Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with this safari that offers the rare opportunity to come within just a few feet of a mountain gorilla in the lush tropical forest of Bwindi, without any barriers or nets. Discover the diverse array of wildlife residing in the wild game park of Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth national Park, and push yourself to new heights by climbing the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori.
This safari has been carefully designed to provide a well-organized and seamless experience that balances adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, and learning. This trip offers a chance to create unforgettable memories and stories to last a lifetime.
With expert guides and a carefully curated itinerary, you are guaranteed to leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Uganda and the unique experiences that this tour offers.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO THE LODGE FOR OVERNIGHT STAY
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be warmly received by one of the company staff member who will then transfer you to the hotel/lodge for your relaxation and overnight stay.
Accommodation at Airport Link Guest House
DAY 2: TRAVEL TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK WITH RHINO TRACKING AT ZIWA AND A VISIT THE TOP OF THE FALLS
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an exciting 3-hour road drive to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the unique experience of tracking rhinos in their natural habitat. Afterwards, continue your journey to the Murchison Falls National Park, a breathtaking destination renowned for its diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Upon arrival, make a stop at the top of the Murchison Falls. Prepare to be awestruck as you witness the raw power of the Nile River as it plunges through a narrow crevice, creating the spectacular Murchison Falls. The force, sound and speed of the water is truly a sight to behold.
After visiting the top of the falls, continue your journey to the lodge, keeping an eye out for the wild animals that you may encounter along the way.
Enjoy comfortable accommodation at Fort Murchison, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventure.
DAY 3: EXPLORATION OF MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
The day begins with a game drive in the northern circuit of the park, where you will encounter rolling plains teeming with a diverse array of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of lions, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, antelopes, hippos, spotted hyenas and many other mammals. For bird enthusiasts, this area is home to an array of avian species such as the Secretary Bird, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Tawny and Martial Eagles, Carmine and Swallow-tailed Bee-Eaters among others.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip to the bottom of the Murchison Falls where the Nile River thunders through a narrow 7-meter gap, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. This unique experience is not to be missed and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Accommodation at Fort Murchison.
DAY 4: TRAVEL TO KASESE FOR MOUNT RWENZORI CLIMBING
You will get more of this adventure by travelling to Kasese to conduct yet another core activity of this safari-hiking to the highest peak of Mt.Rwenzori. This journey is relatively long and it is likely to take you about 7-8 hours of drive time.
Though long and may appear strenuous, you will however get an authentic feel of the African country side and specifically Uganda’s country side. You will encounter wildlife as you cross the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, you will have occasional stop overs to taste Uganda’s fresh fruits and be amazed by natural features along the route such as the Rift valley escarpments and the lakes. Going through the entire village set up will also be a learning moment.
Accommodation at the Bush Lodge.
DAY 5: HIKE FROM THE BASE TO SINE HUT AT 2596 METERS (Day 1 hike with altitude gain of about 1146m)
Today, embark on an exhilarating climbing expedition as you journey up the valley floor, passing through the lush Tal forest of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This steady climb offers a diverse array of bird species and the occasional sighting of blue monkeys. As you continue hiking, you will pass through various tree species, each providing a unique and captivating experience.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and push your limits. Not only will you be challenged physically, but also mentally as you take in the natural surroundings. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views and memories that will last a lifetime.
The accommodation site at Sine Hut though modest is strategically placed for the best experience, ensuring that your journey is both comfortable and enjoyable.
DAY 6: HIKE FROM SINE HUT TO MUTINDA CAMP AT 3582 METERS (Day 2 Hike with altitude gain of about 986m)
Begin your trek at 8:30 am by entering the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, a steep climb with many high steps that will test your endurance. The hike will continue to Kalalama camp, located in the Heather-Rapanea Zone, where you can take a break and refresh yourself with a quick cup of coffee.
This trail meanders through small knolls and drops down the valley side, showcasing an enormous variety of plants and flowers. The valley is home to many giant heather trees, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere often shrouded in mist. This is an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while challenging yourself physically.
After a rewarding and strenuous hike, end your day in comfort at Mutinda camp located at 3582 meters.
DAY 7: TREK TO BUGATA CAMP AT 4100 METERS (day 3 of the the hike with altitude gain of about 518m)
Resume your hike by crossing the Mutinda valley, passing through the picturesque tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with towering Giant Lobelias. As you continue, you will embark on a steep climb up to the Namusangi Valley, an awe-inspiring destination located at 3840 meters, where you will encounter many sheer waterfalls.
As you progress, the trail becomes increasingly steep, challenging you physically and mentally. Your efforts will be rewarded as you reach the Bugata Camp, where you will be able to rest and reflect on the day’s journey.
At the Bugata Camp, you will enjoy a modest and comfortable accommodation that will allow you to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 8: TREK PAST HUNWICK’S CAMP VIA BAMWANJARRA PASS TO AN ALTITUDE OF 4450M (Day 4 trek with an altitude gain of 350m)
As you depart from Bugata camp, you will ascend a ridge and then descend slightly before making your way to the Bamwanjarra pass, located at an impressive elevation of 4450 meters. This pass features a hut for rest and shelter in case of inclement weather. The trail continues down the valley, providing views of the surrounding bogs and thick evergreen vegetation, including moss, giant groundsel and lobelia.
As you reach Hunwick’s Camp, you will be able to rest and reflect on the day’s journey. The camp offers comfortable accommodation, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventure. This is a rare opportunity to explore the beauty of nature at its highest elevation.
DAY 9: HIKE FROM HUNWICK’S CAMP TO MARGHERITA CAMP AT 4485 METERS (Day 5 trek with an altitude gain of 511m)
Departing from Hunwick’s, you will embark on a journey that takes you down and across the valley floor to the stunning Lake Kitendara, with its deep waters and lush vegetation.
Next, you will embark on a challenging climb up Scott Elliot’s pass and continue to ascend the ridge to reach Margherita camp, situated between huge rocks that offer protection from the strong winds. Margherita camp is strategically located to provide a comfortable, modest accommodation experience and offers the perfect opportunity to rest and reflect on the day’s journey while taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
DAY 10: EARLY MORNING HIKE TO THE MARGHERITA PEAK AT 5109 METERS (Day 6 trek with an altitude gain of 624m)
To ensure optimal weather conditions and the ability to reach the highest peak, trekkers typically wake up at 2:00 am for a quick 30-minute breakfast before setting off to climb Mt. Stanley at 2:30 am. This early morning hike provides the opportunity to reach the peak by 10:00 am, allowing for a turnaround before mid-day when the mountain is often enveloped in heavy clouds and snowfall.
After summiting at an impressive elevation of 5109 meters, you will then embark on a direct descent to Hunwick’s camp, located at 3874 meters. This challenging journey is an unforgettable experience that will test your physical and mental endurance.
At Hunwick’s Camp, you will find comfortable accommodation, allowing you to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 11: 11 KM WALK TO KIHARO CAMP AT 3430 METERS
Begin your day by departing from Hunwick’s camp and embark on a challenging climb up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, where you will be treated to breathtaking views of all three peaks. As you cross the confluence, the trail takes you down the valley to Kiharo camp, a secluded and picturesque destination situated in a deep valley with towering cliffs and dense vegetation.
Kiharo camp offers comfortable accommodation, allowing you to rest and recharge after a challenging day of hiking. This is a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and push yourself to new heights.
Sleep comfortably at Kiharo Camp and wake up ready for another day of adventure.
DAY 12: WALK FROM KIHARO CAMP TO THE PARK GATE AT 1720 METERS AND THEN TO THE BASE AT 1450 METERS AND TRAVEL TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Embark on a journey of discovery as you descend the mountain and make your way back to the base by walking for approximately 12 km and passing through the breathtaking Nyamwamba valley. This trail is a visual feast, offering stunning views of moss-covered rocks, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and lush forests. The forest along this section is teeming with life, offering the opportunity to spot a variety of birds and primates.
Upon reaching the base, you will immediately travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, a unique and diverse destination renowned for its wildlife and scenic beauty. The drive from Kasese to the park is approximately 1 hour.
Accommodation at the Bush Lodge allows you to relax and reflect on your journey.
DAY 13: EXPLORATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK WITH A MORNING GAME DRIVE/LION TRACKING AND AFTERNOON BOAT RIDE ON KAZINGA CHANNEL
Start your day early with a thrilling game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals such as Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Antelopes. While sightings of lions during normal game drives can be limited, this experience offers a unique opportunity to enhance your chances of seeing these elusive cats through lion tracking. This activity allows you to get up close to a pride of unguarded lions and learn about their behavior from trained rangers and conservationists. It’s an exciting and unforgettable experience for the daring.
In the afternoon, you will go for a 2-hour boat ride on the Kazinga channel, where you will see a variety of water-adapted animals and birds such as hippos, crocodiles, kingfishers, eagles and monitor lizards. After the boat ride, you will return to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation at Bush Lodge.
DAY 14: TRAVEL TO BWINDI FOREST NATIONAL PARK
After a leisurely breakfast, you will embark on a 3-4 hours’ drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and your encounter with these magnificent creatures will leave you with lasting memories of your safari.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these critically endangered animals in their natural habitat, and to learn about their behavior and conservation efforts. It’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
Accommodation at Ride 4 Woman
DAY 15: GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Begin your day early with the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking. This amazing activity takes you through the densely forested steep hills, where you will finally meet these tranquil gorillas within the lush green plant cover. It’s a wonderful and memorable encounter that you will never forget.
Once the gorillas are identified, the excitement and awe cannot be explained in words. You will have to experience it for yourself to truly understand the beauty and wonder of this encounter. For conservation purposes, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour in the vicinity of the gorillas, before making your way out of the dense forest. Your time with the gorillas will create long-lasting memories about your visit to Uganda.
Accommodation at Ride 4 Woman.
DAY 16: TRAVEL TO ENTEBBE WITH ENROUTE PHOTO SESSION AT THE EQUATOR MONUMENT
As you conclude your incredible journey in Western Uganda and Mount Rwenzori climbing, you will embark on your return road trip to Entebbe. Along the way, you will make a brief stop at the equator crossing, where you will have the opportunity to take the best photo shots and engage in fun and interesting activities and experiments that people often participate in when they reach the equator.
Although these experiments are not scientifically proven, they are entertaining to watch. For example, you will observe how water swirls in opposite directions in the northern and southern hemispheres of the equator line by pouring water in a basin. This is a unique opportunity to experience and learn about the Earth’s geography and its different hemispheres.
This tour price includes;
- Accommodation for 15 nights as indicated in the itinerary or similar ones depending on availability at the time of booking.
- Rhino tracking permits.
- Gorilla permit.
- Hiking Mount Rwenzori to the highest peak.
- Ground transport aboard a 4×4 Toyota Hiace Safari Van.
- Boat rides as indicated in the itinerary.
- Park entrance fees.
- Services of an English-speaking guide and driver.
- All meals during the safari period.
- Lion tracking permit.
Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water in the safari van
The tour price excludes;
- International airfare to/from Entebbe International Airport.
- Visa costs and charges.
- Travel Insurance.
- Beverages.
- Optional activities.
- Meals not included in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
- All Items of personal nature.
- Charges by porters during gorilla trekking if required.
01 PAX | 02 PAX | 03 PAX | 04 PAX | 05 PAX | 06 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
USD 7580 | USD 5900 | USD 5470 | USD 5120 | USD 5010 | USD 4870 |
Booking Form
Please complete this form. All fields are required.