13 Days Margherita, Chimps & Gorilla Trekking

Day of arrival, the driver will pick from the hotel in Entebbe and transfer to Kibale national park, the drive will take us 5-6 hours to get to Fort Portal, and you will have lunch at the gardens restaurant after we shall proceed to Chimpanzee forest lodge staying in cottages meals is on full board. Kibale National Park is renowned for its diverse primate population and offers numerous forest activities beyond chimpanzee tracking.

Leave the hotel early in the morning and transfer to the briefing point, where you will meet the rangers to guide you for chimpanzee trekking which will give us ample time to enjoy your time with our cousins, after trekking, we shall return to the lodge for hot lunch after we proceed to mountains of the moon at the base at Nyakalengija overnight at Ruboni community rest camp.

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 monkeys and the brightly coloured Rwenzori turaco. Duration of the hike: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain: 1036 m. Overnight at camp.

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 ourselves in the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. Finally reach John Matte’s hut (3505 m). Dinner and overnight at the hut. Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours. Elevation gain: 854 m camp.

Will enjoy the beautiful but hypnotizing 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 camp.

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 that when wet or icy can be very slippery. Overnight at hut.

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 onto the glaciers, cross the Stanley Plateau, and proceed with the ascent. Acclimatized to fog, altitude sickness, and cool 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 your 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 camp.

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 Guy Yeoman or You can spend it in John Matte.

This day is always planned for acclimatization and refreshments, with an optional second night at Elena since the day of summiting is a bit hectic.

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, the end of the trek. Proceed to lodge for an overnight.

In the mid-afternoon, you will enjoy the boat cruise on Kazinga Channel which will make you get to see what Kazinga Channel has. After the evening game drive in the Ishasha sector, you will transfer to the Bwindi Ruhija section of Bwindi’s impenetrable forest, overnight at a lodge or camp.

After the morning breakfast, with packed lunch, assemble at the gorilla trekking point where you will meet the park rangers who will guide you on the activity and how it will take place. Enjoy the briefing, and after, you will take a walk into the jungle to search for the gorillas in Bwindi National Park as part of your Gorilla Trekking Adventures. The duration might be 3-5 hours, and after that, we shall return to our lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Proceed to Entebbe get to Entebbe by 6:30 pm. This marks the end of your 13-day Rwenzori, gorilla and chimpanzee adventure.