Safari Overview
Experience the best of Uganda in 15 action-packed days: classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, an epic 8-day trek across the Rwenzori "Mountains of the Moon" (with an optional Margherita summit), and up-close chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. This itinerary blends big-game safaris, scenic boat cruises and high-altitude hiking for travellers who want both adventure and authentic wildlife encounters.
- 8-day Rwenzori trek (optional Margherita summit)
- Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- All logistics, guides, and transfers included
| Days | Destination / Experience |
|---|---|
| 1 | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| 2-3 | Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| 4 | Transfer to Mt Rwenzori National Park |
| 5-12 | hikking the mountains of the moon |
| 13 | Transfer to Kibale National Park |
| 14 | Chimpanzee tracking & community outreach |
| 15 | Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe |
Day 1-3: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Nestled in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the country’s most popular and diverse protected area. The park spans rolling savannas, sparkling crater lakes, lush forests, and the famous Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George. The park boasts incredible biodiversity — with over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. It’s home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards. Whether you're cruising on the Kazinga Channel surrounded by hippos or exploring volcanic craters, every moment here feels cinematic.
Day 1
- Pickup by your driver guide
- Equator stop
- Arrival at lodge
Day 2
- Morning game drive
- Crater lake visit
Day 3
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Optional activity: Lion Tracking
For visitors who yearn to get up close to wild African fauna, a research trip is a rewarding adventure. This new and unique experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring some of lions in the park, using locator devices and learn habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings and behavior. The results are added to researchers’ databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology, and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem. This will as well gives you a 95% chance to see the lions! The number of people on each outing is limited in order to reduce stress on the animals and to increase the quality of the experience for visitors. Cost-$ 130 per person
RWENZORI HIKING (8 DAYS)
Day 4: Transfer to Kasese (Base of Rwenzori Mountains)
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," are a stunning mountain range located in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They are renowned for their unique alpine ecosystem, glacial peaks, and breathtaking landscapes. The Rwenzori Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endemic species.
Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains is a challenging and rewarding experience. The park is home to unique wildlife and rare plant species found nowhere else on earth. It’s a paradise for hikers and climbers who crave an authentic wilderness experience away from the crowds.
- Depart Queen after breakfast
- Arrive at Nyakalengija for briefing & gear check
- Overnight near Rwenzori gate
- Overnight: Base camp lodge (Kasese)
Day 5: Rwenzori Hike — Day 1 (Nyakalengija → Nyabitaba Hut)
- Altitude: ~2,650m
- Walk through rainforest
- Look out for colobus monkeys
- 6-7 hours of hiking
- Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Day 6: Rwenzori Hike — Day 2 (Nyabitaba → John Matte Hut)
- Altitude: ~3,400m
- Bamboo zone & river crossings
- Great views of Mt Stanley and Portal Peaks
- 6-7 hours of hiking
- Overnight: John Matte Hut
Day 7: Rwenzori Hike (John Matte → Bujuku Hut)
- Altitude: ~3,970m
- Trek through the giant lobelia & groundsel zone
- The Bujuku Valley opens up
- 5-6 hours
- Overnight: Bujuku Hut
Day 8-12: Rwenzori Hike (Bujuku → Elena Hut)
- Altitude: ~4,541m
- Rocky ascent
- Cold & windy section
- Prep for Margherita summit (optional)
- Overnight: Elena Hut
Day 9: Rwenzori Hike (Elena → Margherita Summit → Kitandara Hut)
- Altitude: ~5,109m summit
- Very early start (around 2am)
- Steep climb to summit
- Incredible views from the top
- If the client doesn’t want to summit, we make this a traverse day.
- Summit attempt to Margherita Peak (5,109m)
- Glacier crossing with ropes
- After summit → descend to Kitandara
- Overnight: Kitandara Hut
Day 10: Rwenzori Hike (Kitandara → Guy Yeoman Hut)
- Altitude: ~3,260m
- Beautiful alpine vegetation
- Descend into deep valleys
- Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Day 11: Rwenzori Hike (Guy Yeoman → Nyabitaba Hut)
- Steep descent
- Walk through bamboo & river zones
- Easier day
- Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Day 12: Rwenzori Hike — Day 8 (Exit to Nyakalengija Gate)
- Walk down to the park gate
- Receive certificates
- Light relaxation in Kasese
Overnight: Kasese town lodge
Day 13-15: Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park is known as the primate capital of the world with over 13 species of primates including chimpanzees.
Day 13
Transfer from Kasese through crater lakes and tea plantations.
Day 14
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest.
Day 15
Return drive to Kampala or Entebbe.
The safari package includes;
- Return airport transfers (Pick up and drop off)
- Transport for 15 days in a 4x4 WD, air-conditioned and pop-up roofs during sightseeing safaris (Safari van / Land Cruiser)
- Fuel for 9 days
- English speaking safari guide for 8 days
- Private-standard / mid-range / Luxury accommodation for 8 nights on full board (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
- Bottled mineral water and all en-route meals
- All park entrance fees and all itinerary activities
- 1 chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest National Park per person
- Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
The safari package excludes;
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal shopping and items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
What to take with you on entire safari
- Neutral colored clothing, long sleeved shirts
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Sun block or sunscreen (as the afternoon is still intense)
- Insect repellent
- Special medication if needed
Spirit of Adventure is a must of course.
Inquire About This Safari
Open the shared safari inquiry form to request details for this 15-day hiking itinerary. The duration is already attached to your inquiry.