In this 10-Day Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Rwenzori Hiking Journey, be happy, smile, and create your lifetime story.
Test your strength on the Rwenzori Mountains, a mysterious snow-capped range, and meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural home.
Prepare well for this adventure, as hiking will be your main activity throughout the trip.
At 5,109 meters above sea level, the summit of the Rwenzori Mountains is Africa’s second-highest point after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Mountain gorillas, the largest primates on earth, are mostly found in Uganda, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
During this journey, you will climb and descend Mount Rwenzori for seven days and spend three days hiking with the endangered mountain gorillas.
See the Uganda safari highlights for this 10-day adventure below.
10-Day Gorilla Trekking & Rwenzori Adventure Highlights
- Conquer the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains
- Summit Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s second-highest point
- Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Enjoy scenic landscapes, valleys, and crater lakes
- Visit local communities and experience Uganda’s culture
- Explore wildlife, forests, and bird-life along the Rwenzori trails
10-Day Gorilla Trekking & Rwenzori Adventure Highlights
- Day 1: Entebbe International Airport to Rwenzori Mountains
- Day 2: Ascend from Nyakalengija at 1600m to Nyabitaba at 2650m
- Day 3: Proceed from Nyabitaba Hut at 2650 to John Matte Hut at 3350m
- Day 4: John Matte Hut at 3350m to Bujuku Hut at 3900m
- Day 5: Bujuku Hut at 3,900m to Elena Hut at 4,540m
- Day 6: Mountain Margherita Peak Experience and Descend via Elena Hut to Kitandara Hut at 3,979m
- Day 7: Kitandara Hut (3,979m) to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,505m)
- Day 8: Guy Yeoman (3,505) to Nyakalengija and then to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 10: Departure
Detailed 10-Day Gorilla Trekking & Rwenzori Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe International Airport to Rwenzori Mountains
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your driver guide will welcome you to the Pearl of Africa.
After a short briefing, begin your 7-8-hour drive to the Rwenzori region in western Uganda.
The road to the park is smooth and offers beautiful views of green countryside, valleys, and lively towns.
Enjoy lunch en route, and arrive in Kasese in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Ascend from Nyakalengija (1600m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2650m)
After breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for registration and briefing.
The journey to the trailhead passes through local Bakonzo homesteads. The 8km route to Nyabitaba Hut marks the start of the Central Circuit Trail.
The trail passes through elephant grass, bushes, and tropical forest, home to white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, duikers, and several bird species.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night at Nyabitaba Hut (2650m).
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut (2650m) to John Matte Hut (3350m)
After breakfast, continue your hike covering about 11 kilometers.
The trail crosses the Kurt Shafer Bridge, where the Mubuku and Bujuku Rivers meet.
You’ll pass through bamboo and montane forests, which are often slippery but scenic.
Lunch will be served at Nyamileju Rock Shelter, offering clear views of Mount Speke and Mount Stanley on a sunny day.
Proceed to John Matte Hut (3350m) for dinner and rest while enjoying views of the Margherita glaciers.
Day 4: John Matte Hut (3350m) to Bujuku Hut (3900m)
Begin the day with breakfast before trekking past the Bujuku River toward the lower Bigo Bog, a swampy area filled with lobelias.
This day is more challenging due to the muddy trail, but walk boards help you navigate safely.
Enjoy views of Mount Baker and Lake Bujuku before reaching Bujuku Hut (3900m) for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Bujuku Hut (3900m) to Elena Hut (4540m)
After breakfast, trek for about five to seven hours, crossing the Bigo Swamp and steep slopes near Lake Bujuku.
You’ll climb up to the Scott-Elliot Pass (4372m), using metal ladders to cross rocky gullies and wetlands.
At the junction, take the trail leading to Elena Hut, located on Mount Stanley, where you’ll have clear views of Mount Speke and Mount Baker.
Dinner and overnight at Elena Hut (4540m).
Day 6: Margherita Peak Summit and Descend to Kitandara Hut (3979m)
Wake up early at 2:00 am for breakfast, then begin your climb to the Margherita Peak (5109m).
Wear warm clothes, gloves, helmet, and harness. Use ropes, crampons, and ice axes to climb the glacier safely.
Enjoy the sunrise from Africa’s second-highest summit and take photos of Lake Irene and Mount Speke before descending to Elena Hut for lunch.
Continue downhill to Kitandara Hut (3979m) for dinner and rest.
Day 7: Kitandara Hut (3979m) to Guy Yeoman Hut (3505m)
After breakfast, descend through the southern slopes of Mount Rwenzori, passing Mount Baker and Bujangolo, where the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1906 expedition began.
The trek to Guy Yeoman Hut along the Mubuku River takes about 5–7 hours.
Have dinner and overnight stay at Guy Yeoman Hut.
Day 8: Descend to Nyakalengija and Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, descend through bamboo forest and muddy trails back to Nyakalengija.
Meet your driver guide and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening for dinner and rest.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing at 7:30 am.
Join the ranger guides for a gorilla trekking experience that may last from one to eight hours, including one hour with the gorillas.
These great apes share about 98% of their DNA with humans. Watch them feed, play, and interact in their families.
Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
Stop at the Uganda Equator for lunch, photos, and souvenir shopping before continuing to the airport.
If time allows, you can relax in a hotel in Kampala or Entebbe before your flight.
This marks the end of your 10-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Rwenzori Hiking Journey.
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