This 7 days Rwenzori hike and Queen Elizabeth National Park combines climbing mountain Rwenzori up to John Matte Camp with a wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The amazing hike to the great Rwenzori mountain starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonjo people, the people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass. You will then follow the Mobuku River, until you cross the Mahoma River.
The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus forest, up to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652m) and John Matte (3,330m). You will then descend back to Nyakalengija, steeply off the ridge and enter the warm rainforest heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This Rwenzori hike and Queen Elizabeth safari will give you the opportunity of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge and a boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel.
Rwenzori Hike and Queen Elizabeth Itinerary:
Day 1: Kampala – Mbarara – Kasese
Our driver guide will pick you from your hotel or place of residence in Kampala and then transfer you to Kasese via Fort Portal. Enjoy the winding scenery just under the Rwenzori Mountains. Lunch en-route at any local restaurant. You will arrive in the afternoon for an overnight stay and dinner at the Equator Snow Lodge. Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Nyakalengija 1,600m – Nyabitaba Hut 2,650m
From the Rwenzori Mountains National Park headqarters at Nyakalengija (1,646m), you will receive the briefing from the guides, with the possibility of hiring climbing equipment. The hike starts through the plantations and homes of the Bakonjo People, people of the mountain, gradually reaching garden plots and elephants grass. You will follow the Mobuku River and cross the Mahoma River.
The trail passes through an open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest, up to Nyabitaba Hut, (2,652m), which is the arrival point for the day. This will take from 5 to 6 hours. From this location, you are facing the North of the portal peaks, 4.627m, that is in front of Mount Kyniangoma. During day, you might see monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco and hear the sounds of chimpanzees.
Day 3: Nyabitaba Hut 2,650m – John Matte Hut 3,380m
Descend the ridge to the Mubuku River then climb through bamboo forest toward John Matte Hut (3,380m). The afternoon is tiring boulder hopping ascending along the north side of the Bujuku river, through the giant heather forest (4.1/2-5.1/2 hours).
Day 4: John Matte Hut (3,380m) – Nyakalengija
Trek from John Matte Hut (3,380m) as you descend back to Nyakalengija. Descend steeply off the ridge and enter the warm rain forest. Here, you can look for tropical forest birds and various monkey species.
Dinner and overnight stay at Margherita Hotel. Meal Plan: F/B
Day 5: Kasese – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meet your guide and proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Then get on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi and Queens’ Mile, which makes visitors encounter elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, Uganda Kobs and a variety of birds. Get an afternoon relaxation and sightseeing around your lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay at Enganzi Safari Lodge (mid-range facility). Meal Plan: B, L & D
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Part of Rwenzori Hike and Queen Elizabeth
Get on an early morning chimpanzee trekking safari along the Kyambura Gorge. After chimpanzee trekking and lunch, you will enjoy a two hour boat trip along the famous Kazinga channel which is a worthwhile opportunity to see hippos, buffaloes, giant African elephants and warthogs among others. This trip also gives visitors a chance to see spectacular birds.
Dinner and overnight stay at Enganzi Safari Lodge (mid-range facility). Meal Plan: B, L & D
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth Park – Kampala/Entebbe
Return to Kampala with lunch en-route and a stopover at the Uganda Equator crossing line in Masaka for some souvenir shopping. Continue to Kampala or Entebbe to catch up your evening flight back home. Meal Plan: B & L.
Rwenzori Hike and Queen Elizabeth Inclusions and Exclusions:
Includes
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Transfers with 4wd vehicle
- Park Entrance fees
- Professional Guide fees
- Porters 25kg per person
- Professional cook
- Park Entrance fees
- Game drive
- Rescue fees in case of emergency rescue on Rwenzori Mountains
- One Kyambura Chimpanzee permit to be paid and secured well in advance
- A community walk in Bwindi
- Services on an English speaking Driver/guide.
Excludes
- Flight fares
- Personal insurance
- Equipment for the hike
- Extra Luggage (extra 25kg per person)
- Any changes in the program itinerary while in the Rwenzori
Important to Climbers on Rwenzori Hike and Queen Elizabeth:
- Climbers must be prepared to walk for up to 8 hours every day via steep cliff and muddy paths.
- Climbers must bring along their own climbing gear or hire it at the base camp.
- Our porters carry 8 kg of personal climbing gear