16 Days Best of Rwenzori, Wildlife & Primates Adventure Safari

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a professional safari guide will greet you and provide a briefing on the adventure ahead. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe, where you can unwind after your flight, enjoying views of Lake Victoria.

• Optional activities: Visit the Botanical Gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre if time permits.

Accommodation: Lake Victoria View Guest House / Hotel No.5 (luxury option)

Meal Plan: Dinner

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive through lush countryside, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and small villages as you head to Kibale Forest National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your lodge nestled within the forest. In the evening, participate in a Bigodi Community Wetland Walk, where you’ll observe the harmonious relationship between people and nature, spot birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, and meet local artisans.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, head into Kibale Forest with experienced rangers for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure. Encounter families of playful chimpanzees swinging through the trees, as well as other primates like red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The afternoon offers leisure time or a visit to nearby crater lakes for a scenic walk.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s renowned savanna park, celebrated for its diverse wildlife and striking landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a sunset boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and crocodiles gather along the banks, and pelicans and kingfishers fill the skies.

Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart after breakfast for the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Arrive at Nyakalengija (1,615m) for a briefing from your mountain guide and prepare for the trek. Spend the night near the park before beginning your ascent.

Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge / Ruboni Community Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your adventure by registering at the park office, then trek through the tropical rainforest zone. Spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and birds like the Rwenzori turaco. The hike lasts 6–7 hours through lush vegetation, including crossing the Mubuku River and Afro-montane forest.

Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut

Continue through bamboo forests and montane zones, crossing the Bujuku River. Look out for duikers and many forest birds. The hike takes about 6–7 hours through bamboo and heather forest zones.

Accommodation: John Matte Hut

Trek into the heart of the Rwenzoris, entering the Bigo bogs and navigating through giant lobelias and groundsels via boardwalks. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Stanley and Mount Baker. The hike lasts 5–6 hours, passing through heather and alpine zones.

Accommodation: Bujuku Hut

Ascend through the upper alpine zone, passing beautiful alpine moss gardens. The trail climbs steeply toward the glacier zone beneath Mount Stanley. The hike takes 4–5 hours through high alpine vegetation.

Accommodation: Elena Hut

This is the highlight of the expedition. Begin your ascent before dawn, crossing the Stanley Glacier to reach Margherita Peak, Africa’s third-highest point. Enjoy panoramic views of the Congo and Uganda before descending to Kitandara Hut for the night. The round-trip hike takes about 8–10 hours, traversing glacial and rock zones.

Accommodation: Kitandara Hut

Descend through the Kabamba Valley, surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias. Enjoy scenic waterfalls and birdwatching opportunities during the 6–7 hour descent.

Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut

Descend through bamboo forests and montane vegetation, reaching the trailhead at Nyakalengija. Celebrate your successful climb and transfer to a lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park to rest and recover.

Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Safari Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, journey through the scenic Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi Forest, the habitat of mountain gorillas. In the evening, take part in a Batwa cultural tour and discover ancient forest traditions of this indigenous group.

Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin with an early breakfast, then trek into Bwindi’s dense rainforest for a gorilla encounter. Spend time with a gorilla family in their natural environment. Later, transfer to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known as “the lake of a thousand islands.”

Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi, then drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most charming savanna park. In the evening, embark on a game drive to spot zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, and buffaloes.

Accommodation: Kigarama Wilderness Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a guided nature walk with a ranger through Lake Mburo’s rolling hills, providing a unique opportunity to walk safely among wildlife. Afterwards, transfer to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator crossing for lunch, photos, and souvenir shopping. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your evening flight, concluding your 16-Day Rwenzori, Wildlife, and Primates Adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch