12 Days Chimpanzee & Rwenzori Trekking

12DAYS  CHIMPANZEE RWENZORI , QUEEN ELIZABETH AND GORILLA TREKKING EXPEDITION

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National park

Upon arrival in Kampala, you will be greeted by your guide and driver who will facilitate your transfer to Kibale National Park. The journey from Kampala to Kibale takes approximately 5-6 hours, during which you can enjoy the scenic landscapes and rural villages of Uganda. Upon reaching Kibale National Park, settle Papaya lodge  , Kibale Forest lodge or Primates safari lodge  situated near the park and take some time to relax and unwind.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking

After a refreshing breakfast at your lodge, get ready for an incredible day of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Head to the park headquarters where you will complete the necessary registration and receive a briefing about the trek. Meet your experienced ranger guide who will lead you into the dense forest.

Embark on a thrilling trek through the forest, listening for the sounds and signs of chimpanzees. Your guide will provide fascinating insights about the chimpanzees’ behavior, social structure, and conservation efforts. As you make your way through the forest, keep an eye out for other wildlife species and unique vegetation.

Once a group of chimpanzees is located, spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Witness their playful behavior, interactions, and maybe even their feeding rituals. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to get up close to these incredible primates and learn about their conservation.

After the chimpanzee trek, return to the park headquarters and bid farewell to the forest. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you , to Rwenzori national park for you to enjoy the  remarkable experience encountering the natural beauty of the Rwenzori’s. You will Check in at Equator snow lodge, Rwenzori Base camp or Ruboni community camp.

Day 3 :Nyakalengei -Nyabitaba

Meet your guide who will transfer you to  briefing (1615m) – Nyabitaba Hut (2651m). Here we will have instructions from the park rangers and an introduction to the route,
as well as meeting with our guides and porters. After that, we will embark on a journey along a path that passes through a dense forest along the Mubuku River, crosses its tributary of the Mahoma River, and then a long climb to the massive ridge, along which you will reach the Nyabitaba hut (2651 m). During this part of the journey, we can hear chimpanzees and see black and white colobus, blue monkey and brightly colored turraco Rwenzori. Duration of the hike: 6-7 hours. Elevation height: 1036 m

Overnight at Nyabitaba

Day 4: Nyabitaba (2651m) – Mubuku River (2600m) John Matte Hut (3380m)

After breakfast, from Nyabitaba hut we will follow a trail that descends through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Next, we will pass a bamboo forest and a long, tiring stretch of slippery moss-covered cliffs. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, we will see the Stanley Mountains (Margherita Peak (5109m)) and Speke (4890m). And then we will find ourself in the zone of giant heather, lobelia and agriculture. Finally reach John Matte’s hut (3505 m). Dinner and overnight at the hut. Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours. Eleva ation height: 854 m

John matte camp

Day 5: John Matte (3380m) to Bujuku (3962m)

From John Matte Hut, the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters the Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Will enjoy the beautiful but hypnotising boardwalk through the open valley. Transition through a steep forested section to the upper Bigo bog which gives way to Lake Bujuku, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. This 4-5 hour hike ends at Bujuku hut. Bujuku is also a launchpad for climbing Mount Speke.

Overnight at Bujuku camp

Day 6:  Bujuku (3977m) to kitandara hut (4541m).

From Bujuku Hut, after a muddy area, will start a steep climb through a forest of giant groundsels up to the Groundsel Gully. A branch in the trail leads to Elena Hut, 4.430 m, then the trail proceeds directly to Kitandara Hut. You walk through Scott Elliot Pass, 4.372 m., the highest point during the central circuit, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views down the Bujuku valley, of Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia and Stanley just above. This is a steep, rocky trail which when is wet or icy can be very slippery.

Overnight atElen hut.

Day 7: Elena Hut (4541m) to Margherita peak– Kitandara hut (4027m) Margherita Peak

For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. 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, don’t get disappointed. Prepare for you return through the Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara

Day 8:  Kitandara (4027m) – Fresh field Pass (4282m) – Guy Yeoman (3450m)

Take on the trail that ascends 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 (4282m asl.) From the pass, take on the long high alpine mossy trail. Thereafter start the descent through steep rocky trails and the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906, until we arrive for an overnight at Guy Yeoman hut after 6-7 hours.

Overnight at Guyoeman or move to John matte

Day 9: Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija

Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the boggy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing up to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit. Continue past Nyabitaba Camp to complete your trek through Mihunga gate to Nyakalengija, at the base meet end of the trek in the great mountains. Proceed with you guide and check in at Lake Munyanyange lode, Enganzi lodge , elephants plain lodge or Bush lodge for budget.

Day 10: Game drive , boat cruise and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National park

Wake up very early for a morning game drive after sriving through countless wildlife species in the savannah grassland. You will see plenty of elephants hippos , lions , Buffalos after which you wil return to the lodge for breakfast and will you will head for a midnoon boat ride on Kazinga channel. You will have lunch and check out drive to Bwindi impenetrable forest .Check in for dinner and overnight at Ichumbi lodge , Gorilla mist lodge mahogany springs gorilla heights  or Rushaga gorilla havens.

Day 11: Gorilla trekking

After an early breakfast you will head out to the assembly point for an unforgettable experience with the gorillas. Meet your experienced ranger guide who will lead you into the lush forest after briefing . Trek through the challenging terrain, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Finally, locate a gorilla family and spend precious moments observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Return to the park headquarters and conclude the day’s adventure with a transfer back to Kampala, cherishing the memories of an extraordinary encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi. Dinner and overnight at Onomo hotel, Cassia lodge.

Day 12: Kampala City tour

Embark on a short city tour of Kampala, exploring some of its notable landmarks and cultural sites. Begin by visiting the iconic Gaddafi Mosque, also known as the Uganda National Mosque. Marvel at its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city from the minaret.

Next, proceed to the Uganda National Museum, where you can delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Uganda. Explore the exhibits showcasing traditional artifacts, archaeological findings, and displays highlighting the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

Conclude your city tour with a visit to the historic Kabaka’s Palace, the official residence of the Buganda Kingdom’s king. Admire the traditional architecture and learn about the kingdom’s traditions, customs, and history. After the city tour you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your flight.