12-Day Rwenzori Central Circuit & Gorilla Trekking Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Kampala/Entebbe to Kasese

Travel west toward Kasese and the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey passes through changing landscapes and rural communities before reaching the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon. Arrive in Kasese, check into your hotel and meet your mountain guide for a briefing. Use the evening to organize trekking equipment and prepare for the Central Circuit.

Accommodation: Ruboni
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Ruboni Community Camp

• Budget banda located near Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp

Transfer to Nyakalengija and begin the Central Circuit trek. After completing registration, hike through cultivated areas before entering the lush montane forest. The trail gradually gains elevation toward Nyabitaba Camp, with opportunities to observe forest birds and primates. Enjoy dinner and your first night surrounded by the remote Rwenzori wilderness.

Accommodation: Nyabitaba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Nyabitaba Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Nyabitaba to Bujuku Camp

Continue deeper into the mountain through forest and high-altitude vegetation. As you gain elevation, giant heathers and lobelias become increasingly prominent. Continue toward the Bujuku Valley, one of the most scenic areas of the Central Circuit. Arrive at Bujuku Camp and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks before dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Bujuku Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Bujuku Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bujuku to Elena Camp

Climb toward the higher alpine zone through rugged terrain and changing vegetation. Today's route requires a steady pace as altitude increases. Continue toward Elena Camp, where you rest in preparation for the high-altitude summit section. Your guide will assess weather and trail conditions and brief you about the following day's activities.

Accommodation: Elena Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Elena Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Elena – Margherita Peak – Elena

Start early for the demanding Margherita Peak summit attempt. At approximately 5,109 metres, the summit requires careful movement and appropriate technical equipment. Follow your specialist guide across challenging terrain toward the summit area. After reaching the peak, descend carefully back to Elena Camp for dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Elena Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Elena Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Elena to Kitandara Camp

Descend from the high alpine zone toward Kitandara Valley. The route provides spectacular views of rugged peaks, valleys and distinctive Rwenzori vegetation. Continue at a controlled pace to allow recovery after the summit attempt. Arrive at Kitandara Camp for dinner and overnight rest surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Accommodation: Kitandara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Kitandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kitandara to Nyakalengija – Kasese

Begin the descent through the Rwenzori's changing ecological zones toward Nyakalengija. After completing the trek, meet your driver and transfer to Kasese. Enjoy a comfortable hotel stay and a well-earned rest before continuing to southwestern Uganda for the gorilla trekking section of your adventure.

Accommodation: Ruboni Camp
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Ruboni Community Camp

• Budget banda located near Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kasese to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, travel toward Bwindi through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda. The journey takes you through rolling hills, local communities and agricultural areas before reaching the forested surroundings of Bwindi. Check into your lodge and receive a briefing about the following day's gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Gorilla Mist Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing before entering Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Gorilla trekking can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find the group, spend the permitted viewing time observing their behavior and photographing the experience. Return to your lodge after the trek for relaxation.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Activities:

• Gorilla tracking

Accommodation:

Gorilla Mist Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Bwindi Forest Experience / Community Visit

Enjoy a relaxed day around Bwindi with an optional forest walk, cultural experience or community visit, depending on your interests. Learn about local communities and conservation efforts surrounding the park. Alternatively, use the day to rest at your lodge after the demanding mountain and gorilla trekking experiences.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Gorilla Mist Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Bwindi to Entebbe/Kampala

Begin the journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe. Travel through Uganda's scenic southwestern countryside, with opportunities for photography and local stops along the way. Depending on your schedule, continue to Entebbe for an overnight stay or arrange a direct airport transfer for a suitable evening flight.

Main Destination:

Kampala (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Protea Hotel Kampala

• Mid-range hotel located in Kampala (City)

+12 Photos

+11 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your scheduled airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity for a short Kampala or Entebbe experience. Your driver will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Rwenzori and gorilla adventure.

Meals: Breakfast.

Main Destination:

Entebbe (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.