Tour Overview of 12 Days Gorilla & Rwenzori Hiking
Explore two of Uganda’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this adventurous 12 Days Gorilla & Rwenzori Hiking journey. Begin with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, then head to the legendary “Mountains of the Moon” for a multi-day hike through the dramatic landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains, culminating at Margherita Peak (5,109m) — Africa’s third highest summit.
This safari combines rare wildlife encounters, rich cultures, and one of Africa’s most scenic mountain treks.
Day-by-Day Highlights Only
Day 1 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Day 3 – Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Day 4 – Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut
Day 5 – Nyabitaba to John Matte Hut
Day 6 – John Matte to Bujuku Camp
Day 7 – Bujuku to Elena Hut (High-Altitude Trek)
Day 8 – Margherita Peak Summit & Descend to Kitandara
Day 9 – Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Hut
Day 10 – Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba
Day 11 – Descend to Nyakalengija & Relax
Day 12 – Return to Kampala / Departure
Detailed Itinerary of 12 Days Gorilla & Rwenzori Hiking
Day 1 : Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide and begin your scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive passes rolling hills, terraced farms, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering beautiful views of East Africa’s countryside. If arriving via Kigali, cross into Uganda and continue through the lush highlands.
Arrive at your forest lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and relax in the cool mountain atmosphere. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Bwindi
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 : Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing before setting out with experienced rangers to track a mountain gorilla family. The trek takes you through dense rainforest trails and may last 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location.
Once found, spend one magical hour observing them up close — watching them feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional activities include a Batwa cultural visit or community walk.
Overnight: Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 : Transfer to Kasese (Rwenzori Region)
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive north through the scenic countryside toward the Rwenzori Mountains. Pass tea estates, crater lakes, and Queen Elizabeth landscapes along the way.
Arrive in Kasese and rest before your hiking adventure.
Overnight: Kasese / Rwenzori foothills
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Experience
Day 4 : Trek Start: Nyakalengija → Nyabitaba Hut
After breakfast, transfer to Nyakalengija Park Headquarters for registration, a briefing, and to meet your guides and porters before starting your Rwenzori hike. The trail begins through local farmland and small villages before entering dense montane forest.
Follow scenic paths along river valleys and cross wooden bridges, with chances to spot colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and colorful forest birds along the way. The trail gradually climbs as you gain elevation, leading to Nyabitaba Hut where you’ll relax and enjoy dinner.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 : Nyabitaba → John Matte Hut
After an early breakfast, set out from Nyabitaba Hut and descend through lush montane forest, following trails alive with birdsong and occasional sightings of colobus and blue monkeys. Cross the Mubuku River using wooden bridges before beginning a steady climb through bamboo forest and into the giant heather zone.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation changes and the scenery opens up to beautiful views of the valleys, waterfalls, and surrounding peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. The hike is longer and slightly more challenging today, but the dramatic landscapes make it rewarding.
Arrive at John Matte Hut in the afternoon, where you can rest, enjoy a warm meal, and soak in the cool mountain atmosphere.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: John Matte Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 : John Matte → Bujuku Hut
After breakfast, trek through the Lower and Upper Bigo Bog, hopping across tussocks and wetlands dotted with giant lobelias. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Bujuku and the surrounding peaks of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley. Arrive at Bujuku Hut for dinner and overnight.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Bujuku Hut
Day 7 : Bujuku → Elena Hut
After breakfast, begin a steep ascent through Groundsel Gully, passing giant lobelias and alpine vegetation. Trek steadily upward, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Arrive at Elena Hut, which serves as the base for climbers attempting Margherita Peak the next morning. Prepare gear and rest for the early summit climb.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Elena Hut
Day 8 : Margherita Peak Summit → Kitandara Hut
Wake up very early for the summit attempt of Margherita Peak, Uganda’s highest point at 5,109m. Ascend steep slopes across glaciers, rocks, and icy terrain, facing challenging alpine conditions. Celebrate at the summit and take photos of the breathtaking Rwenzori landscape. Descend via Elena Hut and continue down through alpine meadows to Kitandara Lakes, enjoying views of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and the surrounding valleys.
Hiking time: 8–10 hours
Overnight: Kitandara Hut
Day 9 : Kitandara → Guy Yeoman Hut
Climb Freshfield Pass with sweeping views into Congo, then descend through alpine and rocky terrain to Guy Yeoman Hut, passing the historic Bujongolo rock shelter.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Day 10 : Guy Yeoman → Nyabitaba
After breakfast, begin the descent from Guy Yeoman Hut, following trails through high-altitude bamboo forests and mossy alpine zones. Cross the Mubuku River twice while navigating muddy and uneven paths. Along the way, enjoy final views of the Rwenzori peaks and surrounding valleys before reaching Nyabitaba Hut for rest and dinner.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Day 11 : Nyabitaba → Nyakalengija (End of Trek)
Depart Nyabitaba for the last leg of the circuit, descending steadily through lush forest, farmland, and local villages. Take in the scenic countryside and reflect on your Rwenzori adventure. Arrive at Nyakalengija base camp, celebrate completing the trek, and transfer to a lodge in Kasese to relax and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Hiking time: 2–3 hours
Overnight: Kasese
Day 12 : Return to Kampala / Departure
After breakfast, embark on the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Stop along the way for lunch and optional sightseeing, such as a quick visit to the Equator for photos or local craft markets for souvenirs. Continue to your hotel or airport for drop-off and onward departure, marking the conclusion of your Rwenzori and Bwindi safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Safari of 12 Days Gorilla & Rwenzori Hiking