DAY 1: City Tour - Kampala & Entebbe
After breakfast,drive to Kibuli mosque, Kings palace via the kings lake and Parliament of Buganda. To Rubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral and Kasubi Tombs. Take away lunch.
Spend the entire afternoon with a visit to the Uganda Museum, the Martrys’ shrine Namugongo and climax the city tour with a visit to Entebbe where Uganda Wildlife Education Center is situated.

Return to the city hotel for dinner and over night stay.

DAY 2: Kampala - Murchinson Falls National Park
After breakfast, travel to Masandi passing traditional farms and villages en-route. After a re-fuelling stop in Masindi town, proceed to Sambiya River Lodge in Murchison Falls N.P. for lunch.  Next, tour the top of the Falls, where the Nile crashes through a 6 meter gorge and falls 45 meters.  Numerous scenic viewpoints are a photographer’s delight! Dinner and overnight at picturesque Sambiya River Lodge.

DAY3: Murchinson Falls National Park
Cross the Nile by ferry and set off on an early morning game drive. Your guide helps spot elephant, giraffe, Cape buffalo, Uganda kob and lion. After a packed lunch, take a boat cruise to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls. Crocodiles bask in the sun and hippos yawn on the way. Spectacular bird life is found here including the rare Shoebill stork, and you are likely to see numerous animals.
Return to Sambiya River Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY4: Murchinson Falls - Kampala
An early morning forest walk in search of chimpanzees in Pabidi Forest. Birds, butterflies and other primates are plentiful. Park guides are very knowledgeable about the amazing flora and fauna. Return to Kampala with a packed lunch.

NB. Extra nights at Sambiya River Lodge with excursions like fishing and birdwatching are available upon request

Tour Summary/ Features:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting a large number of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600 mountain gorillas resides in Bwindi. Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse Eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop provides excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, cape buffalo, elephants, de fassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bush buck

Day 01: Kampala - Queen Elizabeth N. Park
Meet and greet at 0730 hrs. Drive west, with a stopover at the Equator for photos, through volcanic formations of the Western Rift Valley towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The descent reveals a stunning panorama of Lakes George and Edward amidst game-filled plains. In the evening, proceed for a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. The trip passes through possibly the highest hippo concentration in Africa and many mammals may be seen drinking at the water's edge. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography and game viewing. The birdlife is colorful and abundant. For dinner and overnight return to Mweya Safari Lodge that is beautifully situated on a bluff overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward.

Day 02: Queen Elizabeth N. Park
Two game drives today. Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse Eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop provides excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, cape buffalo, elephants, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bush buck. These two game drives and the boat trips (taken prior) are a memorable method of discovering a vast array of Ugandan wildlife.

Day 03: Maramagambo Forest
After breakfast depart for Maramagambo Forest, visitors can climb through tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee. Visit the Bat Caves and the " Blue Lake". Drive through the "Switzerland of Africa" area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Kisoro or Bwindi. Dinner/overnight at the respective property.

Day 04: Bwindi
Early morning entry into Gorilla sanctuary. This rainforest is spectacular. It offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, criss-crossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. Mammals include the endangered Mt. gorillas, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest hog etc. This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas. The time taken and the terrain vary according to the movements of these marvelous primates. The thrill of observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, exciting adventure. The gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead.

Day 05: Bwindi - Kampala
Leisurely drive back to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for Lunch.

Day 1: Arrive and transfer to Lake Victoria hotel by your tour guide. Dinner and overnight Lake Victoria Windsor.

Day 2: After breakfast we drive off to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest the home to the world's endangered Ape “The Mountain Gorillas", Dinner and over night at Gorilla Forest Camp.

Day 3: This is the day you track the Gorillas, you come face to face with these awesome but gentle primates, later in the day you drive to Lake Bunyonyi Dinner and night Bushara Island.

Day 4: Explore the Island, paddle your own canoe or just relax. Dinner and over night at Bushara Island.

Day 5: After breakfast drive through the scenic views and gift shop along the drive. Arrive and refresh at the Windsor Hotel before your flight.

Service includes:
All ground transport in a 4x4 with sliding roof; All accommodation in sharing twin rooms; All park related fees, game drives, boat cruises, guided walks; All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner; Government tax

Not included: All extras, drinks, laundry, telephones, tips and air tickets.

Please bring the following for tracking gorillas:
-Hiking boots- ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.
-Gloves
-A warm cardigan
-Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.
-Rain Coat
-Video- filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park
-Water proof container for their cameras
-A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.
-If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.

Caution: Please remember children under 15 are not permitted to track gorillas.

NOTE: The above offer is SUBJECT to availability of gorilla permits which cannot be guaranteed without payment. The permits are sold on first come first buy basis.

Highlights: Birding, Chimpanzees, Exploring, Game Viewing, Gorillas, Mountains, Photography
Location: Rwanda, Uganda

Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda
Visitors are met on arrival by our representative and transferred to their hotel. A City tour can be arranged with the option of visiting the Genocide Memorial Sites. This is a fascinating visit to an important statement about Rwanda’s past but not for the fainthearted. The intention is to show Rwanda’s commitment to such atrocities never happening again but the evidence of what happened can be distressing. Alternative tours can be arranged should visitors prefer. Dinner and Overnight at Kigali Serena.

Days 2 & 3: Volcano National Park Rwanda
We wake up early, at 5am for breakfast & then depart immediately for the road transfer (90 minutes) to Ruhengeri where we complete the formalities for our Gorilla trip at the National Park Headquarters.
This is one of the most exhilarating and moving wildlife experiences you can have: You get so close to these giant primates, observing them observing you – their almost human movements, innate dignity and social interaction make a unique connection within each of us. A later start on the second day still gives us plenty of time for the beautiful climb and another hour’s guided visit to the Mountain Gorillas made famous by Diane Fossey and immortalized in the film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. Dinner and overnight stay at Gorillas Nest Lodge

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
We get up early for breakfast and depart for the Cyanika border with Uganda, and continue onto Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Days 5 & 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
We drive on via Ishasha in search of the famous tree climbing lions then on to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This beautiful park is dominated on its northern border by the snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains- the famous “Mountains of the Moon.” 20 years ago the park had the highest density of wildlife of any park in Africa but these populations were severely depleted during Idi Amin’s regime. Thankfully today they are well on their way toward recovery. Uganda Kob occur in the thousands as well as numerous Defassa Waterbuck, Bushbuck, African Buffalo, Topi, Warthog and Elephant. Giant Forest Hogs are fairly common in and near the forested areas as well as Lion and Leopard.

Our second day begins with an early morning trip on the freshwater Kasinga Channel which joins Lake Edward and Lake George and is home to the largest concentration of Nile Hippos in the world. The birding here is excellent, ranging in size from the tiny, brilliant Malachite Kingfisher to the giant Goliath Heron. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Lodge

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth - Kibale Forest
We spend the morning game driving in Queen Elisabeth National Park. After lunch we set off for Kibale Forest, traveling north through Ugandan villages and small traditional farms of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities as we look out for Black-headed Gonolek, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Double-toothed Barbet, Long-crested Eagle, and the numerous sunbirds and weavers that perch near the road. As we approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, we enter Uganda’s famous tea plantation region. We arrive at Fort Portal, then continue to the Kibale Forest arriving late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge

Days 8 & 9: Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest has well marked trails making the forest easily accessible. We spend these 2 days hiking int the rainforest in search of primates. Commonly seen species include Red-tailed Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and both Red Colobus and Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys and the impressive, elusive Chimpanzees. Chimps are abundant here, and there is a high likelihood of observing them as they make their nomadic treks along forest trails and forage for fruit in the canopy above. Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, Grey Parrot and Narina’s Trogon are just a few of the many colorful central African birds we hope to find here. We explore a nearby-forested swamp that is excellent for viewing birds, primates and magnificent butterflies. On the way back to the lodge night game drives may yield glimpses of Greater and Needle-clawed Galago, Palm Civet, Mongoose, African Civet or Serval.Cats. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge.

Day 10: Kibale - Murchison Falls National Park
We depart in the early morning for the famous Murchison Falls National Park, via Hoima and Buitaba Escarpment. The Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the vast and beautiful Nile River. This is Uganda's largest National park and is a scenic wonderland with rolling grasslands, river valleys, the meandering Victoria Nile and Lake Albert. Sir Winston Churchill described Murchison Falls National park as 'Kew Gardens and London Zoo'' all rolled into one! 1 overnight Nile Safari Camp

Day 11: Nile River & Murchison Falls
We board our river launch for an excursion to the foot of Murchinson Falls. The ten-mile journey to the foot of one of Africa's most powerful and dramatic waterfalls, the Murchison Falls is a memory you will cherish forever. At this point, the mighty Victoria Nile is squeezed through a mere 15- foot- wide gorge and released over a sheer cliff in a cataclysm of thunderous white water. En route are large herds of Hippopotamus plus enormous Nile Crocodiles, African buffalo, Water buck, Elephants and Rothschild's Giraffes. For birding enthusiasts: Goliath and purple Heron, Rock Pratincoles, and Red-throated Bee-eaters, and the possibility of seeing the rare and strange Shoebill Stork.
Dinner and overnight at Nile Safari.

Day 12: Budongo Forest Reserve
A full day will be spent visiting the acclaimed Budongo Forest Reserve which lies at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley and to the south of Murchison Falls. It is the largest tract of natural forest in East Africa and boasts Uganda's largest population of Chimpanzees and over 350 birds species. In addition to Chimpanzees, there are Colobus and red- tailed Monkeys, tree Pangolins, African giant squirrels and over 250 butterfly species. Overnight at Nile Safari Camp

Day 13: Depart
We depart by private charter to Entebbe to connect with departure flight home

Tour Summary/ Features:
A trip into the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but one which must be well planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is to "be prepared!" the central circuit hike takes 6 nights / 7 days and reaches an altitude of 14,000 ft (4,267 m) above sea level. The conditions on the mountain are a challenge to even an experienced hiker.

This mountain is famous for its un-engineered, steep and slippery trails and frequent rain. Rainfall and cold temperatures, bogs mud, steep terrain and high altitude make it a challenging trip. Never the less it is exciting! You need to try it! Since during much the year mud, rain, mist and wind occurs daily, adequate clothing (and a mental Attitude!) For these conditions are a must.

These periods of July-August and December-February are relatively dry and for inexperienced hikers the best seasons for a trek. During any season, raingear, good sleeping bag, warm hat, gloves, heavy socks, gum-boots, gaiters, and a walking stick for balance (and to probe the mud) are recommended. A basic first aid kit is a necessity.

Day 01: Kampala - Kasese
Transfer to Kasese : Overnight at Hotel Margherita

Day 02: Nyabitaba Hut
Plan to arrive at Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) offices at Nyakalengija in the morning so as to have ample time to rent equipment and be availed with guides and porters.
Hiking begins from the Park Headquarters 54,00 ft (1,646 m), walking past typical "mud and wattle" Bakonzo homes and gradually moving upward through elephant grass and garden plots. It takes approximately forty minutes to reach the park boundary. The trail then follows the Mubuku River, crossing recent landslide areas (to be negotiated carefully), and involves climbing over rocks and bluff, before reaching the Mahoma River in about two and a half hours.
After crossing the river there will be a steep climb through open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest up to Nyabitaba hut 8,700 ft (2652 m). Total time for an average hiker from Nykalengija to Nyabitaba is about 5-7 hours, and total elevation gained is 4,000 ft. (1,200 m). Slower hikers could take considerably longer, so insist on leaving park headquarters before noon to avoid being on the trials after dark.
During this part of the trip, you may be able to hear chimpanzees, and sometimes you can see black and white colobus monkeys behind the hut, and catch glimpse of brilliantly coloured Rwenzori Turaco (a bird of the tree tops). Across the alley to the north of Nyabitaba hut lies the rocky and largely unclimbed Portal Peaks, which rise above 14,000 ft (4, 627 m). Overnight at Nyabitaba Hut - 2652m

Day 03: John Matte Hut - 3414m
From Nyabitaba Hut the trail leads westward for a half a kilo meter then drops steeply to Kurt Shaffer Bridge, crossing below he confluence of the Bujuku and the Mubuku rivers. By turning right the Bridge you begin to climb the central circuit anti-clockwise since the clockwise direction is much more difficult and adds considerable danger for you and your porters. After crossing Kurt Shaffer Bridge the muddy, slippery trail climbs steadily up through bamboo forest. After one and a half hours you encounter an area of slippery boulder hopping which some hikers consider the most difficult and dangerous footing of the circuit.
After five hours of travel from Nyabitaba, you reach the hut at Nyamuleju and its accompanying rock shelter. If you had a late start or know that there is a large group ahead of you at the next hut, you might consider spending the night here. On a rare clear day Mts. Stanley and Speke can be seen from the top of the rock near the hut. Nyamuleju also marks the start of the giant lobelia and groundsel zone, this remarkable vegetation type is found now where else in the world except high altitude tropical African Mountains.
The one-hour walk to John Matte hut (11, 200 ft / 3,414 m) is through a challenging bog, full of extra ordinary plants and the slow pace can be a delightful chance to examine and photograph this unique environment, typical time to reach John Matter from Nyabitaba is about 7 hrs. Some hikers consider this to be the most tiring and longest day of the circuit, so an early start is important. The loss of altitude to Kurt Shaffer Bridge means the total elevation to be gained on this day is about 3,000 ft (915 m). Hikers who feel they have reached their limits by this point should consider John Matte a reasonable stopping point. You can enjoy the unique vegetation in the bog and the great view, then the following day begin you return journey to Nyabitaba. Overnight at Nyabitaba

Day 04: Bujuku Hut - 3962m
Leave John Matte hut to cross the Bujuku River and enter the lower Bigo bog, where your first real experience for jumping from tussock to tussock on a grassy bog begins. The trail is muddy and follows the left (southern) edge of lower Bigo bog until eventually it reaches the round metal "uniport". The Bigo hut and its rock shelter. A steep Section past the hut leads to upper to Bigo bog. In the last half of this bog, a boardwalk has been constructed. Though some may think that it is an ugly intrusion, it makes walking easier and prevents the hikers from further damaging the bog.
A beautiful narrow stream at the upper end of this bog makes a good lunch break. An hour and a half beyond this upper bog, and after climbing through drier ground criss-crossing the river, you reach lake Bujuku. The southern end of the lake is in a majestic setting, with Mt. Baker to the South, Mt. Stanley to the west and Mt. Speke to the north.
The trail route along the lake's northeastern shore crosses the worst mud on the trip. Beyond the north end of the lake is a rock shelter called Cooking Pot and a short distance further is Bujuku Hut 13,000ft (3962 m) favourably located for parties climbing Mt. Speke (which requires technical skills and special equipment). Time to reach Bujuku form John Matte is typically 3-5 hours, and the elevation gained is 1,800 ft (560 m). But the long stretches of bog, and the mud along the lake make this another challenging day. The shaded location and frequent mists can make Bujuku Hut quite cold.
If one moved around on a nature walk, the chances of seeing Red duikers are high and at night, calls of the Rock hyraxes are common.

Day 05: Kitandara Hut - 4023m
From Bujuku hut leave directly to newer trail, which rises and falls twice before finally climbing steeply trough magical moss draped Groundsel vegetation 14,345 ft (4,372 m) to Scott Elliot Pass. At the steepest section is a short strong ladder after which a right hand branch will lead to Elena Hut 14,700 ft (4,430 m) This is a steep rocky trail which when wet or icy can be slippery. Continuing straight, and a few steps below the pass, there is a sheltered spot for a break; from here, there is a second trail to the right to Elena Hut. Elena is the base camp for climbing 16, 763 ft (5,109 m) to Margherita Peak in the Mt. Stanley Complex which requires an additional day or two and can only be attempted with an ice axe, mountain boots, crampons, ropes and prior arrangements with RMS guides.
The circuit trail continues to the left over Scot Elliot Pass and enters an alpine zone of spars low vegetation and stark rough boulders more familiar to high altitude climbers from northern latitudes. If the weather is bad here (rain, snow, and wind can occur in any season) the conditions for "hypothermia" are ideal. As you leave the pass, you may enjoy spectacular views northward of Margherita Peak, Elena and Savoia Glaciers, and Mt. Baker 15, 889 ft (4,843 m) towering above you to the east (left) of the trail. Having dropped a few hundred feet in elevation from the pass, you cut below massive rock walls at the base of the Mt. Baker. Here, dramatic "impact craters" have been caused by large rocks falling from above, and your guide may caution you against loud noise! Rising and falling, the trail descends past Upper Lake Kitandara through thick mud to lower lake and Kitandara Hut 13, 200 ft (4,023 m).
This lovely site is surrounded by towering peaks, but the sun sets early and the nights can be cold. Time to reach Kitandara Hut from Bujuku Hut usually takes 3-5 hours. The elevation gain to the pass from Bujuku Hut is 1,400 ft (425 m), and because Scott Elliot is the highest point so far some hikers will be slower due to greater effort required at these altitudes. Watch carefully for signs of altitude sickness. Overnight at Kitandara Hut - 4023m

Day 06: Guy Yeoman Hut - 3261m
An early start is advisable to avoid overheating on the steep but lovely hour-long climb from the lake Kitandara, which is 14,050 ft (4,282 m) to the Freshfield Pass. Viewing westward on clear days leads into neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and northward, Margherita and its glaciers still dominate the horizon. Freshfield is a long flat traverse through beautiful alpine mossy glades (and more mud) until after a half-hour, when the trail begins the circuit's long two-day decent.
Mist or rain can make tracking the trail really difficult, and the first one-kilometer here can be very slippery. Rock Shelter at Bujongolo and Kabamba are optional overnight stopovers but it is better to push on through the seemingly endless mud to newly constructed Guy Yeoman Hut 10,700 ft (3,261 m). Some hikers make the Kitandara Guy Yeoman trip in 5 hours, but any stops to enjoy the pass, bad weather on descent, and the slow conditions in the last two hours of deep mud can make this a much longer day, which some visitors consider as difficult as day two. Overnight at Guy Yeoman hut

Day 07: Nyabitaba Hut- 2652m
Hikers should begin their journey back early, so as to get to Nyabitaba Hut before dark. In any case the path from the Guy Yeoman is quite difficult in some spots. Helping each other and descending very slowly facing the slope instead of facing outward is recommended, especially as you approach Kichunchu where the trail parallels twice the crosses Mubuku River mostly in deep mud until the last few kilometers of good dry trail. This follows the ridge down Nyabitaba, which completes the circuit.
Typical hikers make the Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba in 5 hours. Should you decide to continue to Nyakalengija, it is another two or three hours depending on the condition of your knees and your desire to reach a comfortable bed and bath. Be especially careful about vines and brush and resist the urge to hurry out of the mountains. Late evening walking can be good for watching birds and you may sight the occasional blue tailed monkey. Sharp eyes can catch a glimpse of the brilliant green but changeable Rhinoserous Chameleon. Overnight at Nyabitaba Hut

Day 08: Nyabitaba - Hotel Margherita
Transfer to Hotel Margherita
Descend to Park Headquartes. It can take 2-3 hours. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Margherita

Day 09: Hotel Margherita - Kampala
Return transfer to Kampala

Price excludes:
Ground transportation.
02 nights accommodation at Hotel Margherita in Kasese.
06 nights on the mountain.
All meals as per the Itinerary.
Lunch on Day 01 to lunch on Day 09.
Mountain climbing permit.

Price excludes:
Peak climbing fees.
Extra porters.
All beverages except water while climbing.
Any activity or accommodation NOT mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips, souvenirs and items of a personal nature.