English
FrenchGorilla & Rwenzori Expedition in Uganda
Offered by - Primate World Safaris (U) Ltd
Tour Features
This gorillas and Rwenzori expedition take you on the ultimate journey to discover Uganda’s gorillas, and chimpanzees as well as the fabled Rwenzori mountains. You will get to meet the gorillas and chimps in their natural habitat, as well as climb to the rooftop top of Uganda at the peak of the Rwenzori mountains. From the magic of looking into the eyes of a big silverback gorilla to conquering the toughest climb in Africa, your adventure will be one that very many have dreamt about and but few have been lucky to live and experience. While this expedition is a test of both the human will and body, it is completely worth it and possible for most people. Get ready to witness the beauty of nature and test your limits on this unforgettable expedition. Take a closer look at the full itinerary to get a clear idea of what this safari would feel like for you. Keep in mind that all our trips are very customizable and can be personalized to match your needs.
| Budget tour | This budget tour includes camping and tented camps. |
| Can be customized | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private tour | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo travel available | Solo travelers can book this tour. |
| Can start any day | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age required | The minimum age for this tour is 5 years. |
| Transportation | This tour uses: Roof minivan, Walking. |
Route & Activities
Uganda
Activities Included
Accommodation & Meals
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1 | Papyrus Guest House No images available | Breakfast Included |
| 2-3 | Rushaga Gorilla Lodge No images available | All Meals Included |
| 4 | Trekkers Hostel No images available | All Meals Included |
| 5 | Sine Hut – 2,585 meters. No images available | All Meals Included |
| 6 | Mutinda Camp No images available | All Meals Included |
| 7 | Bugata Camp. No images available | All Meals Included |
| 8 | Hunwick’s Camp No images available | All Meals Included |
| 9 | Margherita Camp. No images available | All Meals Included |
| 10 | Hunwick’s Camp. No images available | All Meals Included |
| 11 | Kiharo Camp No images available | All Meals Included |
| 12 | Trekkers Hostel. No images available | All Meals Included |
| 13-14 | Kibale Forest Camp No images available | All Meals Included |
| 15 | Budget Accommodation No images available | Breakfast & Lunch Included |
Arrival (See Getting There for more details)
- A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Day 1 - Airport pickupOur driver/guide will wait for you at Entebbe International Airport and welcome you to Uganda. You will then be transferred to your hotel for the night.
Main Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
- Day 2 - Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkYou will embark on a drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The 9-hour journey will take you through the Ugandan countryside with farms, small towns, plantations, and interesting landscapes on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are plenty of interesting stopovers along the way including lunch in Mbarara. You will reach your lodge in the evening.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 3 - Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkToday is the big day! Prepare yourself for an encounter with the gentle giants; the rare mountain gorillas. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour. You will go into the forest in groups of not more than 8 in search of mountain gorillas. En route, your guide will point out previous signs of gorilla activity such as dung, nests, and chewed bamboo shoots. Your trek will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes, and bamboo. Upon finding the gorillas, you will spend a maximum of 1 hour with them after which you will be led back to the starting point.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 4 - Drive from Bwindi to Kasese Town.We depart early today because it’s a fairly long drive to Kasese. The drive takes approximately 7 hours. You will reach Trekkers Hostel early and have time to rest and get well-prepared to start your mountain climbing adventure. Trekkers Hostel is 12 kilometers from Kasese town in a deep valley at the end of the road leading to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The surroundings are delightfully green and you can enjoy the cool weather as the hostel is situated at 1,450 meters above sea level – which is nearly 500 meters in height above the nearby Kasese town.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Trekkers Hostel
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 5 - Hike to Sine Hut (2,596 meters)You will start by walking up the valley floor through the tall forest trees of the Afro-Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb with multitudes of birds and a chance of seeing a wild chimpanzee or blue monkey scampering off through the forest. At times visitors may see troupes of 15 to 20 Colobus monkeys scampering through the treetops. There are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and is protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga. There is a wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and many mosses and lichen-covered vines hanging from the tall trees creating an awesome appeal. Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut and offer a splendid opportunity to capture a great screensaver for your memories. The wooden hut is a set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge, and a large verandah where you may sit and enjoy the beauty of the Afro-Montane forest while you look down at a fantastic waterfall crashing over the rocks far below. Sine Hut is just below the bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Sine Hut – 2,585 meters.
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 6 - Climb to Mutinda CampAfter a good breakfast, trekking starts at 8.30 am. You will enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is a steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season, the bamboo area is rather muddy and slippery making the progress slow. However, the atmosphere and the forests are beautiful as you climb 551 meters altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters. This camp 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. It crosses several small streams and passes close to moss-covered waterfalls. You will then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river that 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, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. Eventually, you get to Mutinda Camp which is set near a small river that drops off a waterfall and offers a chance to wash, refresh and relax. You may wish to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout (one and a half hours up and one hour down). The view and the atmosphere are amazing as you stand on moss-covered rocks at 3,925 meters with views across the Rwenzori Mountains, down to Kasese town and Lake George.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Mutinda Camp
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 7 - Climb to 4,062 meters - Alpine ZoneFrom Mutinda Camp, the trail 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 will cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias. You will then climb 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.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Bugata Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 8 - Climb to Hunwick’s Camp (3.874 metres)Commence trekking at 8.30 am and climb up Bamwanjara Pass. The trail climbs steadily with several long flat bogs and thick vegetation with clear views of the three main peaks. The area is known for its Malachite Sunbird populations and lobelia flowers. The trek then takes you through some steep sections before a climb up to Hunwick’s Camp. It offers views of several peaks including Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismanns Peak, and McConnell’s Prong.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 9 - Climb to Margherita Camp (4.485 meters)From Hunwick’s we pass down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitendara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here, you will enjoy the climb up Scott Elliott’s pass and then up the ridge to Margherita Camp. Margherita camp is situated at 4,485 metres between some huge rocks which offer 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.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Margherita Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 10 - Climb up to Margherita peak at 5,109 metersThe day starts with waking up at 2am and catching 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 with heavy clouds and snow falls from 1 pm to 4pm. This happens within a short period of 10 to 15 minutes as the clouds rise up from the extensive Congo rainforests. Due to this change in weather, there is a strict turn around time of 10am. This means that if you do not reach the peak before, you must turn around regardless in the interests of safety. For those with less mountaineering experience, we suggest that you 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 will then pass directly down to Hunwick’s Camp at 3.874 metres.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Hunwick’s Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 11 - Descend to Kiharo campFrom 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. You will then continue to Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 metres which is 3km away from Hunwick’s camp. 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 Elizabeth National Park. 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.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Kiharo Camp
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 12 - Final descent to KilembeYou will wake up to the shrill calls of the Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) and other birds. After a hearty breakfast, you will begin your descent down the Nyambwamba Valley. The trail is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss-covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and forests. In the clear areas, you may catch a glimpse of a Duiker quietly feeding as you pass along the river. This area possibly has the highest population of Rwenzori Red Duikers anywhere in the National Park. A few kilometers down the river, the trail becomes steeper with multitudes of stunning waterfalls. After the waterfalls, you will climb up over a high ridge and then down through the dense forests with stunning views of the valley below. You will stop at Forest View Camp for lunch before proceeding back to base camp in Kilembe.
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Trekkers Hostel.
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 13 - Crater lake hike in Fort Portal and Transfer to Kibale ForesAfter a 2-hour drive to Fort Portal, you can stretch your legs by going for a short hike around some of the Crater Lakes in this area. The views are stunning and with clear weather, you can even see the white peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. You will have lunch in Fort Portal as well (not included) and then a 2-hour drive to Kibale National Park. On arrival, you will enter a completely different world… some serious monkey business. Although you are here specifically to track Chimps, the forest is home to at least 12 primate species including the Red-tailed Monkey, Olive Baboon, Black and White Colobus Monkey, and Blue Monkey. The birdlife in the forest is also prolific and includes the beautiful Great Blue Turaco. If you are very lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the meandering herd of African forest elephants.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 14 - Chimp tracking and swamp walk in KibaleAfter early morning breakfast, your driver/guide will drive you to Kibale National Park office where you will be briefed about the activity of tracking chimpanzees in the wild. You will then go on a guided primate walk in search of chimpanzees and 12 other primates including l’ Hoestes, Red colobus, blue, red-tailed monkeys, brown monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabey. The park rangers will provide detailed explanations, not only on primates but on all the forest fauna and flora, and will ensure that your walk is informative and enjoyable. After finding the chimps, you will spend 1 hour with them before heading back to the park offices. You will go back to the lodge for lunch & refreshments. After lunch, you will visit the community and take a walk in Bigodi Swamp – which is the home of the great blue Turaco bird. The swamp is home to around 200 bird species and 8 primate species. Later, return to your accommodation for dinner & overnight stay.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 15 - Return to Kampala – Airport transferAfter having breakfast, you will be driven back to Kampala (approx. 8hrs). From Kampala, we drive to Entebbe airport for your departure flight.
Main Destination: Entebbe
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Lunch Included
End of tour (See Getting There for more details)
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Excludes
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Rates Per Person
Aug 6, 2023 - Dec 28, 2025
*n/a = not available. This tour is unavailable for solo travelers.
Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Excludes
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
From outside East Africa, Uganda can be easily accessed either by road or Air and mostly by Air to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Water transport can also be used to travel in and around our destinations especially the ferry crossing from the Southern part of Murchison Falls National Park to the Northern part of Murchison Falls National Park. Flights to Uganda are cheapest during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. The best wildlife viewing months are June to September and December to February, when flights are likely to be more expensive.
This tour starts in Bwindi Impenetrable NP and ends in Kibale National Park, Uganda
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don't need a visa is available.
- Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal (https://visas.immigration.go.ug/), but they can also be obtained through your local Tanzania Embassy or High Commission.
- Visas can also be obtained on arrival but this is a lengthy process that can take one to two hours.
- Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.
Getting There
From outside East Africa, Uganda can be easily accessed either by road or Air and mostly by Air to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Water transport can also be used to travel in and around our destinations especially the ferry crossing from the Southern part of Murchison Falls National Park to the Northern part of Murchison Falls National Park. Flights to Uganda are cheapest during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. The best wildlife viewing months are June to September and December to February, when flights are likely to be more expensive.
This tour starts in Bwindi Impenetrable NP and ends in Kibale National Park, Uganda
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don't need a visa is available.
- Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal (https://visas.immigration.go.ug/), but they can also be obtained through your local Tanzania Embassy or High Commission.
- Visas can also be obtained on arrival but this is a lengthy process that can take one to two hours.
- Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.
Offered By
Primate World Safaris (U) Ltd
Kenya
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda
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