What is the tour's policy in case of bad weather like rain?

This tour is designed for most fitness levels and involves a leisurely walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 miles over two hours. We maintain a relaxed pace with several stops for storytelling and photo opportunities. While it involves standing and walking on city sidewalks, the tour is not considered strenuous and is suitable for most active people.

What is the tour's policy in case of bad weather like rain?

Our tours operate rain or shine, as New York's weather can be quite unpredictable. We encourage all our guests to check the forecast beforehand and to dress appropriately with comfortable shoes and perhaps an umbrella. In the rare event of extreme or dangerous weather conditions, the tour would be canceled, and you would be offered a full refund or rescheduling.

What specific items should I bring with me on the tour?

Comfort is key! We highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as you will be on your feet for the duration of the tour. Other than that, we suggest bringing a camera to capture the memories, weather-appropriate clothing like a jacket or hat, and your sense of adventure. A complimentary bottle of water will be provided for you by your guide.

Is this two-hour walking tour suitable for young children?

While children of all ages are welcome, please consider that this is a two-hour tour filled with historical facts and stories that may not always hold the attention of very young children. The pace is manageable, but it does require continuous standing and walking. The tour is generally best suited for older children and teenagers with an interest in history.

12 Days Rwenzori Mountains, Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

About This Tour

The 12 Days Rwenzori Mountains, Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari is an extraordinary Uganda adventure combining the dramatic landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains, thrilling wildlife encounters and the unforgettable experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas.This Ruku Safaris journey takes you from the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with an exciting Rwenzori Mountains trekking experience in between. You will enjoy game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, mountain scenery, forest walks and a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.

Trip Highlights

Trek through the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains, the Mountains of the Moon.
Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Experience local Batwa and community culture.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Entebbe – Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Ruku Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.

After check-in, you will have time to relax and recover from your journey. If your arrival is early, an optional Kampala or Entebbe city experience can be arranged.

Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe/Kampala
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 02 :

Kampala – Fort Portal – Kasese

After breakfast, begin your journey westwards towards the Rwenzori region.

The drive takes you through Uganda's beautiful countryside, passing traditional villages, farms, tea plantations and rolling landscapes. Continue towards Fort Portal, where you may enjoy lunch before proceeding to Kasese.

On a clear day, you may get your first magnificent views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation: Lodge in Kasese
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Rwenzori Mountains – Nature Walk and Trekking Preparation

After breakfast, travel towards the Rwenzori Mountains National Park headquarters at Nyakalengija.

Meet your mountain guides and porters and receive a briefing about the trekking experience. Depending on the selected trail and conditions, enjoy a guided introductory hike through the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The walk introduces you to the spectacular montane environment, forest vegetation, birds and primates.

Return to your accommodation for rest and preparation for the following day's mountain adventure.

Accommodation: Lodge in Kasese/Rwenzori area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Rwenzori Mountain Trek – Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba

After an early breakfast, begin your mountain trek from Nyakalengija.The trail enters the lush montane forest, where you may encounter monkeys, colourful forest birds and unique vegetation. As you ascend, the scenery gradually changes from dense forest to higher-altitude vegetation.Continue towards Nyabitaba Hut, where you will spend the night.Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut/Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Nyabitaba – John Matte

After breakfast, continue deeper into the Rwenzori Mountains.

The trail passes through bamboo and giant heather zones, with increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Cross mountain streams and continue towards John Matte Hut.

This section provides an excellent introduction to the distinctive vegetation and rugged terrain of the Rwenzori range.

Accommodation: John Matte Hut/Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

John Matte – Bujuku – Descend/Return

After breakfast, continue towards the spectacular Bujuku Valley.

The trek takes you through the famous Bigo Bog, where giant lobelias, groundsels and other Afro-alpine plants create an extraordinary landscape.

Continue towards Lake Bujuku, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.

After exploring the area, begin your descent according to the trekking plan and overnight arrangements.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut/Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07 :

Rwenzori Mountains – Return to Kasese – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Complete your descent from the Rwenzori Mountains and return to Kasese.

After lunch, continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is one of Uganda's premier wildlife destinations and is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, forests and lakes.

Check into your lodge and relax.

Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08 :

Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early for a morning game drive across the park's wildlife-rich plains.

Keep an eye out for:

Lions
African elephants
Cape buffaloes
Uganda kobs
Warthogs
Waterbucks
Hyenas
Various antelope species

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, enjoy a spectacular boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can observe large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and water birds along the shoreline.

Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09 :

Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Game Drive – Bwindi

After breakfast, travel south through Queen Elizabeth National Park towards the Ishasha Sector.

Enjoy a game drive through Ishasha in search of its famous tree-climbing lions. The sector is also home to elephants, buffaloes, topi, Uganda kobs and other wildlife.

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the spectacular hills and villages of southwestern Uganda.

Arrive at your lodge and prepare for the following day's gorilla trekking.

Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 :

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to the relevant park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. You will then enter Bwindi's ancient rainforest with experienced guides and trackers.

The trek can take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family. The terrain can be steep, muddy and challenging, but the reward is an unforgettable encounter with Uganda's endangered mountain gorillas.

Once you locate the gorillas, spend the permitted time observing their behaviour, feeding, playing and social interactions.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 :

Batwa Cultural Experience – Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, enjoy a cultural experience with the local community, with an optional Batwa cultural experience where available.

Learn about traditional forest life, local music, dance, food, crafts and the cultural heritage of communities around Bwindi.

Later, drive towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most beautiful highland lakes.

Enjoy an optional boat ride between the lake's numerous islands or simply relax and take in the spectacular scenery.

Accommodation: Lodge on Lake Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 :

Lake Bunyonyi – Equator – Entebbe/Kampala

After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Kampala or Entebbe.

Travel through the scenic countryside of southwestern Uganda, passing rolling hills, farms and local communities.

Make a stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs, souvenirs and a short equator experience.

Continue to Kampala or Entebbe, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

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