How challenging is the Ruwenzori hike?

The trekking is challenging and requires good physical condition as well as experience in mountain hiking.

What equipment is needed for the tour?

Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes, weatherproof clothing, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, sun protection, gloves, and a good rain jacket are recommended.

How do you want to travel?

MOTORCYCLE TOURS

OFFROAD TOURS

SAFARI

Misty green mountain ridges seen through moss covered branches in the foreground

Safari 17 days

Uganda Round Trip - Safari, Gorillas & Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Uganda on this 17-day small group trip! Hike through the pristine nature of the Moon Mountains in the Rwenzori Mountains up to nearly 4,000 meters, discover the African wildlife in the national parks, a…

2 of the Big Five max. 4 guests from € 4,449

Dates and price

The Journey

Ruwenzori Hiking Small Group Tour

A hike in the Moon Mountains is considered one of the most beautiful mountain tours in Africa. Unlike Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro, you will find unspoiled nature in the Rwenzori Mountains. Lobelias, mosses, and ferns adorn the paths starting at 3,000 m altitude, the tour is like diving into another world. You will ascend to nearly 4,000 m. The best travel time is from mid-December to early February, during this time there is little precipitation. Very good endurance and surefootedness are necessary for this tour. Overnight stays during the tour in the Rwenzori will be in simple huts with bunk beds without bathrooms or showers but with very good catering. Afterward, you will enjoy African wildlife in two very different national parks. The second highlight of the tour is a visit to a gorilla family to conclude the trip and a day to relax by the lake.

Duration: 17 days
Sleeping: Tent or lodge
Group: up to 4 guests
Safari days: 4 of 16
Demands: Moderate

1 country: Uganda

Silhouetted trees against a fiery sunset over distant mountain ridges

A hiker with a red backpack approaching a rocky waterfall in a forested gorge

A roadside market stall with fruit and vegetables and a parked van

Trekking camp huts and gear bags in a forest clearing with a hiker nearby

Uganda Round Trip - Safari, Gorillas & Adventure

from € 4,449 / Person

17 Days from 4 Intermediate

Select your date

11 Apr. 2027 to 28 Apr. 2027

09 May. 2027 to 26 May. 2027

13 Jun. 2027 to 30 Jun. 2027

22 Aug. 2027 to 08 Sep. 2027

Additional options

Gorilla Permit one-time / per person

€869

Chimpanzee Permit one-time / per person

€0

Give this tour as a gift

Big Five 2 of 5 on this route

Lion Named in the itinerary
Leopard Not on this route
Elephant Named in the itinerary
Rhino Not on this route
Buffalo Not on this route

Also along the way

Zebra
Mountain gorilla
Impala

01 Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains

Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains

Experience the 'Moon Mountains' on exciting hikes up to 4,000 m height.

02 Challenging mountain tour

Challenging mountain tour

Enjoy alpine heights with spectacular views during the ascent.

03 Diverse landscapes

Diverse landscapes

Discover rainforests, moor landscapes, rock plateaus, and glaciers.

04 Rich animal and plant world

Rich animal and plant world

Observe unique vegetation and rare animal species in their natural environment.

05 Unforgettable adventure

Unforgettable adventure

Enjoy an adventurous route off the beaten path, ideal for experienced hikers. You will be guided through untouched nature rich in flora and fauna. A highlight is the encounter with a gorilla family in Bwindi National Park, which offers a unique experience. To conclude, relax at the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi and immerse yourself in the culture of Uganda.

Days 1-16

Travel day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Uganda

In the late evening (KLM) or early morning. You will be picked up by one of our staff and taken to a nearby hotel/guesthouse.

Travel Day 2: Entebbe - Kasese / Ruwenzori

Drive day (approx. 200km) In the morning, after a currency exchange stop, you will drive on well-developed roads through Kampala to Kasese. We will spend the night there in a simple hotel that is close to the starting point for the hiking tour.

Travel day 3: Trekking day 1

Early it goes to the base station in Kilmebe. Tour briefing. Hike to the national park border about 1 hour, then slow ascent to the Sine Hut 2,596m/overnight stay.

Travel Day 4: Trekking Day 2

Today our hike continues towards Mutinda Camp 3,688m/overnight. This is situated under a huge rock outcropping.

Travel Day 5: Trekking Day 3 - Descent

On the third day, our descent begins. Our goal is the Kibaro Camp, which is 3,518m high.

Travel Day 6: Trekking Day 4 - Descent Day 1

Our descent continues to the Salamira Camp 3,174m. From here, there is a fantastic view of Kasese and the surrounding landscape.

Travel day 8: Trekking day 5 - Descent day 2

In the afternoon, you will reach the base camp. You now have to say goodbye to your loyal mountain guides and porters, a last group photo and a certificate mark the worthy conclusion of the tour. We continue to the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park and spend the night at the park border.

Travel Day 9: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today is safari day, in the early morning they go on a lion hunt. Lunch break with a packed lunch in the park. In the afternoon a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is a must for every nature lover. In the late afternoon we drive slowly back through the park to the lodge and might still see a few elephants for dinner.

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Travel Day 10: Travel Day over Ishasha Wilderness to Bwindi

Today we start very early. They drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the starting point of the gorilla hiking. On the way, we will make a short stop in the Ishasha part of the QENP depending on the weather to look for tree-climbing lions.

Travel Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija

We leave very early for the park headquarters. At the meeting point, you will receive instructions from the rangers on how to deal with our close relatives. The journey to the animals can take 2-4 hours depending on where you are that day. However, since they are under constant observation, it is only a matter of time before you reach them. For such a unique experience, one is happy to endure these hardships. Afternoon at your leisure.

Travel Day 12: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, we drive to relax at Lake Bunyonyi. There you have the whole remaining day to relax. The lake is considered free of schistosomiasis, swimming is possible. Anyone who wants can rent a dugout canoe and go paddling on the lake.

Travel day 13: Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, you will drive back to Entebbe. We will take you directly to the airport. If your flight is not until early morning, we will take you to a guesthouse where you can stay until departure.

Travel Day 14: QENP via Ishasha to the Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure amidst the fascinating landscapes of Uganda, where you can experience the rare sight of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and embark on an exhilarating gorilla trekking expedition in the lush forests of Buhoma. The village of Buhoma, located high in the rainforest, serves as a starting point for most gorilla tours and offers the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Travel day 15: Gorilla trekking in Ruhija

Start early, meet at the meeting point to gain valuable insights from the rangers on how to interact with our closest relatives. The trek to the gorillas can last 2-4 hours and takes you through rough terrain for a truly unique experience. Depending on the duration of the trip, the afternoon is available for leisure activities.

Travel Day 16: Bwindi NP - Lake Mburo National Park

Say goodbye to the mountain rainforest as you travel back to warmer climates. Before returning to Entebbe, make a stop at Lake Mburo National Park, the only place in Uganda where zebras, impalas, and elands can be found.

Travel Day 17: Return Journey to Entebbe

Travel Early in the morning, begin the journey back to Entebbe, a long trip of about 8 hours on well-developed roads with several stops along the way. Cross the equator again and enjoy a short coffee break with the opportunity to buy souvenirs. Arrival in Entebbe in the early evening, where you will be taken directly to the airport after a group dinner depending on your flight schedule, or to a guesthouse in Entebbe for the night if your departure is the next morning.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Safari in Uganda

5.0

1 reviews

Florian S.

The support during the Uganda round trip in the Ruwenzori Mountains was consistently professional. The English-speaking guide provided well-founded information...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Betreuung während der Uganda Rundreise im Ruwenzori-Gebirge war durchweg professionell. Der englischsprachige Guide gab fundierte Informationen zu Flora und Fauna und war stets hilfsbereit, besonders beim herausfordernden Trekking bis auf knapp 4.000 Meter Höhe. Die Gruppengröße von maximal vier Personen förderte eine persönliche Atmosphäre.

PRICE

from

€ 4,449 / person

Additional Options

Gorilla Permit / Person € 869

Trip includes

Travel to/from Entebbe according to program
Transport to and from the airport
All trips in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof without air conditioning
Multilingual guide/driver
Overnight stays in simple mountain huts during the trekking tour, otherwise accommodation in mid-range rooms/bungalows/tents
Mineral water during the trips
All entries to the national parks

Flights & Airport Fees
Optional Excursions
Additional carriers for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking
Drinks in lodges and with meals (approx. 50€/person)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Phone or internet costs (Wi-Fi available in almost all lodges)
Travel health insurance (mandatory!)
Everything not specified in the service description

FAQS

How challenging is the Ruwenzori hike?

The trekking is challenging and requires good physical condition as well as experience in mountain hiking.
What equipment is needed for the tour?

Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes, weatherproof clothing, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, sun protection, gloves, and a good rain jacket are recommended.
What are the accommodations like during the trekking?

Mountain huts or camping.

OVERCROSS note on itinerary

The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS