20 days  Uganda Primate, Rwenzori and wildlife Road trip

A 20-day trip visiting Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth (QENP), Lake Mburo, Bwindi National Parks, and including chimpanzee trekking is an excellent way to experience Uganda’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Kibale Forest National Park is the best location for chimpanzee trekking to combine with your other destinations due to its high concentration of primates and logical position along a common safari route.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Murchison falls.

After breakfast, you will drive to nakasongola and visit to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking . Enjoy a close encounter with southern white rhinos at the Sanctuary. Learn more about the conservation work done by the sanctuary and see its wild wards in their native environment and spend a night at Amuka Safari Lodge

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls

 After break fast, embark on the journey to murchisonn falls national park with stop over for lunch in masindi town, Enter the gate through Kichumbanyobo gate, Proceed to the top of the falls where you can witness the immense power of the Nile River as it is squeezed through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters down. This offers spectacular views of the powerful, narrow gorge and the surrounding landscape good for Photography. Proceed to  your accomodation for dinner and overnight. Accommodation options; Chobe Safari Lodge/ Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba lodge/ Murchison River lodge (Moderate), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)

 Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise

With your packed breakfast, you will go for a morning game drive with your guide who will help you spot the a big number of wildlife found in the Park, you will be able to spot a lot of the African animal wildlife for example: elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds. After the game drive, you will drive back to the hotel for lunch as you prepare to enjoy the boat cruise on River Nile. This boat will allow you get close to the water animals which include over 4000 hippos as well as the Nile crocodiles. The Nile has got many stunning bird life which is also enjoyed while taking your boat trip; these include; the bee eaters, colored king fishers, shoebill stork, grey throated and the yellow billed birds. After the boat cruise, you will go for a rest at the lodge in the Evening as you wait for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options; Chobe Safari Lodge/ Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba lodge/ Murchison River lodge (Moderate), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)

]Day 4: Morning Game drive and drive to hoima for cultural experience.

After breakfast, you will go for morning game drive, This is the opportunity  to see animals you might have missed  and then drive to hoima town, on your way you will have stops for sightseeing and community visits, upon arrival in hoima you will check in at your lodge and have lunch, afternoon you will go for a cultural experience tour with major cultural activities including the traditional banyoro cultural dance, community walks where  you will walk down to katasiha fort where omukama kabalega’s cave is found and  later you will retire back to the lodge for overnight. drive time: 3-4 hours.

Day 5: Transfer to kibale forest National Park 

After breakfast you will drive to Kibale forest national park. You will be able to enjoy am impressive sight of the legendary “mountains of the moon” which you will clearly see on the road to fort portal. You will as well pass through many traditional villages as you enjoy local people carrying out agriculture. You will as well enjoy fort portal which is in the foot hills of mountain Rwenzori filled with tea plantations filled with tea plantations, after enjoying this platform of green tea, you will continue to Kibale forest national park which is one of the great rain forests in Africa. On arrival at the park, you will check into your lodge and after proceed to visit the scenic crater lakes plus the terraced tea plantations around the hill of fort portal. This Crater Lake sits on Lake Nyinambuga where tourists can take a walk as they enjoy the cool breeze of this lake. After, return to the lodge to enjoy lunch as you relax and wait for your dinner and overnight. Accommodation options; Ndali lodge (Luxury), Kibale Forest Camp/ Kibale Guest Cottages (Moderate)

Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland visit

Wake up so early and head to Kanyanchu by 8:00 am to start your chimpanzee trek in Kibale forest. Chimpanzees are considered to be the closest relatives of human beings since they share 98% of their DNA with that of human beings. As you proceed with the search of these beautiful chimps, you will view many other primate and animal species including the LHoests monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkey, grey cheeked mangabeys, bush babies and many bird species including yellow spotted nictor, ramped tinker, crowed eagle, as well as the elephants which are mammals. You get a chance to observe them as they play, feed; socialize as well as jumping around the trees.  After the long trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch as you prepare to visit Bigodi wetland sanctuary where you will view more primates like the blue monkeys, baboon, otters, bush bucks, mangoose, bush pigs and many more. This place is also known for many species like the great blue turaco and the green breasted pitta and transfer to Rwenzori the base camp where you check inn at Ruboni campsite for Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Nyakalegija (1615m) – Nyabitaba Hut (2651m).

Here we will have instructions from the park rangers and an introduction to the route,

as well as meeting with our guides and porters. After that, we will embark on a journey along a path that passes through a dense forest along the Mubuku River, crosses its tributary of the Mahoma River, and then a long climb to the massive ridge, along which you will reach the Nyabitaba hut (2651 m). During this part of the journey, we can hear chimpanzees and see black and white colobus, blue monkey and brightly colored turraco Rwenzori. Duration of the hike: 6-7 hours. Elevation height: 1036 m Overnight at Nyabitaba

Day 8: Nyabitaba (2651m) – Mubuku River (2600m) John Matte Hut (3380m)

After breakfast, from Nyabitaba hut we will follow a trail that descends through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the confluence of the Mubuku and Bujuku rivers. Next, we will pass a bamboo forest and a long, tiring stretch of slippery moss-covered cliffs. From the Nyamuleju rock shelter, we will see the Stanley Mountains (Margherita Peak (5109m)) and Speke (4890m). And then we will find ourself in the zone of giant heather, lobelia and agriculture. Finally reach John Matte’s hut (3505 m). Dinner and overnight at the hut. Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours. Elevation height: 854 m

John matte camp

Day 9: John Matte (3380m) to Bujuku (3962m)

From John Matte Hut, the trail drops down to cross the Bujuku River and enters the Lower Bigo Bog, the home of giant lobelias. Will enjoy the beautiful but hypnotising boardwalk through the open valley. Transition through a steep forested section to the upper Bigo bog which gives way to Lake Bujuku, with views of Mount Baker to the south and Mount Stanley to the west. This 4-5 hour hike ends at Bujuku hut. Bujuku is also a launchpad for climbing Mount Speke.

Overnight at Bujuku camp

Day 10:  Bujuku (3977m) to kitandara hut (4541m).

From Bujuku Hut, after a muddy area, will start a steep climb through a forest of giant groundsels up to the Groundsel Gully. A branch in the trail leads to Elena Hut, 4.430 m, then the trail proceeds directly to Kitandara Hut. You walk through Scott Elliot Pass, 4.372 m., the highest point during the central circuit, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views down the Bujuku valley, of Mount Baker, Mount Luigi di Savoia and Stanley just above. This is a steep, rocky trail which when is wet or icy can be very slippery.

Overnight atElen hut.

Day 11: Elena Hut (4541m) to Margherita peak– Kitandara hut (4027m)

For those aiming at reaching Margherita peak (5109m), continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier. To reach the summit of Margherita, the climb takes about 5-7 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of climbing this mountain. This tough walk takes you over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very exposed areas which are open on many sides. Note that this climb is for only physically fit and technical climbers. Climbing on to the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness and coolly weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita the highest peak of the Rwenzoris. Given the high altitude and the tough conditions even if you do not reach the peak, don’t get disappointed. Prepare for you return through the Scott-Elliot pass, where there are spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. After the trail that passes you through an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders, descend past the Kitandara Lakes for dinner and overnight at the Kitandara

Day 12: Kitandara (4027m) – Fresh field Pass (4282m) – Guy Yeoman (3450m)

Take on the trail that ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mount Baker and continuing along the south side of the mountain to Fresh Field Pass (4282m asl.) From the pass, take on the long high alpine mossy trail. Thereafter start the descent through steep rocky trails and the rock shelter at Bujongolo, the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906, until we arrive for an overnight at Guy Yeoman hut after 6-7 hours. Overnight at Guyoman or move to John matte

Day 13: Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija

Below Guy Yeoman, the route descends the cliffs of Kichuchu. Beyond Kichuchu the boggy path crosses the Mubuku River twice through a bamboo forest before climbing up to Nyabitaba to complete the circuit. Continue past Nyabitaba Camp to complete your trek through Mihunga gate to Nyakalengija, at the base( meet end of the trek. Proceed to for an overnight at  Katara Lodge/Mweya safari lodge (Luxury), Kasenyi Safari Camp/Ihamba Safari Lodge (Moderate), Simba safari camp (Budget)

Day 14: Game drive and afternoon boat cruise.

Wake up for an early morning game drive anticipating to see a variety of animals like buffalos, elephants, lions and several antelope species. Later return to your lodge for breakfast and lunch and in the afternoon  a boat cruise up to the bottom of the falls brings you closer to Hippos, crocodiles and a plethora of migratory birds along the banks of Albert Nile. Return to the lodge in the evening for an overnight stay Accommodation options; Katara Lodge/Mweya safari lodge (Luxury), Kasenyi Safari Camp/Ihamba Safari Lodge (Moderate), Simba safari camp (Budget)

Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you will checkout of the lodge and embark Bwindi forest a home to mountain gorillas covering an area of 331.sq.km. Pass through the Ishasha sector where you will take the pleasure in watching tree climbing lions, also enjoy various spectacular landscapes on your way. Arrive in the park and have a guided nature walk, have dinner and an overnight stay at any lodge of your choice. Saying goodbye to Queen Elizabeth national park is never easy. It has uncanny ability to charm visitors with its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, stunning landscapes and great wildlife viewing. The safari will continue westwards leaving the Ankole kingdom, heading to Bwindi and the Kigezi kingdom, home the heavy weights. Accommodation options; Chameleon hill lodge (Luxury), Four Gorillas lodge (Moderate)

Day 16: Gorilla trekking- Bwindi Impenetrable

On this day, you will have a great time meeting with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest! After a tasty breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the lodge, head for briefing and later enjoy the fullness of the mist forest as you see the gentle giants and other wild life species like buffaloes, elephants, monkeys, butterflies, and different bird species. Only one hour is permitted to you with the gorillas. Locating gorillas can take a few hours or the whole day depending on how far they moved from the place they spent the previous night. After the trek, you will drive to lake bunyonyi. lake bunyonyi is one of the three lava damned lakes in uganda. The beauty of this lake bunyonyi will surely not disappoint you. it is one of the best places in uganda to relax after your gorilla trek. accommodation options; Lake Bunyonyi overland camp, Hawks eye, Acadia cottages, Birdnest Resort

Day 17: canoeing or hiking

After breakfast, you are free to admire the beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills. you will have a choice of either taking a canoe ride on the lake to explore the different islands with exciting histories behind them, you will visit the punishment island. the story about this island is the place where girls who got pregnant before marriage would be dumped and left to die, you can hike one of the hills around the lake bunyonyi. accommodation options; Lake Bunyonyi overland camp, Hawks eye, Acadia cottages, Birdnest Resort

Day 18: Transfer to lake mburo national park

Today after breakfast, you will drive to lake mburo national park which is the among uganda’s smallest savannah national parks. it is a home to 332 bird species, animals like buffaloes, oribis, kobs, warthogs, zebras among others. upon arrival at the park, you will check in and have lunch Afternoon you will go for the boat cruise along the lake. still a lot of animals will be seen like crocodiles, hippos among others. the lake is also famous for its bird life, majestic fish eagles, and colorful kingfishers. if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse with the rare shoebill storks. accommodation options; mihingo lodge (luxury), rwakobo rock (moderate), eagles nest/ leopard’s rest camp (budget

Day 19: Morning game drive and afternoon boat excursion

After breakfast, you  will drive you to the park for a game drive. a game drive in lake mburo national park will guarantee you herds of buffaloes, zebras, impalas, birds and so much more without driving so much. retire to the lodge for lunch, relaxation and then an evening boat cruise on the lake. after lunch and short relaxation, you will be driven to the lake to meet your captain of the day who will take you for a two hour boat excursion. lake mburo boat cruise is an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, water bird such as the african fish eagle and the rare african fin foot. many animals such as buffaloes and antelopes gather here to drink some water so an opportunity to enjoy wildlife most especial marine animals. accommodation options; mihingo lodge (luxury), rwakobo rock (moderate), eagles nest/ leopard’s rest camp (budget

Day 20: Morning safari walk and departure

After breakfast, you will be met by a uganda wildlife authority ranger guide who will take you through briefing and then for a safari walk on foot. this activity is suitable for those who would like to stretch their legs and view wildlife on foot.  at the moment, it’s only in lake mburo where you can do safari on foot. you will get an opportunity to see what you could have seen on any game drive except that this time around you will do it on foot. check out of the lodge and drive back to kampala with lunch served en route. accommodation options; Protea Hotel Kampala, Kampala Serena Hotel,Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala.

We truly hope that you had a memorable experience that you will remember for many years to come. Have a safe onward journey and we hope that Uganda will always be close to your hearts!