Margherita Peak And Gorilla Adventure

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide/driver who will transfer you to your booked accommodation in Kampala for the night.

Accommodation options: Shoebill Nest (midrange), Speke Resort Munyonyo (upper midrange-luxury).

You have the option of taking one or two days to ensure you are completely rested before you begin this 10-day adventure in the Rwenzoris and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation options: Shoebill Nest (midrange), Speke Resort Munyonyo (upper midrange-luxury).

Meal plan: Full board

After a hearty breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey to the booked accommodation in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. We will make stops for lunch and to stretch during the 8 hour-long journeys. Upon arrival, we will check into the Wild tracks overland Camp and settle in for an evening of rest.

Meal plan: Full board

We start our excursion with a hike across the valley floor, encountering a multitude of birds and monkeys in the tall trees of the Afromontane Forest Zone. The magnificent Enoch’s Falls serves as a picturesque signal that we are close to Sine Camp. At Sine Camp, (2,596 meters above sea level) wooden huts set between tall forest trees offer a vantage point overlooking the waterfalls crashing over the rocks below.

You will have the option to continue to Kalalama Camp (3,134 meters above sea level).

An early morning start brings us to a bamboo forest, home to a charming variety of plants and flowers. The meandering trail starts with a steep climb, going up and over several small knolls along ridge tops. Following this path, we shall cross several small streams and go by spectacular moss-covered waterfalls. In the afternoon you may choose to hike up the Mutinda lookout (3,925 meters above sea level) for a breathtaking view across the Rwenzori Mountains down to Kasese town and Lake George before settling in for the night at Mutinda Camp (3,582 meters above sea level).

Meal plan: Full board

The trail to Bugata Camp is boggy, particularly in the wet season, but with some skill, we can navigate the tussocks easily. First, we cross the Mutinda valley, through the tussock grass interspersed with giant lobelias, before making a steep climb to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters above sea level). Pressing on through the undulating curve of the valley we will continue on a steady ascent to our night accommodation, Bugata Camp (4,100 meters above sea level).

Meal plan: Full board

Heading out from Bugata Camp we make a slight descent, before climbing higher to Bamwanjarra Pass (4,450 meters above sea level). We have a hut for shelter here in case of unsuitable weather. We cut through the valley, around the edge of bogs, thick evergreen vegetation and moss to make a steady climb over the steep section leading to Hunwick’s Camp. The camp is perched at the top of a valley with excellent views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.

Meal plan: Full board

From Hunwick’s camp, we descend across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara, a stunning deep water twin lake surrounded by lush vegetation. From here we climb Scott Elliott’s pass and follow the ridge to Margherita Camp (4,485 meters above sea level), nestled between massive rocks which offer shelter from the strong winds.

Meal plan: Full board

We wake up at 2 am for an early breakfast before we begin the climb to Mount Stanley at 2.30 am. The trek begins beneath the stars so that we can cover more ground before the mountain is heavily clouded, with snowfall expected from 1 pm to 4 pm during the dry season. The effects of global warming are evident at the Margherita glacier with the outer edges of the ice receding to become steeper. After a triumphant ascent to Margherita peak (5,109 meters above sea level), we will return to Hunwick’s Camp (3,874 meters above sea level) for the night.

Meal plan: Full board

We begin our day with a climb towards McConnell’s Prong, which has panoramic views of all three mountain peaks. It is a 3km trek from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Oliver’s Pass (4,505 meters above sea level). Our path down the valley takes us over ridges of stone and earth, a unique terrain formation created by melted deposits from slow-moving glaciers. We spend the night in Kiharo Camp (3,460 meters above sea level), enjoying the lush vegetation and rocky landscape.

Meal plan: Full Board

The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is stunning, with scenic views of moss-covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and lush forests that are arguably the most picturesque in the Rwenzori Mountains. A few kilometres from Kiharo Camp, we may spot duikers quietly feeding in small clearings. A huge rock formation at the bottom of the valley frames a tranquil spot to rest by the river. The forest along this section is teeming with life. Sightings of various birds, primates, duikers and hyrax make for an enchanting ending to this part of the adventure as we drive to the Wildtracks Overland Camp safari lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Meal plan: Full board

Anticipation mounts in the morning as we head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park is a visually rewarding medley of wonders. Upon arrival in Bwindi, we will have dinner before an evening of rest at our booked accommodation.

Accommodation options: Bakiga Lodge (budget), Gorilla Valley Lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

After a nourishing breakfast and requisite briefing, we head into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on foot. It may be minutes or hours before we come upon a gorilla family. The effort of the gruelling trek is tempered by anticipation of a truly remarkable experience. When we finally encounter these magnificent primates, watching them hug, tussle and play in the intimacy of their home, it is as though we have entered a world suspended outside of time.

Fresh from this irreplaceable experience, we will return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, or take a walk in the community and interact with the local people.

Accommodation options: Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge.

We wake up to the beautiful sights and sounds of Bwindi, a fitting end to our incredible adventure. After breakfast, we exit the park heading for Kampala, with a stop en route for lunch.

Meal plan: Full board