10 Days Queen Elizabeth, Mount Rwenzori Hike and Gorilla Safari

Early wake up for a sunrise game drive in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The afternoon activity is a spectacular boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.  You will then drive to Kasese at the foothills of Mount Rwenzori for the next days adventure.

Have a light breakfast as you will need your strength to start off the hike. The idea is to maintain a steady flow of energy as your driver transfers you to the starting point of the trek at the bottom of the Rwenzori Mountain range. Cross through the lower section of afro montane forest and bamboo often flooded by primates to Enock’s falls near Sine Camp.

Breakfast served at Sine Camp at day break and a steady climb over the steep bamboo zone to Kalalama camp begins. Rest for a while at Kalalama with some lunch and snacks then pick up the hike on the 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and Gorilla safari in the afternoon to Mutinda outlook through a valley dominated by giant heathers whose trunks are covered in green moss. At Mutinda outlook, catch glimpses of Lake George and Kasese town over the horizon.

Strap your boots in as the hike continues over the Mutinda and Namusangi valleys through muddy pools awestricken by giant lobelia, everlasting flowers and Giant groundsel. After a bush lunch, continue over the Mutinda peaks to Bugata Camp over Lake Bugata. On this fifth day of the 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and Gorilla safari, you can clearly catch some glimpses of Lake Kopello and Weismann’s Peak.

Today is the day you achieve the goal of your 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and Gorilla safari. Have a warm breakfast then pick up the pace over a cliff above Lake Bugata to Lake Kopello. Most of the journey from here is on the edges of the Lake and steep rocks to Weismann’s peak. Once you arrive at the peak, your journey will be entirely worth it as you marvel at endless views across the western Ugandan horizon.

After achieving this goal of reaching the peak, start your descent through the Nyamwamba valley that was once home to great glacial activity. Watch out for sharp rocks in the valley bed and also keep an eye out for the red forest duikers that are common in this valley. Arrive at Kiharo Camp where you will have dinner and a night’s rest.

This seventh day marks the end of the hike as part of the 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and Gorilla safari. Continue to further hike down the Nyamwamba valley after breakfast with great views of the streams, river and waterfalls. Lunch will be at River side Rock shelter before continuing to your previous lodge for dinner and some rest.

The main goal on this day of the 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and Gorilla safari is to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey is approximately 6 hours long so expect to have your lunch enroute. The most thrilling thing about this road trip though is a stop at the equator before continuing to check into your lodge at Bwindi.

It is time for some action at Bwindi for the 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and Gorilla safari. Just after an early morning breakfast, assemble at the park headquarters for a short briefing and then you will be led away by a ranger in a group of 8 to trek Gorillas through the thick under-growth of the forest until you come before the apes’ hideout.

Take some pictures within 8 – 10 meters away from the gorillas as they go on about their day to day lives without a care of your presence. You will watch them play and feed their young and also pick ticks off each other. Enjoy a packed bush lunch before heading back to your lodge for dinner and to chill the evening away preparing for more of the 10 days Mt Rwenzori hike and gorilla safari.

You will get into your vehicle as you enjoy one last sway around the park to view some outstanding scenery on your way to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Lunch and refreshments will be availed en-route as you reminiscence on the adventure that you have had.