landscape more rugged as we climb towards Elena Hut, our base for the summit attempt. The views are utterly spectacular, a reward for the effort. Rest well tonight, for the pinnacle of your adventure is just hours away.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Hut

We start in the very early hours, equipped for a glacial ascent. With perseverance and the support of your guides, you will conquer Margherita Peak (5,109m)! Standing on the roof of the Rwenzoris is a feeling of pure triumph. After celebrating your incredible achievement, we begin the descent, spending the night at the scenic Kitandara Hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Hut

We tackle the Freshfield Pass today, enjoying breathtaking views of the Congo on the other side. The trail then leads us down through the scenic Kabamba valleys to Guy Yeoman Hut, where we'll spend our final night on the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Hut

After a final mountain breakfast, we make our way down through the lush rainforest, retracing our steps past Nyabitaba Hut and all the way down to Nyakalengija. Here, you'll bid a fond farewell to your mountain crew. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you to a lodge for a well-deserved hot shower and a comfortable bed.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and soak in the last views of the Ugandan landscape. We then begin the journey back to Entebbe, sharing stories and memories. You'll be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight, filled with the spirit of adventure and the magic of Uganda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch