An EPIC 21 Days Best Of Uganda Safari With Rwenzori Trekking

A Detailed 21 Days Best Of Uganda Safari With Rwenzori Trekking

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport and transfer to hotel.

Upon landing at Entebbe International airport, you will be greeted by warm tropical air and friendly hospitality if the Uganda people. After clearing customs and getting your luggage, you are welcomed by your safari guide who will have your name tagged up, he will usher you into the country and then transfer you to your hotel. You will receive a brief briefing about the safari and which you will spend time relaxing and unwinding from the jet lag of the plain at your lodge. Spend the rest of the evening at your accommodation.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Today your adventure truly begins with a scenic towards Murchison falls national park, Uganda’s largest and oldest game reserve. On the way you will visit Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, where you will have an opportunity to see the endangered rhinos in their protected area. This unique encounter brings you close to the magnificent beasts and presents you with information about the conservation efforts. After Rhino trekking embark on the journey to Murchison falls and you will check in at your accommodation upon arrival.

Day 3: Game drive and boat cruise

Wake up very earl before sunrise and headout for a thrilling game drive through Murchison falls national park where you will search for the big four like lions, buffalos, elephants and leopards. You may find them on a hunt or even enjoying prey, it’s a perfect time to spot animals in their habitat as numerous antelopes are on the lookout from predators. You will also see other animals, like the jackson’s heart beast, waterbucks, bushbucks, monkeys, giraffes among the many. After the game drive you will embark on a thrilling boat cruise along the Nile to the bottom of the falls where you will have magnificent views of them most powerful falls in the world. Here you will also spot so many aquatic animals including crocodiles, hippos and so many bird species, spend time taking photos of the Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge and if you are kin, you may spot a rainbow which makes the photos even nicer.

Day 4: Visit top of the falls and the transfer to Kibale National Park

Start the day by visiting the top of the falls, you can take a short hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Nile as its pudges through the Narrow gorge. The thunderous roar and spectacular spray make this one of Uganda’s most unforgettable natural wonders. After the visit, embark on a long journey towards Kibale National Park passing through Uganda’s countryside of farmlands and rolling hills of western Uganda. Upon arrival in the evening, you will check into your lodge in Kibale where you will rest and prepare for the exciting adventure of chimpanzee trekking.

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk

This morning, you will enter Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s best places to observe chimpanzees in the wild. Following a briefing about the experience set out led by your local guide through the dense forest paths, you will listen to the chimp calls and after finding them watch these intelligent primates swing through the trees and forge for food. Afterwards, you will enjoy a lush walk through the bigodi wetland sanctuary, a home to soundless bird species, monkeys, butterflies and unique plant life. The serene wetlands offer peaceful boadwalks with rich birdlife and opportunities to learn about the community conservation in the area. You return to your lodge feeling connected to nature and primate life.

Day 6: Transfer to Rwenzori mountains

Today you leave Kibale behind and drive towards the legendary Rwenzori mountains, also called the mountains of the moon. These ancient peaks rise dramatically into sky covered in the tropical rainforest, alpine meadows and glaciers at the highest elevation. You will drive through the busy Fort Portal, known for its tea plantation and panoramic views of the crater lakes. Upon reaching Rwenzori foothills, you will settle into your lodge at the base of the mountain.

Day 7: Nyakalengeji to Nyabitaba

Your 7 Days Margherita summit starts with a briefing from our official , here you will be taken through the entire information you require to know about the trail , with the help of the team of guides whom you will be introduced to during the briefing you will check whether you have all the equipment’s required for your hike. After the briefing without wasting another second, you will then walk through the lush tropical forest of Nyakalengija which is also a home to various birds and animals among which is the unique three horned chameleon and the black and white colobus monkeys. Entertained by the melodious sound from birds like the endemic Rwenzori turaco, enjoy the walk that leads to crossing the Mubuku river. You will hike through the trail led by your guide who will tall you all you need to know about this part of the mountain. After a steepy hike you will then check in at Nyabitaba camp which is a hidden in the high canopy trees. Enjoy the surrounding and here is where you will also spend your first night in the Rwenzori mountains.

Day 8: Nyabitaba to John Matte

Day 2 of the 7 days Margherita summit starts after a delicious breakfast from your chef. Led by your guide, you will set out from Nyabitaba and head towards John matte camp a second camp on the Central circuit trail. Crossing the Kurt Shcaffer bridge over River Mubbuku and Bujjuku you will ascend to the bamboo zone. The walk continues crossing several streams of water and unique feature through the Oldman ‘s beared trees. You will then walk along the shore of the Lake Bujjuku through moss covered trees and finally you will check in at John matte camp surrounded by portal peaks, here on a very clear day you can view margherita peak. Relax and enjoy the surrounding of the camp, you can visit the river Bujjuku and enjoy its meanders.

Day 9: John Matte to Bujjuku

Today as you body starts adjusting to the changes and altitudes of the atmosphere, you third days promises unique and incredible vegetation. After having the morning jazz with the entire team and catching up on today’s programme, the short walk from John matte camp leads you to a very interesting a long board walk , as soon as you start the board walk you enjoy the views of this huge swamp hosting the giant lobelias in the lower bigo bog . The boardwalk is quite a long walk and after it you will ascend further, here you can look below and enjoy the incredible view of this amazing swamp. Continue with your journey crossing an area with countless streams, usually wet even in the dry season with very incredible groundsels. The walk will then lead you to another board walk along lake Bujjuku after which you will enjoy the adventure of the tussocks and missing any of these soaks you in the bog , this area is known as the upper bigo bog , typically ensure you step on a tussock as the swamp is at times deep . Cross the rock shelter which is has very crystal-clear waters and after walk to bujjuku camp located in the centre of Rwenzori mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the surrounding the camp is rather colder than the former being in valley pf the 3main mountains of Stanely, Speke and baker.

Day 10: Bujjuku to Elena Hut

You day 4 of your 7 days Margherita summit starts off from serious bog which you will dodge once again by not only following the footsteps of your guide but also jumping one tussock after the other. From the tussocks you will walk through the steepy slippery ascent ad then through a bit of thick vegetation before heading to the rocky garden of groundsels. The moorland zone gives way to the Alpine zone and vegetation here is beautiful and unique. After Scott Elliot pass, continue your walk steadily crossing through the bouldering rocks till you reach the coldest camp on this central circuit trail Ellena camp. Ellena camp is the last camp before the final push to the summit of margherita the highest point and most popular peak in the Rwenzori mountain. You are advised to keep warm and sleep early enough as this night is not like any other it involves walking up before sunset.

Day 11: Elena Hut to Margherita Summit to Kitandara

The road to the summit commences before dawn around 3am in the night, you are led out to the towering peaks of mount Stanely in Stanely plateau. Climbing steep slopes with your headlamp lighting for you your path. Your advised to watch your steps and follow your guide to ensure a safe and steady ascent to the summit. After some time, you will require to ascend the glacier in a team with joined together with ropes and with crampons on your hiking boots, don’t forget to wear your helmet on your head. Enjoy the incredible views in the clouds taking incredible photos and tossing either your flag pr the Uganda or with a bear for your achievement at Margherita peak. After reaching the peak, embark on your journey to Kitandara camp via Scot Elliot pass. The ascent is very interesting with unique flora and fauna. Here you will enjoy the rest of the day alongside the shores of Lake Kitandara and later enjoy the night.

Day 12: Kitandara to Guyoeman

After a hot breakfast amidst the cold atmosphere, start on your journey on your 6th day of the 7days Margherita summit. This one takes you through trees hiking a steepy ascent till you reach fresh field pass, where you can view the homesteads of Congo on a clear day with no fog. After the fresh field pass, continue walking through the rocky terrains and once again you will encounter the tussocks and this time on a larger scale. You will then have a board walk that will lead you to Guyeoman with your last night being spend at this camp. You will notice a change in the atmosphere and start to feel heavy as you lower the altitude.

Day 13: Guyoeman to Nyakalengeji via Nyabitaba

Your days 7 also the last days of the 7days Margherita summit is finally here, sadly or happily your journey ends today as you descend from Guyoeman through nyabitaba then to Nyakalengeji at the base camp. Begin your final leg of your journey from the camp at guyeoman, walking through the trail and crossing various steps. You will descend the Kichuchu cliffs then the cross the bridge to the bamboo area. After reaching Nyabitaba enjoy a hot lunch then start retracing your very first steps on your first day till you get out of the mountain. This journey promises a steady and reliable hike to discover more than just the summit but also the uniqueness and beauty of the Rwenzori mountains. Upon reaching Nyakalengija, you will meet your driver and transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park one of Uganda’s most visited conservation areas. You will check in at your accommodation and enjoy dinner and overnight.

Day 14: Game drive and Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is a full day of unforgettable wildlife experiences; it starts off very early with a game drive though the plains of Kasenyi. You drive through diverse habitats like open grasslands, acacia woodlands and along the shores of the lakes. You will stay on the lookout for lions, buffalos, Uganda Kobs, warthogs and many antelope species. In the afternoon you will take a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, a drainage that connects the two lakes Goerge and Edward. During the boat ride you will spot numerous hippos and crocodiles. The birdlife here is also amazing with so many bird species including the giant fish eagle, king fisher, herons among the many. Return to your lodge after the boat experience.

Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, you will depart Queen Elizabeth and travel south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a misty, ancient rainforest that is home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive is scenic, passing rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. Take time to rest or stroll the peaceful surroundings, listening to birdcalls and breathing in the fresh forest air. Your guide will brief you about gorilla trekking rules to prepare you for tomorrow’s big adventure.

Day 16: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to the Batwa Community

Today is one of the highlights of your entire safari, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will be led by expert guides into dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family. Tracking these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact with one another is a truly life-changing experience. You will spend a full hour with these magnificent creatures, observing them from a safe and respectful distance. After the trek, you will visit the Batwa community, learning about their culture, traditions, and forest-based way of life-a meaningful and educational cultural exchange.

Day 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Full Day

Today you travel to one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Bunyonyi. Often called the “Place of Many Little Birds,” this serene lake is famed by terraced hills and dotted with small islands. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and enjoy stunning views over the water. Spend the day relaxing by the lake, swimming in calm waters, or exploring the shoreline. The peaceful atmosphere and lush scenery make this a wonderful place to unwind after the intensity of gorilla trekking

Day 18: Full Day at Lake Bunyonyi

Enjoy a full, relaxing day at Lake Bunyonyi. This is your time to explore at your own pace-go canoeing, take a guided boat tour to the lake’s island, walk through local villages, or simply soak up the beauty of the lake from your lodge. Bird watchers will enjoy the many native species while those seeking tranquility can enjoy quiet moments on the shore. The dramatic backdrop of hills and reflections on the water create a photographer’s dream. Tonight, share stories of your safari with fellow travelers under tropical skies.

Day 19: Transfer to Lake Mburo and Nature Walk

After breakfast, you will depart Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park in Uganda but rich in wildlife and scenic beauty. Upon arrival, you will go on a guided nature walk-one of the park’s most special activities. With an armed ranger you will walk through woodland, acacia grassland, and along wetland edges, discovering giraffes, impalas, zebras, and many bird species up close. Unlike vehicle game drives, walking here brings a deeper connection to nature and wildlife.

Day 20: Transfer Back to Kampala and City Tour

Today you will travel back to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city. After checking in at your hotel, you will enjoy a city tour visiting key landmarks such as historical sites, busting markets, and culture centres (specific sites can be customized to your interests). You will learn about Uganda’s history, culture, and modern life while interacting with friendly locals. In the evening, you can explore local dining options or relax at your hotel as you prepare for your journey home.

Day 21: Departure Back Home

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. Your guide will ensure a smooth departure and assist with airport check-in. As you take off, you will carry with your unforgettable memories-of rare wildlife encounters, soaring mountains, tranquil lakes, and the warmth of Ugandan hospitality. This farewell marks the end of an incredible journey through one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse countries.

End of the 21 Days Best Of Uganda Safari With Rwenzori Trekking