18 Days - UGANDA ~ Climbing Expedition & Monkey Business

Day notes

Arrive at Kigali International Airport. On your arrival you will be met by your driver/guide. Having passed immigration and luggage collection please exit the arrival hall and look out for your guide who will be holding up a signboard with your name. Transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day notes

After breakfast, go for a morning city tour visiting interesting spots which may include; the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site, Kigali museum. Stop for lunch in the city before being transferred to Bwindi National park by road.

Drive 3-3.5 hours to Cyanika border. Cross the border into Uganda (30 minutes to an hour) and continue to Kisoro Travellers Rest

Day notes

After an early breakfast, you will tranfser to the headquarters of Mgahinga National Park, where you will check in at 8h00 latest for your Gorilla Trek. After a short briefing, you will trek to see the oldest habituated Mountain gorilla family in Uganda, and only habituated family in the Mgahinga area, known as the Nyakagezi group. This is a very exclusive experience, as there is only one trek a day with one group. Once you reach the Gorilla Family, you will spend the allotted 1hr with them, studying their behaviour with great photographic opportunities, before returning to the headquarters, for your transfer back to the lodge. 

As there is only one group in this area, it cannot be guaranteed where the the family will be on the given day, therefore the trek can range anywhere from 4hrs - 8hrs. Expect the terrain to be muddy and steep as you will be trekking through the forest mountain areas.

The Nyakagezi Family Consists of;

10 members: 5 Silverbacks, 2 adult females, 2 juveniles and 1 infant

Day notes

After an early breakfast, you will tranfser to the headquarters of Mgahinga National Park, where you will check in at 8h00 latest. After a short briefing, you will depart with a park guide and a maximum of 8 - 10 people per guide will trek from the headquarters. The trek will take between 4 -5hrs - including 1hr with the Golden Monkeys. Expect the terrain to be muddy and steep as you will be trekking through the forest mountain areas.

After the trek return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day notes

After an early breakfast, you will transfer for the start if your hike.

At 3,669m, Mt. Sabyinyo is a one day hike, following a steep ridge up to the peak. Starting from Ntebeko gate, the 14km round trip takes approximately 8 hours, 4 hours to the summit and 4 hours back, however this may change depending on your pace and the weather. Despite being considered to be the oldest of the three peaks in the park it is not the highest but stands at a towering 3,669m. Its summit is very unique as it is dissected not only by 3 countries (Uganda, Rwanda & D.R.C.) but also by 3 National Parks (Mgahinga NP, Volcanoes NP & Virunga NP respectively). The word ‘Iryinyo’ in the local dialect of Kinyarwanda means ‘tooth’ and gives rise to the translation of ‘Sabyinyo’ into ‘Old Man’s Teeth’. Such a name was attributed to this extinct volcano, as its three peaks resemble serrated teeth. Unlike the perfect conical summits of its neighbouring mountains. This trek is steep (45-60 degrees) and pathways are likely to be very slippery particularly on your descent, so we can recommend making use of a walking stick. If you are scared of heights we would not recommend this hike as parts of it will have you looking over deep drops into gorges. The 2 false summit points make for good rest stops before you scrabble up some ladders to help you reach the final summit, where to will get a 360 degree experience!

If you do not want to trek Mt. Sabyinyo, there are other options available as follows:

MT. MUHUVARA:

After checking in at Ntebeko gate, you will drive 30 minutes to base of the mountain to start your hike. The 12km round trip should take your around 8 hours. A good level of fitness is required for this hike in order for you to return to the base before it gets dark and to deal with the ladders along the way. Be prepared for steep inclines and slippery pathways if it has rained.

Another dormant volcano, Mt. Muhuvara (aka Mt. Muhabura) is thought to be the youngest of the three peaks in the park, but is also the tallest with its summit reaching 4,127m. Its summit is crested with a crater lake around 36m across. This volcano straddles both Ugandan and Rwanda within the boundaries of Mgahinga NP & Volcanoes NP. The mountain slopes are characterized by marvellous alpine vegetation. The word Muhavura means ‘guide’ in the local language Kinyarwanda, possibly as its peak was used to help with navigation. Those who reach the summit on a clear day will be rewarded with views of 5 of the other Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori mountains.

For easier trails you may choose one of the following:

SABYINYO GORGE HIKE:

This 4 hour hike takes you deep through the forest to the vast Sabyinyo Gorge, a massive ravine in the flank of Mount Sabyinyo. This walk passes through the Rugezi Swamp which is a highlight for bird watchers who have a change to find the famed Rwenzori turaco.

BORDER TRAIL:

This trail leads you through a variation of vegetation zones alongside the border with D.R.C. in about 4 hours. Hikers will be treated to views of the calderas on top of Gisozi hill, the towns of Kisoro and Bunagana and the beautiful Lake Mutanda.

MOUNT MGAHINGA:

If you are a moderately fit hiker, the Mgahinga trail will suit your abilities. The round trip should take you approximately 6 hours and starts from Ntebeko gate. This dormant volcano lies across Uganda and Rwanda and in between Mt. Muhuvara and Mt. Sabyinyo, standing as the smallest of the three peaks at 3,474m. The word ‘Gahinga’ translates from the local dialect as “a small pile of stones” and comes from the local practice of tidying the volcanic debris that clutters local farmland into neat cairns or ‘gahinga’. The same name is also given to the National Park within which it belongs. Hikers can expect to traverse through mainly bamboo forests before discovering the mystical looking giant lobelias and a swamp filled crater at the summit. This caldera is estimated to be 180 meters across.

After the trek transfer to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge for a change of scenery.

Day notes

After breakfast, you will drive from Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, via Bushenyi and head to northern sector Queen Elizabeth National park, where you will take a short game drive on the way to Parkview Safari Lodge. 

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the county’s most popular parks. Volcanic craters, grassy plains, tropical forest and giant lakes connected by a channel inhabited by abundant hippos, are what you will see at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is famous for it's tree climbing lions, and has almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different bird species, including the peculiar shoebill.  Other wildlife includes buffalo, the rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, Uganda kob, Defassa waterbuck, chimpanzees and elephant. 

Day notes

Your morning wake-up call at 6h00 will be accompanied by fresh tea & coffee, in preparation for an early morning game drive- the best time of day to spot wildlife. The Kasenyi sector on the east side of the Kasese road is best known for the lions which prey on the large population of Uganda Kob that live in this area. Another common, but unexpected sighting in Queen Elizabeth is the Giant Forest Hog, Africa’s largest pig, which is usually associated with dense forests rather than semi-open thickets.

Head back to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon embark on one of the boats for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The 36km channel connects two Rift Valley lakes: Edward and George. These are named after Queen Victoria’s son and heir, Edward VII and his own successor, George V.

After your boat trip transfer onto Kasese for your overnight stay. Tomorrow you will begin your discovery of the famous 'Mountains of the Moon', with the main attraction being the Afro-Montane rainforest found above 3,000 m which includes the giant forms of lobelia, heather and groundsel.

Day notes

Drive 30 minutes from your hotel to Kyanjuki base camp/Trekkers Hostel, where you will meet your guides for a briefing at 8h00 and also arrange porters.  After this you will walk 2.2km which will take approximately 45minutes to 1 hour to reach the UWA park gate to sign in and pay the park entrance fees. Your trek then begins by walking up the valley floor through tall forest trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb with a chance to see multitudes of birds and blue monkeys scampering off through the forest. At times visitors may see troupes of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys as they swing through the tree tops. There are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King of the kingdon of Rwenzururu (aka Omusinga) or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and moss and lichen covered vines hanging from the tall trees creating awesome canopies. Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut and offer a splendid opportunity to capture a great sight for your memories.

Sleep at Sine Hut at 2,596 meters, or those who are fit and want to proceed on to Kalalama Camp at 3,134 metres they may do so to get fantastic views and to allow you more time at Mutinda Camp where you can climb on up to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 metres.

Day notes

Trekking starts at 8h30 and almost immediately 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 making the pace slow. However the atmosphere in the forest is beautiful as you climb 551 metres in altitude and a distance of 1.8km 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 3,582 metres. 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 a pass 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 with 'old man beards' (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, filled with an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a ethereal 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. For those clients who are climbing to Margherita or any of the main peaks climbing up to Mutinda Lookout is also an excellent way to acclimatise and reduce the risk of high altitude sickness. Overnight Mutinda Camp 3,582 metres.

Day notes

Enter the Alpine Zone. 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.  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. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), giant groundsel (Senecio adnivalis) and Giant lobelia (Lobellia gibberoa).  There are a many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus) which are a sub-species only found in the Rwenzori Mountains. In the past they have been very hard to see due to the thick vegetation but since a big fire, which burnt across the alpine region of the Rwenzori Mountains, they are now easier to see in the new shorter growth. In the dryer season you may choose to walk directly up the valley but a more scenic trail meanders along the hilltops with fantastic views of Lake Nusuranja from Plozza Rock.  From Plozza Rock you also get fantastic views down the valley of nine lakes ringed by rugged peaks and ridges.  Overnight Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters.

Day notes

Early morning set off around Lake Bugata and the outlet of Kopello Lake, then climb 200 metres to the confluence of the two valleys. As you descend down the upper areas of the Nyamwamba Valley there is a large area of thick Giant Groundsel with dense evergreen undergrowth and moss with rocky peaks towering above. As you descend the valley you will notice the terrain is made up of several flat boggy areas where millions of years ago glaciers sat and melted leaving a wall of big rocks in front of where it lay. The valley is home to many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus). At night you may stay in Kiharo Camp at 3,460 metres, an area rich in evergreen plants and babbling streams. At night the air is filled with the calls of the rock hyrax as they sit in the rocky cliffs high above. Note:- As it is necessary to skip one of the camps you may either stay in Kiharo and enjoy the lush vegetation and rocky cliffs or may chose to descend to Samalira Camp at 3,170 meters, making a shorter trek down to base camp the following day. 

Day notes

After a hearty breakfast your last walk is down a valley which is home to many species of birds who dart in and out the thick vegetation. Chameleons are a common sight as they crawl along the branches of the thick vegetation feeding on insects. You may catch a glimpse of a Duiker quietly feeding surrounded by Giant Lobellias and a variety of flowering plants in a clearing. After descending a few kilometres you climb two hundred metres in height to a ridge overlooking the valley, before crossing several small valleys and streams to Kyalavula. This means 'view' or 'lookout' in the local Bakonzo language and the spot provides beautiful views down the valley and across to Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From here you descend down a long ridge, through the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone and Afro Montane Forest Zone back down to base camp in Kilembe where you will meet your driver. Transfer (3 hours) to Papaya Lodge for your overnight stay in Kibale.

Day notes

After breakfast, report to the ranger headquarters at 07h45 in Kibale Forest National Park to track habituated chimpanzees. These engaging apes, our closest living relative, are great fun to watch as they play and fight in the fruiting trees. Your experienced guides will introduce you to the different members of the chimp families. The trails through the forest are generally easy to navigate and you will always be accompanied by Rangers.

The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into areas of Kibale Forest. Occasionally other large mammals such as buffalo, giant forest hog and numerous antelope species can also be seen. Birders will be on the look-out for an incredible list of 335 bird species. Butterfly lovers and botanists will be impressed by equally long lists of rare and endemic forest species. Some of the birds you might spot are the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, barbets, woodpeckers, blue-throated rollers, grey parrot, bronze sunbirds, grey-backed black finch, swamp flycatcher…and so the list goes on.

In the afternoon visit the neighboring Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Cleverly constructed boardwalks lead you through the Papyrus plants. With over 130 bird species, multi-coloured butterflies, eight different species of primates and the rare, semi-aquatic Sitatunga (antelope), this is community tourism at its best.

Day notes

After breakfast, you will transfer to Entebbe on a slow drive, where you can stop along the equator for a photo opportunity.

Check into your hotel for an early evening of relaxing before your white-water rafting adventure tomorrow.

Day notes

At 6 am, after an early breakfast, depart Cassia Lodge and head out to Jinja for a full day of white-water rafting. on the mighty river Nile. 

The White Nile has up to seven times the volume of the Zambezi. It thunders between heavily forested islands and then leaps widely into a series of spectacular drops. You will plunge into the rapids and ride the mountainous waves downstream whilst relaxing and swimming in warm pools in the equatorial sunshine during parts of the trip. This is white water rafting at its best!

You will be given an introduction before departing with large rubber boats taking eight people and a guide. A safety boat will accompany you all throughout the trip so you can enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of world-class white water rafting in the security of knowing that you are in the safest hands. The river is full of grade five rapids so be prepared to hold your breath when plunging into the rapids! Besides the adrenaline rush the rural scenery along the river side’s make for an exhilarating day. 

In the afternoon return to Kampala.

Day notes

After a relaxed breakfast, take a morning city tour of Kampala, eating at one of the many restaurants for lunch, and transfer to Entebbe Inernational Airport for your departure flight