Safari Overview
Take on one of East Africa’s great mountain adventures on this 12-day Uganda expedition combining chimpanzee trekking, the legendary Rwenzori Mountains and a summit attempt on 5,109-metre Margherita Peak. After the challenging mountain circuit, unwind with classic wildlife viewing and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Note: The Margherita Peak summit is a demanding technical climb requiring good physical fitness and appropriate mountaineering equipment.
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
- Trek through the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains
- Summit attempt on 5,109m Margherita Peak
- Wildlife game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise with hippos, crocodiles and birdlife
Itinerary
Depart Kampala after breakfast and drive via Fort Portal towards Kibale National Park. On arrival, there may be time to explore some of the region's beautiful crater lakes before settling into your accommodation.
Enter Kibale Forest for a guided chimpanzee tracking experience in one of Uganda's most important primate habitats. Later, visit Bigodi Wetland for birdwatching and nature viewing before transferring to Kasese in preparation for your Rwenzori ascent.
Transfer to the Nyakalengija trailhead at approximately 1,600 metres and begin your Rwenzori trek. Walk through farmland and Bakonjo homesteads before following the Mubuku River and climbing through forest to Nyabitaba Hut.
Descend through forest towards the Kurt Shafer Bridge before entering bamboo vegetation and tackling slippery, moss-covered terrain. Pass through distinctive giant heather, lobelia and groundsel vegetation before reaching John Matte Hut.
Cross the Bujuku River and negotiate the famous Bigo Bog towards Bujuku Lake. Enjoy dramatic views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley before reaching Bujuku Hut in the high-altitude valley below the surrounding peaks.
Climb steeply above Bujuku Lake through Groundsels Gully towards Scott-Elliot Pass. Continue towards the Mount Stanley route, negotiating boulders and steep mountain terrain as you position yourself for the following day's summit attempt.
Attempt the challenging ascent of Margherita Peak, Uganda's highest point. The technical climb crosses glaciated terrain and requires ropes, crampons and suitable equipment for icy and windy conditions. After the summit attempt, descend via Scott-Elliot Pass towards the Kitandara Lakes and overnight in the mountain hut.
Climb the steep headwall from Kitandara towards Freshfield Pass. From the pass, begin a long descent across rugged and often muddy terrain, passing historic expedition sites before reaching Guy Yeoman Hut.
Continue descending through the Rwenzori Mountains. The route can be steep, muddy and slippery, requiring careful footing as you make your way back towards Nyabitaba Hut for the night.
Complete the descent from Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija and the Rwenzori park headquarters. After finishing the mountain trek, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a well-earned evening of relaxation.
Set out early for a game drive in the Kasenyi sector in search of elephants, Uganda kobs, leopards and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and diverse birdlife.
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kampala with lunch en route in Mbarara. Stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and the popular Equator experiment before continuing to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for your onward arrangements.