13-Day Uganda Primates Wildlife And Rwenzori Hike Guide
A 13-Day Uganda Primates, Wildlife and Rwenzori Hike trip combines thrilling wildlife encounters, especially mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale, with challenging treks in the “Mountains of the Moon” (Rwenzoris), offering diverse landscapes from rainforests to alpine zones, often incorporating Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic safaris and boat cruises, creating an unforgettable Ugandan adventure.
A 13-day Uganda itinerary combining mountain trekking, wildlife safaris, and primate encounters typically features hiking the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) for several days, trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spotting diverse wildlife (Big Five, hippos, crocodiles) in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and experiencing mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Explore Uganda on a 13-day primates, wildlife and waterfall Rwenzori hike gives you the best the country’s incredible natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. The journey begins with your arrival in Kampala, then takes you westwards to Kibale for chimpanzee trekking. From there, you will hike the lower trails of Rwenzori mountains, experiencing waterfalls and alpine vegetation in one of Africa’s most scenic highlands. After this highland adventure, the safari takes you Queen Elizabeth national park where you experience wildlife on a game drive and boat cruise along Kazinga channel. Next journey to Bwindi Forest for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After gorilla trekking you will drive back to Kampala to catch your international flight back home marking the end of an incredible adventure in the pearl of Africa.
A Detailed 13-Day Uganda Primates Wildlife And Rwenzori Hike
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel in Entebbe
Upon landing in Entebbe International airport, you will be welcomed by your guide who will welcome you into the country taking you through next days of your stay in Uganda. After the warm welcome, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe where you will relax and recover from your flight. You will enjoy meals at your accommodation and a well-deserved rest.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest national park
After an early breakfast, you will set off for Kibale Forest, a journey that takes you through scenic landscapes of central and western Uganda. You will pass by tea plantation, rolling hills and traditional homesteads. Upon arrival, arrival you will check in at your lodge located near the forest. This day is mainly for travel and relaxation allowing you to enjoy cool breeze and peaceful nature surrounding the park.
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking
This morning, you will head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by an experienced guide you will trek through the thick forest searching for the playful and intelligent chimpanzee that swing high in the treetops. Once you find them, you will spend an hour observing their behaviour in their natural home. After the trek you will return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains (Kilembe trail)
After breakfast, you will drive southwards to the base of Rwenzori mountains at Kilembe, the starting point for your, multi day mountain adventure. As you approach the ranges, you will enjoy clear views of the towering peaks, often shrouded in mist. Upon arrival, you will check in at a base lodge and prepare yourself for the hike. The evening will be spent with guides, checking your gear and getting ready ahead of the trek.
Day 5: Hike to Sine Camp
The hiking begins today, starting from an altitude of 1450m, you will walk through a thick forest of tall trees, mosses and vines. The trail is alive with forest sounds, and you may spot birds, chameleons and monkeys. As you ascend, the vegetation slowly changes. After about 7-8hours of walking covering about 9.5m you will arrive at Sine camp located at 2596m above sea level. The camp offers beautiful and a refreshing mountain atmosphere.
Day 6: Hike to Samalira camp (3170m)
After a goodnight rest in the forest, wake up in the morning to continue higher up in the mountains. You will pass through bamboo forests and enter zones with giant heather trees covered in hanging mosses. The trail is steeper but shorter, covering only 4.1m in only about 3-4hours. Samalira camp is situated at 3170m , gives you a panoramic view of the valley below and the surrounding forest. It is a quiet, peaceful spot for overnight rest.
Day 7: Hike to waterfalls and return to Forest camp (2580m)
This day offers a special chance to explore the upper areas and see magnificent waterfalls that decorate Rwenzori landscape. You will hike through the alpine vegetation and climb higher to different viewpoints where you can enjoy stunning waterfalls that fall from cliffs into the forest below. You will view Cathy’s falls, then descend to Nyamwaba falls, see Plozza falls and finally you will slop to Egwe falls. After enjoying these sights, you will descend to a lower camp the forest camp sitted at (2580m) where you will spend a night. The day covers 8.6km in about 4to 6hours of hiking.
Day 8: Descend to the base camp
After breakfast, you will descend back to the base of the camp in in Kilembe, The trail down takes you through the same lush forest, allowing for another chance to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lower slopes. The descent is steady and takes about 3 to 4hours, covering 7kilometers. On arrival at the base, you will check in at your lodge, refresh and relax from the long day.
Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive and boat cruise
Wake up very early before sunrise and start with a morning game drive in Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its abundant wildlife, including lions , Uganda Kobs, elephant’s warthogs among the many. After the game drive, return to your lodge for a hot lunch. In the afternoon you will embark on a boat ride on Kazinga channel a water body connecting Lakes Edward and Goerge and is a home to a variety of wildlife including hippos , crocodiles elephants , buffalos and numerous bird species including the African fish eagle .The boat ride offers excellent views and photography opportunities as animals gather near the water to drink and cool off .
Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up and after a delicious breakfast embark on a journey to Bwindi impenetrable National Park the home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you beautiful countryside of Uganda’s villages with changing landscapes including hills, plains, farms villages and some towns. Upon arrival check in at your accommodation and spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation.
Day 11: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
Today is one of the most exciting days of your safari, after an early breakfast you will head out to the park headquarters for a briefing before the gorilla trek. Led by expert rangers, you will venture into the dense forest to track a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can take a few hours depending on the movement of the gorillas, but once you find them spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they play, feed and live in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge where you will relax and reflect on the experience you just enjoyed.
Day 12: Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation, after which you will embark on a long journey from Bwindi to Entebbe. The drive is quite tiring; you will have several stop overs to stretch with an enroute lunch and stop over at the equator. Continue with your journey and check in at your accommodation in Entebbe.
Day 13: Visit Mabamba island
Your final day of the 13 days primates, waterfall and wildlife safari, you will visit Mabamba island where you will check out the shoebill stock. Visit the island early enough after which you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination marking the end of your safari. You driver guide will ensure you reach the airport in time ending your unforgettable journey through Uganda.
End of the 13 Days Uganda Primates Wildlife And Rwenzori Hike