RWENZORI ADVENTURE TREK

Day 1:  10th October, 2024  

Arrival and Transfer to the Hotel in Kampala

Journey time: 45mins – 1 Hour

Upon arrival at Entebbe Int. Airport, you will be received by our guide and transfer to the hotel in Kampala City. Based on arrival time, a city tour is available on request basis.

Day 2:  11th October, 2024  

Journey to Kasese via the Equator and Mbarara City  

Journey Time: 6 – 7 Hours

Have an early breakfast and set off to Kasese-the gateway to Rwenzori Mountains via Mbarara City. Make your first stopover at the Equator for a photo opportunity; lunch will be at a restaurant in Mbarara and continue with the journey.  

Continue to the lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park and get checked-in. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to recuperate and get set for the trek.

Transfer to Trekkers Hotel and Kick off the Trek up to Sine Hut 

Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Trekkers Hostel in Kyanjuki, Kilembe, 12 kilometres 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 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.

Day 4:        13th October, 2024    

The trek challenge continues up to Mutinda Camp

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 is 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 

Day 5:        14th October, 2024     

Trek and camp at Bugata Camp (3,688 M to 4,062 Meters – 4.9km)

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.

Overnight: Mountain Camps

Meal Plan: Full Board 

Day 6:        15th October, 2024     

Reach Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjara Pass at 4,450 Meters

Today, you will trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjara Pass. As you leave Bugata Camp you pass up a ridge then drop down slightly before ascending to Bamwanjara 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.

Overnight: Mountain Camps

Meal Plan: Full Board 

Day 7:        16th October, 2024    

The trek continues up to Margherita Camp at 4,485 Metres

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 during his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Overnight: Mountain Camps

Meal Plan: Full Board 

Day 8:        17th October, 2024     

Finally, at Margherita Peak on Mt Stanley (5,109 Metres A.S.L)

Today you will wake up at 2am and grab 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

Day 9:        18th October, 2024     

Best Views of all the three Peaks and camp at Kiharo

Trek Duration: 6 – 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 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 leaving a pile of rocks and debris.

Overnight: Mountain Camps

Meal Plan: Full Board 

Day 10:      19th October, 2024     

Descend Rwenzori back to Kasese and stay at Leisure

Today you will descend from Kiharo Camp to the park gate (5 to 8 hours). The trail down 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 the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. A few kilometres from Kiharo Camp the path turns off to the right along the river. At the bottom you meet at Riverside Rock Shelter where you will have lunch. After crossing a small stream, 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.

Thereafter transfer to the lodge and check-in to stay at leisure. Dinner included.    

Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – or similar 

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11:      20th October, 2024     

Guided Game Drive with Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Early breakfast and depart for a game drive at 06:30AM.  Start off with a Guided Game Drive: On safari, explore the highlights of this wonderful national park. Expect to sight a variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy scenic views of several crater lakes like Nyamunuka – medicinal to the animals and Munyanyange – frequented by flamingos. The safari is crowned with cool views at sunrise with a visit to Lake Katwe to learn about traditional salt mining and interact with the locals.

Thereafter, head to Mweya Safari Lodge for a hot lunch and refreshment.

After lunch next is Kazinga Channel boat cruise – this is the main activity after lunch where you will spot a number of birds like; the African fish eagle, pelicans, flamingos, Hammerkop, egrets, the African fin foot, pied kingfishers, marabou storks, vultures, kites and many more, together with animals like hippos, buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks and more as most of them visit to water and cool off.

From the boat enjoy an evening game drive on your way to the lodge.

Return to the lodge late evening and refresh for dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – or similar 

Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 12:   21st October, 2024  

Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Journey time: 5 – 6 Hours

Have breakfast at the lodge and check-out. At 07:00am (subject to change) head out to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Stopover en-route for lunch and proceed. Arrive at the lodge and check-in with the rest of the day at leisure or go for Batwa Cultural Tour.

Optional Activity: Batwa Cultural Trail – This 3 hour trail exhibits a mutual relationship between the Batwa and the jungle before their expulsion in the process of converting this forest into a protected reserve. In a bid to promote their unique heritage and traditions; the Batwa will walk you through their small pocket forests, showcasing a nomadic culture during their occupation of the rain forest. Approach the Batwa settlement and observe how the women go about cooking and serving a traditional meal. Continue to visit herbalists so as to explore the various herbs plus medicinal significance, and listening to ancient legends alongside traditional songs. You will as well explore their lifestyle (from religion to food gathering, and hunting skills).

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is reputable for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 with a forest covering 32,000 hectares.

Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge – or similar

Day 13:       22nd October, 2024  

Gorilla tracking experience and off to Lake Mburo National Park  

After an early breakfast you will be handed a lunchbox and mineral water to put in your backpack and proceed to the visitor information centre.

Upon completing park formalities, you will embark on a once in a life time experience of tracking the elusive mountain gorillas. Once you meet the gorillas on a tracking adventure, you are allowed between 1 to 2 hours watching and photographing the gentle apes including the silverback. This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experience on earth!!! You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 700 living today, but you will get within meters with the gorillas in the process of creating a new family. Gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous lasting an hour at a relatively high altitude. During the trek, your ranger guide will identify a safe and scenic spot for your picnic lunch after which you will proceed with the trek or back to the lodge (Subject to change). Come in hiking boots, trousers, and gloves for protection against stinging nettles as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. 

After the trek, travel to Lake Mburo National Park; arriving late evening for dinner.

Overnight: Mpogo Safari Lodge – or similar 

Day 14:      23rd October, 2024  

Guided walking safari and travel back to Kampala  

Journey Time: 4 – 5 Hours

Have breakfast at the lodge; and go for a guided walking safari in the park.

Lake Mburo Walking Safari experience: This foot safari kicks off at 07:00am lasting up to 2 hours – depending on your interest points. Unlike other Ugandan parks, Lake Mburo National Park is considered the safest since the only wild cat usually spotted here is the leopard and shy to humans. Accompanied by a ranger guide, walk starts from Rwonyo leading you all the way to the saltlicks; a spot frequented by grazers to supplement their diet on salty rocks and muddy clay. Expect sighting animals such as impalas, elands, zebras, buffaloes, Uganda kob and the recently introduced giraffes. You will be see more animals on the way such as hippos returning from the lake to graze as well as hyenas on their return to the dens. Hike to the hilltop view point from where you will spot 9 of the 14 magnificent lakes situated within the park; the view is splendid and worthwhile! Lake Mburo is notably endowed with over 315 bird species; some at Rwonyo (mosque swallow, black-bellied bustard, bare-faced-go-away-bird and more).

Return to the lodge for an early lunch and refreshment. After lunch depart Lake Mburo back to Kampala City (stopping-over at the equator for a photo opportunity).   

Day 15:    24th October, 2024   

Kampala City Tour, Airport transfer and departure

Journey time: 1 Hour

Early breakfast and check-out. Join your guide at 08:30am to kick off with the city tour.
Kampala City Tour: This excursion takes you to cultural and historical land marks together with exploring the lifestyle of Ugandans, and shopping for souvenirs. The highlights include: Nakasero market: Established in 1895 moving to its current location in 1905. Temples such as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Baha’i Temple. It continues to Kabaka’s (king’s) palace; with Idd Amin torture chambers and sightseeing Buganda clan monuments. You will as well tour Gadhafi National Mosque for an insight into a Ugandan Islamic culture with a 360 degree birds’ eye view of Kampala City. Lastly at Uganda National Museum; oldest in East Africa, established by the British in 1908 to its current location in 1954.

Thereafter (depending on your flight schedule) transfer to Entebbe Airport. Arrive on time and check-in for your onward flight.