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13 Days Rwenzori & Gorillas Tour

Highlights: Rwenzori mountain hike and gorilla trekking

An exceptional immersion in one of Uganda's most scenically stunning regions, taking in the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains - the fabled Mountains of the Moon with the added opportunity to spend time in the company of mountain gorillas.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ENTEBBE

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and after finalising the formalities, our friendly guide will be there to welcome you and drive you to your hotel.

DAY 2: DRIVE TO KASESE

Today you proceed to Kasese early in the morning. This town is the main access point for the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the hub from where your Ruwenzori adventure will commence.

DAY 3: NYAKALENGIJA (1615m) – NYABITABA HUT (2651m)

The central circuit commences at Nyakalengija, where you'll arrive in the morning. Beginning with a trail through farmland and along the Mubuku River, the steep ascent to Nyabitaba hut takes approximately 6-7 hours, offering opportunities to encounter chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and the vibrant Rwenzori turaco.

DAY 4: NYABITABA (2651m) – MUBUKU RIVER (2600m) – JOHN MATTE HUT (3505m)

Descend from Nyabitaba through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge near the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers confluence. Traverse a challenging stretch of slippery moss-covered rock in the bamboo forest, enjoying views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke from Nyamileju rock shelter. Reach John Matte Hut after crossing a tiring bog for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ENTEBBE

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and after finalising the formalities, our friendly guide will be there to welcome you and drive you to your hotel.

DAY 2: DRIVE TO KASESE

Today you proceed to Kasese early in the morning. This town is the main access point for the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the hub from where your Ruwenzori adventure will commence.

DAY 3: NYAKALENGIJA (1615m) – NYABITABA HUT (2651m)

The central circuit commences at Nyakalengija, where you'll arrive in the morning. Beginning with a trail through farmland and along the Mubuku River, the steep ascent to Nyabitaba hut takes approximately 6-7 hours, offering opportunities to encounter chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and the vibrant Rwenzori turaco.

DAY 4: NYABITABA (2651m) – MUBUKU RIVER (2600m) – JOHN MATTE HUT (3505m)

Descend from Nyabitaba through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge near the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers confluence. Traverse a challenging stretch of slippery moss-covered rock in the bamboo forest, enjoying views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke from Nyamileju rock shelter. Reach John Matte Hut after crossing a tiring bog for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 5: JOHN MATTE (3505m) – BUJUKU (3962m)

Descend from John Matte Hut, crossing the Bujuku River into Lower Bigo Bog, adorned with giant lobelias. Carefully traversing the bog's tussocks, reach Bujuku Lake with panoramic views of Mount Baker to the South and Mount Stanley to the west. Located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, Bujuku Hut, nestled in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass, awaits for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 6: BUJUKU (3962m) – ELENA HUT (4541m)

Departing from Bujuku, the trail ascends through boggy terrain, steep slopes, and the enchanting Groundsel Gully to reach Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. You will reach a section where the trail splits: the right trail ascends to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley, while the left trail leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and Kitandara Lakes, with those not climbing Margherita Peak continuing to Kitandara Hut. Climbers of Margherita Peak will have dinner and overnight at the icy Elena Hut.

DAY 7: ELENA HUT (4541m) – MARGHERITA PEAK – KITANDARA HUT (4023m)

For those aiming to reach Margherita Peak (5109m), the climb begins at the base of the Stanley Glacier and takes approximately 5-7 hours, covering three glaciers, slippery rock, and exposed areas. This demanding ascent requires physical fitness and technical climbing skills. After reaching the summit, descend through Scott-Elliot Pass, enjoying views of Bujuku Lake, Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and the Kitandara Lakes, before concluding the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Kitandara.

DAY 8: ADDITIONAL DAY TO HIKE THE SUMMIT, KITANDARA LAKE, MT. BAKER OR REST

Today is a day of rest (reserve day for a second summit attempt in case of bad weather the previous day) or a trip to the Kitandara Lake. Particularly motivated climbers can climb the 4843m high Mount Baker (Edward Peak). The ascent and descent is very difficult due to the very exposed boulder fields and takes about 8-9 hours.

DAY 5: JOHN MATTE (3505m) – BUJUKU (3962m)

Descend from John Matte Hut, crossing the Bujuku River into Lower Bigo Bog, adorned with giant lobelias. Carefully traversing the bog's tussocks, reach Bujuku Lake with panoramic views of Mount Baker to the South and Mount Stanley to the west. Located in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, Bujuku Hut, nestled in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass, awaits for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 6: BUJUKU (3962m) – ELENA HUT (4541m)

Departing from Bujuku, the trail ascends through boggy terrain, steep slopes, and the enchanting Groundsel Gully to reach Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. You will reach a section where the trail splits: the right trail ascends to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley, while the left trail leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and Kitandara Lakes, with those not climbing Margherita Peak continuing to Kitandara Hut. Climbers of Margherita Peak will have dinner and overnight at the icy Elena Hut.

DAY 7: ELENA HUT (4541m) – MARGHERITA PEAK – KITANDARA HUT (4023m)

For those aiming to reach Margherita Peak (5109m), the climb begins at the base of the Stanley Glacier and takes approximately 5-7 hours, covering three glaciers, slippery rock, and exposed areas. This demanding ascent requires physical fitness and technical climbing skills. After reaching the summit, descend through Scott-Elliot Pass, enjoying views of Bujuku Lake, Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and the Kitandara Lakes, before concluding the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Kitandara.

DAY 8: ADDITIONAL DAY TO HIKE THE SUMMIT, KITANDARA LAKE, MOUNT BAKER OR REST

Today is a day of rest (reserve day for a second summit attempt in case of bad weather the previous day) or a trip to the Kitandara Lake. Particularly motivated climbers can climb the 4843m high Mount Baker (Edward Peak). The ascent and descent is very difficult due to very exposed boulder fields and takes about 8-9 hours.

DAY 9: KITANDARA (4023m) – FRESH FIELD PASS (4282m) – GUY YEOMAN (3505m)

From Kitandara, ascend the steep trail along Mount Baker's base to Fresh Field Pass, offering views of the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. Continue along the lengthy trail, passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter, a base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi's 1906 expedition, before spending the night at Guy Yeoman Hut.

DAY 10: NYABITABA (2651m) – NYAKALENGIJA (1615m)

Descend from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija in 3-4 hours, completing your trek by afternoon. Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying a game drive in Uganda's popular reserve, named after the Queen of England, offering diverse habitats from crater-dotted foothills to savanna, wetlands, and lowland forest along Lake Edward and the Ishasha River.

DAY 11: GAME DRIVE IN ISHASHA, DRIVE TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

Embark on a morning journey to Bwindi National Park, with an opportunity for a game drive in Ishasha Sector to spot tree-climbing lions. After lunch, proceed to Bwindi, renowned for gorilla trekking and serving as a sanctuary for elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, and various antelopes, along with 23 bird species unique to the Albertine region.

DAY 12: DRIVE TO BWINDI FOR GORILLA TREKKING

Early in the morning, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an exhilarating mountain gorilla trek, a captivating wildlife experience lasting 2 to 6 hours. Guided by an experienced ranger, gain remarkable insights into the flora, fauna, and the fascinating lifestyle of these incredible gorillas.

DAY 12: DRIVE TO KAMPALA AND DEPART

After breakfast, journey back to Kampala, crossing the equator for a photo opportunity. Purchase souvenirs, enjoy a quick picnic lunch, and then head to the airport for your return flight home.

DAY 9: KITANDARA (4023m) – FRESH FIELD PASS (4282m) – GUY YEOMAN (3505m)

From Kitandara, ascend the steep trail along Mount Baker's base to Fresh Field Pass, offering views of the Congo to the west and Mount Stanley to the north. Continue along the lengthy trail, passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter, a base camp for the Duke of Abruzzi's 1906 expedition, before spending the night at Guy Yeoman Hut.

DAY 10: NYABITABA (2651m) – NYAKALENGIJA (1615m)

Descend from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija in 3-4 hours, completing your trek by afternoon. Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying a game drive in Uganda's popular reserve, named after the Queen of England, offering diverse habitats from crater-dotted foothills to savanna, wetlands, and lowland forest along Lake Edward and the Ishasha River.

DAY 11: GAME DRIVE IN ISHASHA, DRIVE TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

Embark on a morning journey to Bwindi National Park, with an opportunity for a game drive in Ishasha Sector to spot tree-climbing lions. After lunch, proceed to Bwindi, renowned for gorilla trekking and serving as a sanctuary for elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, and various antelopes, along with 23 bird species unique to the Albertine region.

DAY 12: DRIVE TO BWINDI FOR GORILLA TREKKING

Early in the morning, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an exhilarating mountain gorilla trek, a captivating wildlife experience lasting 2 to 6 hours. Guided by an experienced ranger, gain remarkable insights into the flora, fauna, and the fascinating lifestyle of these incredible gorillas.

DAY 13: DRIVE TO KAMPALA AND DEPART

After breakfast, journey back to Kampala, crossing the equator for a photo opportunity. Purchase souvenirs, enjoy a quick picnic lunch, and then head to the airport for your return flight home.

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