10 Days Mount Rwenzori Climbing & Wildlife Safari
10-day UGanda adventure that combines the stunning Rwenzori Mountain trek and an exciting wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This safari is perfect for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Uganda, from hiking the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," to witnessing the wildlife wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The highlight of the trek is reaching Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters, the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains.
This 10-day Mount Rwenzori Climbing & Wildlife Safari is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who want to combine the challenge of a mountain trek with the excitement of a wildlife safari. It's an experience you'll never forget!
Safari Highlights
- Mount Rwenzori Trekking: Challenge yourself with a 9-day trek across the Rwenzori Mountain range.
- Reach Margherita Peak: Ascend to the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains at 5,109 meters.
- Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Enjoy a game drive and boat cruise to see diverse wildlife like lions, elephants, and hippos.
- Stunning Views: Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Cultural Experience: Discover the local communities and their way of life around the Rwenzori foothills.
Major Attractions
- Rwenzori Mountains: Known as the "Mountains of the Moon," this range offers challenging treks with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and alpine vegetation.
- Margherita Peak: The highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains, offering an exhilarating climbing experience.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: A renowned wildlife sanctuary with a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos.
- Kazinga Channel: A unique boat cruise through this channel offers spectacular views of wildlife and birds.
Day 1: Departure from Kampala to Kasese
Start your journey with a pickup from Kampala by your guide. Enjoy the scenic drive through Masaka, with a lunch stop in Mbarara. Continue your drive to Kasese, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Spend the night at Hotel Margherita, a comfortable base for your adventure.
Day 2: Drive to Nyakalengija & Hike to Nyabitaba Hut
After breakfast, drive to Nyakalengija (1,646 meters), the starting point for your trek. Begin your 5-6 hour hike, passing through lush equatorial vegetation. Spot wildlife such as blue monkeys and the Rwenzori Turaco as you ascend. Cross the Mubuku River, and enjoy the lush landscape as you reach Nyabitaba Hut. Dinner and overnight stay here.
Day 3: Hike from Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on a 9-hour hike. Traverse muddy areas, bamboo forests, and rocky terrain. Along the way, witness the impressive Mubuku River. The views of Margherita Peak, Elena Peak, and Mount Stanley will keep you motivated as you reach John Matte Hut (3,414 meters). Rest, dine, and spend the night here.
Day 4: Hike from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
After breakfast, begin your 5-6 hour hike towards Bujuku Hut (3,962 meters). Cross Bujuku River and pass through Bigo Bog, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trek takes you near Lake Bujuku, where alpine vegetation starts to dominate. Arrive at Bujuku Hut, where you can admire views of Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, and Mount Baker. Dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Day 5: Hike from Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut
Start early with a 4km hike through the groundsel vegetation. Reach Scot Elliot Pass (4,372 meters), nestled between Mount Stanley and Mount Baker. Continue to Elena Hut (4,540 meters), where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the peaks. Enjoy dinner and rest for the night.
Day 6: Summit Margherita Peak and Descend to Kitandara Hut
This is the most challenging day. After breakfast, make the final ascent to Margherita Peak (5,109 meters) over 3 hours. The climb involves both ice and rock, making for an exhilarating experience. After reaching the summit, descend via Lower and Upper Kitandara Lakes to Kitandara Hut. Relax and unwind after the challenging trek. Dinner and overnight at Kitandara Hut.
Day 7: Hike from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut
Descend from Kitandara Hut via the Freshfield Pass (4,282 meters), passing glaciers and spectacular mountain views. Continue through rocky and boggy terrain, eventually reaching Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 meters). This 6-hour hike offers beautiful landscapes of rivers, vegetation, and distant mountains. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at Guy Yeoman Hut.
Day 8: Hike from Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyakalengija & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early morning, depart Guy Yeoman Hut and descend back to Nyakalengija, passing through bamboo forests, Kinchuchu, and Mubuku Rivers. Along the way, enjoy views of Kabamba Water Falls. After reaching Nyabitaba Hut, take a brief detour to visit Mahoma Lake. Continue descending to the park headquarters, where your guide will meet you for a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spend the night at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
After breakfast, embark on an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spot buffaloes, lions, elephants, various antelope species, and numerous bird species. After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and a variety of birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, start your journey back to Kampala. Stop at the Equator for some photos and continue with a lunch stop in either Mbarara or Masaka. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe Airport if you have a flight on the same day.
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Cultural tours
- Bottled water
- English-speaking guide
- All mentioned activities
- International flight fare
- Entry Visas
- Laundry services
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Kampala hotel fees( the eve of the safari and the night after the safari),