15 Days Rwenzori Adventure Trek Safari

Journey Time: 6 – 7 Hours

Have an early breakfast and start off your journey to Kasese-the gateway to Rwenzori Mountains via Fort Portal Town (En-route lunch included in Fort Portal).
You will also visit Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves together with the crater lakes found in this scenic place.
After the nature – culture tour, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Check-in at the lodge with the rest of this day at leisure.


Overnight: Marafiki Safari Lodge (Standard) | Marafiki Safari Lodge (Deluxe) | Buffalo Safari Lodge (Deluxe) – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board

Today after breakfast, you will transfer to Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjuki, Kilembe, 12 kilometers from Kasese town. It is best to start the trek by 9 am but you can leave as late as 11am. You walk 2.2km to the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers post at 1,727 meters, which takes about one hour. Here you pay the gate entrance fee and the rangers brief you on the rules of the National Park. Guides generally brief clients the night before the trek.
You will start by walking up the valley floor through tall forest trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb. You will see many birds and blue monkeys scampering off through the forest. At times you may see troupes of 15-20 colobus monkeys swinging through the tree tops. The flora is also beautiful.

You will sleep at Sine Camp at 2,596 meters’ altitude in wooden huts set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge where you may sit and enjoy the beauty of the Afro Montane Forest while you look down at the fantastic Enock’s Falls just 200 meters from Sine Hut, crashing over the rocks far below. Sine is just below the bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species. Those who are fit and want to proceed to Kalama Camp at 3,134 meters may do so and apart from the fantastic views gives you more time at Mutinda Camp where you may climb up to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 meters with great views.

Overnight: Mountain Camps
Mean Plan: Full Board

After a sumptuous breakfast, trekking starts at 8.30am and you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is a steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery therefore the walk is slow and careful. However, the atmosphere and the forest are beautiful as you climb to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters which is in the Heather-Rapanea Zone where you can take a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp. The trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again, and in doing so crosses several small streams and passes close to moss covered waterfalls.

You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss hanging from the branches. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. In the afternoon you may wish to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout (one to two hours up and one hour down). The views are amazing as you stand on moss covered rocks at 3,925 meters with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town and Lake George.

Overnight: Mountain Camps
Meal Plan: Full Board

The trail here is boggy, particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. Several boardwalks are set across the worst of the bogs to make walking easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.

The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs and crossing several bogs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters. Bugata Camp is situated way up Bamwanjara Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers, St John’s Wort, giant groundsel and giant lobelia. Bugata Camp has good facilities, solar lights, good toilets and bathrooms where you can have warm water. Bugata also has a helipad for rescue purposes (insurance highly recommended).

Overnight: Mountain Camps
Meal Plan: Full Board

Today, you will trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjarra Pass. As you leave Bugata Camp you pass up a ridge then drop down slightly before ascending to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters where we have a hut should the weather turn bad. From the pass on a clear day, you get excellent views of the three main peaks.

The trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick ever green vegetation, moss, giant groundsel and lobelia. Here is possibly the best place in all the Rwenzori to observe the Malachite Sunbird as it feeds on the many lobelia flowers and a known breeding site. Further on, there is some steep sections before a steady climb up and over a ridge to Hunwick's Camp which is situated on the top of a deep valley and has good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.

From Hunwick's you will pass down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here you climb up Scott Elliott's pass then up the ridge to Margherita Camp 4,485 metres which is situated between some huge rocks and offering some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Overnight: Mountain Camps
Meal Plan: Full Board

Today you will wake up at 2am and catch an early breakfast before heading off to climb Mt Stanley at 2.30am. This is necessary as the weather has changed a lot and often even during the dryer season the mountain is closed in heavy clouds and snow falls from 1 pm to 4pm and this happens within a short period of 10 to 15 minutes as the clouds rise up from the extensive Congo rainforests. Due to weather patterns a strict turnaround time of 10am is followed, so if the peak is not reached before 10am you must turn around regardless, in the interests of safety. Margherita glacier has also suffered with global warming and as the outer edges of the glacier recede the ice is becoming steeper with one section of about 200 meters more than 60% grade. Much of the blacker has melted underneath causing caves under the ice.

Follow guide’s advice about where to pass. For those with less mountaineering experience, stay on Stanley glacier and climb up to a good vantage point on a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak to enjoy fantastic views over Congo and the lower mountain ridges. After ascending the peak at 5,109 metres you then pass directly down to Hunwick's Camp at 3.874 metres.

Overnight: Mountain Camps
Meal Plan: Full Board

Trek Duration: 4 – 7 Hours

From Hunwick’s Camp you will start the day by climbing up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong where you get the best views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass before reaching Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 metres. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Oliver’s Pass is 3km. The trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River which flows down through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elisabeth National Park.

If you wish to climb Weismann’s Peak 4,620 meters you can continue through Oliver’s pass. On a clear day you get fantastic views of Margherita and Mt Stanley, Mt Speke and Mt Baker. After crossing the confluence, the trail meanders down the valley to Kiharo Camp which is situated in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation.
On the way down the valley after each bog you will climb over a ridge of stones and earth which seems out of place but actually was pushed there by slow moving glaciers which eventually stopped moving, melted and left a pile of rocks and debris in front of where the glacier once stood.

Overnight: Mountain Camps
Meal Plan: Full Board

Today you will descend from Kiharo Camp to the park gate (5 to 8 hours). The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. The moss-covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. A few kilometers from Kiharo Camp the path turns off to the right to pass along the river.

In the clear areas you may catch a glimpse of a duiker quietly feeding in small clearings as you pass along the river. A few kilometers down the river it becomes very steep with multitudes of waterfalls so you have to move away from the river and follow a narrow ridge to bypass steep sections. At the bottom you meet the river again at Riverside Rock Shelter where you will have lunch.

After crossing a small stream, you climb up a gentle slope as it is way too steep close to the river. The forest along this section is truly beautiful with many birds, primates, duikers and hyrax. A great experience and ending to a fantastic trek.

Transfer to the lodge and stay at leisure to recuperate from the long trek.
Packing List for the Rwenzori Trek:

 Sleeping Bag
 Camping Mat
 Warm Cloths
 Gloves
 Rain Gear/Rain coats
 Plastic bags for wet cloths
 Energy snacks & drinks
 Personal medication
 Hiking Boots
 Gum Boots
 Extra equipment


Overnight: Marafiki Safari Lodge (Standard) | Marafiki Safari Lodge (Deluxe) | Buffalo Safari Lodge (Deluxe) – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (one lunch for Ishasha)

Have breakfast at the hotel on a leisurely morning, with an early lunch included.
After lunch proceed to Kazinga Channel to have a boat cruise. On your Boat Cruise along Kazinga Channel & expect:

• Birding (different species in large numbers)
• Crocodiles, Buffaloes and hippos on the shores
• View of a fishing community from the boat
• View of Mweya Peninsular from Kazinga Channel
• Information about the park’s history and attractions

After the boat cruise, continue exploring the park on an evening game drive exploring the parks flora made up of animals like; lions, elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, and many more with a variety of birds.
Return to the lodge later on and have dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Marafiki Safari Lodge (Standard) | Marafiki Safari Lodge (Deluxe) | Buffalo Safari Lodge (Deluxe) – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: 5 – 6 Hours

After an early breakfast, at 6am you will travel to Bwindi Impenetrable N. Park through Ishasha Sector.
Explore Ishasha Sector exclusively with a minimal encounter of other visitors; admire its beautiful scenery, a variety of animals, birds and butterflies. Ishasha is famous for its Tree climbing lions; these are sighted hanging high up in the acacia or fig trees in order to avoid flies especially after a kill as well as spotting their next prey ground for a kill.

You will have a picnic lunch near R. Ishasha and thereafter proceed with the rest of the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrival is foreseen in the evening with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi G. Lodge – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board

After breakfast and packed lunch, transfer to the park office for briefing in time (by 8am). Gorilla Tracking will get you up close and personal with the Gorillas and spend a full hour watching, photographing and learning more about the giant peaceful apes limited to only Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

You will also see several birds and butterflies as this park is home to over 348 bird species (African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimson and more), together with 220 butterfly species awaiting your visit.
In the afternoon visiting the Batwa people with activities like;
 Demonstration of ancient hunting skills
 Batwa village life of the old days
 Explore medicinal herbs and use
 Cultural dances and storytelling
 Traditional food preparation
 Local beer brews and tasting
You will be back to the lodge later in the evening and refresh for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi G. Lodge – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: 3 – 4 Hours

After breakfast at sunrise, travel to Ntungamo; home of Nshenyi Cultural Village. On arrival explore Nshenyi Cultural Village and later taste a traditional lunch from western Uganda.

Nshenyi is a convergence point of the 3 east African countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Situated on a farm next to Kitwe Town on the edge of Ntungamo District. This traditionally pastoral land is characterized by rolling hills, savannah grasslands, and acacia trees, an ideal location for cattle rearing. Large banana plantations are very common here, together with subsistence and commercial crops on many farms within.

At Nshenyi explore any of the below optional activities:
 Walk to the convergence point of Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania
 Try out your milking skills (long horned Ankole cows)
 Watch milk being processed and presented
 Guided farm visits and apiculture
 Bird watching and tree planting
 Sundowner walks in the villages
You will spend the night at Nshenyi for a complete cultural experience with dinner here.

Overnight: Nshenyi Guest Cottages
Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: 5 – 6 Hours

After an early breakfast, at 6am depart Nshenyi to Entebbe via the Equator (your lunch stopover at a restaurant). Take some pictures at the equator.
Proceed with the journey to Entebbe, arriving to check in depending on your flight schedule. If you have a late flight, choose to have a brief tour of Entebbe.

Basis: Bed & Breakfast
END OF SAFARI


DISCLAIMER
1) The journey time(s) stated in the itinerary is estimation and it is subject to variation depending on traffic and road conditions.
2) Listed accommodation options are subject to availability at the time of booking. If not available, similar properties will be considered.