Rwenzori Mountaineering And Gorilla Trekking.

Entebbe -Kasese

After an early breakfast, transfer by road to Kasese town at the foot hills of Rwenzori Mountains National Park in south-western Uganda straddling the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Kasese districts and along Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is Africa's third highest mountain peak, Margherita Peak with a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft). The main activity in this park is hiking which takes 6-8 days. Other activities are 1 -3 days mountain climbing, forest walks, enjoying the scenery and much more. Lunch will be enroute.

Overnight: Sandton Hotel (FB): Travel Time: 7hrs (400Kms)

Sandton Hotel

Sandton Hotel is located in a surrounding of calmness with spectacular views of the Rwenzori ranges. Found in Kasese business center, it can be accessed via Fort portal, 395kms from Entebbe OR via Mbarara, 427 km from Entebbe, it is a budget to Mid- range facility that has 24 twin executive rooms and 31 Double Deluxe Rooms. Every room includes a private bathroom, and some rooms have a terrace. It’s serenity at its best.

Nyakalengija (1615m) – Nyabitaba Hut (2651m)

The Journey to conquer the Rwenzoris starts today. The Central Circuit starts at the park gate at the Nyakalengija point. Arrive by 0800 hours to get acclimatized to your guides and porters before the trek. This trail begins by passing through farm land to the park boundary beyond which it follows the Mubuku River, crossing its Mahoma tributary before starting a long, steep climb up onto a massive ridge to reach Nyabitaba hut for overnight The hike takes around 5 -6 hours. During this part of the excursion, you may hear chimpanzee and see black and white colobus, blue monkey and the brilliantly colored Rwenzori turaco.

Nyabitaba (2651m) – Mubuku River (2600m) John Matte Hut (3380m)

From Nyabitaba follow the trail that drops down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Passing through the bamboo forest, traverse through a long and exhausting stretch of slippery moss-covered rock. From the Nyamileju rock shelter, Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen before passing into the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. Finally reach John Matte Hut after passing through the tiring bog, for Dinner and Overnight at the Hut. The hike takes around 6 -7 hours.

John Matte (3380m) to Bujuku Hut (3962m)

From John Matte Hut the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. You will pass through the tussock before getting to the bog. This hut is located in the shadow of Mt. Baker and Mt. Speke with clear views of Lake Bujuku and a narrow valley below Stulman pass. This hike takes approximately 5-6 hours. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku hut.

Bujuku (3977m) to Elena Hut (4541m).

This trail takes you through steep slopes, more bog and through the magical Groundsel Gully as it continues to ascend to Scott Elliot pass at 4372m. At the head of the gully a metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail is divided into two. The trail on your right leads up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders, while the trail on your left leads to Scott- Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes the trail on he left leads those who are not climbing Margherita Peak to Kitandara Hut. Those climbing the peak will have their Dinner and Overnight at the coolly and Icy Elena Hut. The hike takes around 4 -5 hours.

Elena Hut (4541m) to Margherita peak– Kitandara hut (4027m)

Climbing to the summit of Magherita peak(5109m) will take you 5-7 hours from the base of Stanley Glacier, of course depending on the weather condition. The walk takes you through slippery rocks, glaciers, ice and exposed open areas climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions even if you do not reach the peak, you return through the Scott-Elliot pass, The spectacular views of Bujuku Lake, Mount Speke up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau you will proceed with the ascent trail that takes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders and descend past the Kitandara Lakes. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Kitandara Camp

Kitandara (4027m) – Fresh field Pass (4282m) – Guy Yeoman (3450m)

Today, you’re going to ascend steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass. You can view in the west and Mount Stanley in the north. From the pass, take on the long trail passing the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. Overnight at Guy yeoman hut. This is a hike that takes 5-6 hrs.

Guy Yeoman (3450m) – Nyabitaba (2651m)

You will 6-7 hours to descend to Nyabitaba. Depending on the climber’s energy, you can even go down to Nyakalengija. Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu and beyond Kichuchu the muddy path crosses the Mubuku River twice before climbing upwards to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit.

Nyabitaba (2651m) - Nyakalengija (1615m) – Transfer to Bwindi National Park.

The descent from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija takes 3 – 4 hours.  When you get to the base, you will transfer to Bwindi impenetrable National Park in the south-western part of Uganda next to the Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift. Bwindi national park is a home to various animal and bird species. This includes over 214 species of birds and 120 species of mammals and it is well known for its endangered mountain Gorillas. Apart from the gorillas there are other animals like the 'Hoest's monkey, African elephant, African green broadbill, Grauer's rush warbler, Chaplin's flycatcher, African giant swallowtail among others. Lunch will be enroute.

Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Camp: Meal Plan: FB: Travel Time: 6hrs 40 Mins (320Kms)

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

This lodge is located in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, only 10 minutes’ walk to the park Rushaga tracking gate. It is also close to Nyakagezi and Nkuringo tracking gates. The lodge has several amenities to make in place and this gives its visitors a memorable and comfortable. There is a range of options from Luxury cottages to standard rooms. The lodge also has ample parking space that can accommodate all vehicles even on full house. Close to the lodge is the Batwa community and some craft shops where you can buy accessories to also support the them. While here, one can choose to visit Lake Bunyonyi or even go for Golden tracking in Mgahinga national park.

Gorilla tracking

An early morning breakfast, go for a briefing at the park headquarters, in accompaniment of guides and rangers, you enter the forest to begin the Gorilla tracking activity. Finding the gorillas may take you 2-10 hours depending on their movements. Other animals and birds might be spotted too along the search for the gorillas and these include the l'Hoest's monkey, African elephant, birds like the African green broadbill, Grauer's rush warbler, Chaplin's flycatcher, African giant swallowtail among others.

After tracking, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Bwindi National Park – Lake Mburo National Park.

Today you will leave Bwindi for Lake Mburo National Park in the western part of Uganda. Have lunch on arrival and later go for a boat ride, and get to see hippos and crocodiles and various water birds like the rare shoebill stock, Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle and many others. Dinner and overnight at the

Overnight at Rwakobo Rock: Meal Plan: FB: Travel Time: 5hrs(250Kms)

Rwakobo Rock

Rwakobo is nestled on a scenic outcrop with breathtaking views. Animals such as zebra, warthog, impala and bushbuck abound around the lodge and often congregate at the water hole beneath the dining area. At night the sounds of bush come to life and allow your imagination to run wild. Set on a massive granite outcrop, just beside Lake Mburo National Park, Rwakobo offers private thatched cottages, with solar lighting, flush toilets and solar heated showers, which blend into the natural landscape.  The cottages are dotted around the hill taking advantage of rocky ledges and secluded corners. The cottages celebrate the natural lines of the surrounding wilderness. They also provide guests with real comfort and luxury that doesn’t cost the earth.

Game drive-Entebbe - Departure

Have breakfast and later go for a morning game drive. While on the game drive, you will spot animals like Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes, Buffalo, Topi, and Eland among others. In the afternoon you will drive back to Kampala. You may briefly stop at the equator for photography. Drop off will be at your residence in Kampala or at the airport. Meal Plan: HB: Travel Time: 4hrs 40mins (260 Kms)