Summit Uganda

Discover the beauty of Uganda on a 10-day safari to the Rwenzoris, and hike Margherita Peak, one of Africa’s highest peaks.

Overview

With one of the only three remaining glaciers in all of Africa and one of Africa’s highest peaks, Uganda is a hiker and mountaineer’s dream. Margherita Peak is Africa’s third highest peak, although the real beauty of this Uganda tour is in the climb up the Kilembe route where the forest flora is diverse and the valleys a mass of ferns.

The trees are alive with many species of birds and primates and, as you walk up the trail, you will see chimp nests high up in the tall trees. The reward and exhilaration of reaching the top is enormous as you look across Albert Peak to Congo, then east across the spectra of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Trip Highlights

Information

Trip Info

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Hike to see the rare mountain gorillas in a misty rainforest.

Kibale National Park

Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Visit one of Africa’s wildest parks for lions, ostriches, and scenic landscapes.

Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy an easy-to-reach savanna park for wildlife and water activities.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Hike to see mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa people in a volcanic landscape.

Murchison Falls National Park

Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.

Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August

During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm  (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.

Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November

This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Kasese

Arrival in Kasese either by plane from Entebbe or by car from your tour. Get prepared for the hiking adventure. Pack a small backpack. Other safari luggage can be stored at the hotel.

Kasese - Rwenzori Mountains

Start at Trekkers at 1,450 metres and sleep at Sine Hut at 2,596 metres, a height gain of 1,146 metres. We start at Trekkers, at 1,450 metres, and walk up the valley floor through tall forest trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb with multitudes of birds and a chance to see blue monkeys scampering off through the forest. At times, visitors may see troupes of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys as they swing through the tree tops.

There are also rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King, or Omusinga. You may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboo thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and with lots of moss and lichen-covered vines hanging from the tall trees, creating an awesome appeal. At 2,596 metres we reach the narrow ridge which is home to Sine Camp.

Here we have wooden huts set between tall forest trees where you may sit and enjoy the beauty of the forest while you look down at the vivid green vegetation and crashing waters of Enock Falls. You can spend the evening enjoying the warmth of the campfire and chatting to the guides about the mountains and life in their community.

Sine is just below the bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species. Sleep at Sine, or those who are fit and want to proceed to Kalama Camp at 3,134 metres may do so. Apart from the fantastic views, a night at Kalama gives you more time at Mutinda Camp where you may climb up to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 metres, with great views.

Rwenzori Mountains

After a good breakfast, trekking starts at 8.30am and you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is a steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery, making the going slow. However, the atmosphere and the forest are beautiful as you climb 551 metres altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 metres, which is in the Heather-Rapanea Zone.

Here you can take a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp. The trail meanders up and over several small knolls, along a ridge top and then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again and, in doing so, crosses several small streams and passes close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches.

The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere, often shrouded in mist. In the afternoon you may wish to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout (one to two hours up and one hour down). The views are amazing as you stand on moss covered rocks at 3,925 metres with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town and Lake George.

Climbing Mutinda, 3,975 metres, is also an excellent way to acclimatise and reduce the risk of high altitude sickness during the climb at Margherita Peak.

Rwenzori Mountains

A 4.9km trek today, starting at 3,688 metres and climbing to 4,062 metres. The trail here is boggy, particularly in the wet season, but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and are continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers, interspersed with many Giant Lobelias, before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley, 3,840 metres, which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.

The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs and you will cross several bogs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,062 metres. Bugata Camp is situated way up Bamwanjara Pass, high above Bugata Lake and with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow, then down the valley to views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), giant groundsel (Senecio adnivalis) and Giant lobelia (Lobelia gibberoa).

There are many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus), which are a sub-species only found in the Rwenzori Mountains. Bugata Camp has good facilities, solar lights, good toilets and bathrooms with hot water available.

Rwenzori Mountains

Trek to Hunwick’s Camp via Bamwanjara Pass. As you leave Bugata Camp you trek up a ridge then drop down slightly before ascending to Bamwanjara Pass at 4,450 metres, where we have a hut should the weather turn bad. On a clear day you get excellent views of the three main peaks. The trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick evergreen vegetation, moss, giant groundsel and lobelia.

Here is possibly the best place in all the Rwenzori to observe the Malachite Sunbird as it feeds on the many lobelia flowers in a known breeding site. Further on there are some steep sections before a steady climb up and over a ridge to Hunwick’s Camp which looks down into a deep valley and has good views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Weismann’s Peak and McConnell’s Prong.

Rwenzori Mountains

From Hunwick’s we pass down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitendara, which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here you climb up Scott Elliott’s pass then up the ridge to Margherita Camp which, at 4,485 metres, is situated between some huge rocks that offer some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Rwenzori Mountains

Wake up at 2am and catch an early breakfast before heading off at 2.30am to climb Mt Stanley. The early start is necessary as, even during the drier season, the mountain often becomes closed in with heavy clouds and snowfalls from 1 pm to 4pm. The weather can change rapidly as the clouds rise up from the extensive Congo rainforests. For safety reasons, we have to start our return to camp at 10am, even if the peak hasn’t been reached. Margherita glacier has also suffered as a result of global warming. As the outer edges of the glacier recede, the ice is becoming steeper.

One section of about 200 metres has a gradient of more than 60%. Combined with this, much of the blacker ice has melted underneath causing caves under the ice which, as it gets thinner, eventually caves in. It is necessary that clients understand this and take advice from the guides about where to pass. For those clients with less mountaineering experience, we suggest that you stay on Stanley glacier.

You can climb up to a good vantage point on a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Alexandra Peak and enjoy fantastic views over Congo and the lower mountain ridges. After ascending the peak at 5,109 metres you then pass directly down to Hunwick’s Camp at 3,874 metres.

Rwenzori Mountains

Distance to Kiharo Camp 11km. Time taken to walk, 4 to 7 hours From Hunwick’s Camp we start the day by climbing up a ridge towards McConnell’s Prong, where you get the best views of all three peaks and Scott Elliott’s Pass, before reaching Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 metres. The distance from Hunwick’s Camp to the top of Oliver’s Pass is 3km. The trail then cuts across below Weismann’s Peak to the confluence of the Nyamwamba River which flows down through Kilembe and Kasese to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

If you wish to climb the 4,620 metre Weismann’s Peak from Oliver’s pass, you may do so at an extra cost of $20 each. On a clear day you get fantastic views of Margherita and Mt Stanley, Mt Speke and Mt Baker. After crossing the confluence the trail meanders down the valley to Kiharo Camp, which is situated in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation.

On the way down the valley, after each bog you will climb over a ridge of stones and earth. These seem out of place but were actually pushed there by slow moving glaciers which eventually stopped moving, melted and left a pile of rocks and debris in front of where the glacier once stood.

Rwenzori Mountains - Kasese

Distance from Kiharo Camp to the park gate, 12.2km and another 2.8km down to Trekkers Hostel. Time to walk, 5 to 8 hours. The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning, with beautiful views. The moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains.

This part of the trail took us six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough for tourists to use. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and had to turn back and search for another route up the mountain, but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley. A few kilometres from Kiharo Camp the path turns off to the right to pass along the river. In the clear areas you may catch a glimpse of a Duiker quietly feeding in small clearings as you pass along the river.

If you wish, you may prefer to walk down the river itself hopping across the rocks as you pass down. A few kilometres down the river it becomes very steep with multitudes of waterfalls, so we have to move away from the river and follow a narrow ridge to bypass steep sections. At the bottom we again meet the river where there is a huge rock shelter called Riverside Rock Shelter where you have lunch. After crossing a small stream, you climb up a gentle slope as it is too steep close to the river. The forest along this section is truly beautiful with many birds, primates, duikers and hyrax. A great experience and ending to a fantastic trek.

Kasese and onwards

After a long shower and a good night’s sleep in Kasese you can continue your Ugandan tour or transfer to Entebbe for your homeward flight.

Breakfast

Details

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

  • 2 pax based on a double room $5,315/person
  • 4 pax based on 2 double rooms $3,997/person
  • 6 pax based on 3 double rooms $3,557/person

Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.

For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Inquire About This Tour

All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences. 

Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.

For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

What Our Guests Say

Ralph_K_CH
Ralph_K_CH
2024-01-27
Uganda by Kikooko - a unique experience Uganda's tourist potential is vast and to a large degree unspoilt. Kikooko as a whole and our tour guide Alex in particular gave us a truly unforgettable insight into the wonders of this amazing country. We were treated as friends and got to see the amazing variety of flora and fauna, enjoyed great places to stay and eat and, above all, experienced the friendliness of the Ugandan people. Every detail of our journey was perfectly planned and organized, and Alex displayed his passion for his profession and the country. Great experience, excellent service, passionate people!
Seaside40546818336
Seaside40546818336
2024-01-13
Safari Company with heart and soul I met the founder of Kikooko at the travel fair in Zurich and told him about my dreams of Uganda and the Gorillas. He arranged a wonderful overland journey for me that was filled with activities around wildlife and culture. The driver-guide was friendly and professional, his knowledge and helpfulness great. I could just relax and feel safe and comfortable allover the country. Also traveling alone as a woman was no problem at all. People in Uganda are friendly and openhearted. Most of the lodges that were chosen for me were situated at beautiful spots and with delicous food. I can highly recommand KIKOOKO as a professional, trustworthy Safari Company with heart and soul. January 24 / Claudia Fauser
Denise S.
Denise S.
2023-12-18
Es gab so vieles zu entdecken und Neues zu lernen. Es war Abenteuer pur! Die Reiseplanung mit Warren erfolgte per Mail. Die geplante Reise dauerte 3,5 Wochen und beinhaltete eine Rundreise von Entebbe zum Kidepo Valley National Park, zu den Gorillas im Bwindi Impenetrable Park bis zum Queen Elizabeth Park und zurück nach Entebbe. Auf Wünsche und Änderungen gingen das Kikooko Team immer ein und machten diverse Abklärungen. Die ganze Planung ging sehr gut und nicht stressig auf. Das Programm war voll mit sehr schönen Abenteuern und Begegnungen, sowohl mit den Tieren als auch mit den Menschen und ihren Kulturen. Die Menschen sind sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Sehr beeindruckend fand ich, dass immer sehr freundlich gegrüsst und zugewunken wurde! Kinder riefen und winkten am Strassenrand, teilweise rannten sie uns nach. In diesen 3 Wochen versuchte ich einzelne Wörter zu lernen, da war Ivan ein guter Lehrer, aber es ist eine sehr schwierige Sprache! Ich lernte sehr viel über dieses Land. Während der Reise fühlte ich mich immer sehr gut aufgehoben und sicher. Allein als Frau zu reisen, ist kein Problem. Ivan war ein sehr guter Guide, weiss sehr viel über die Tierwelt und schätzt Situationen gut und sicher ein. Er hat einen sehr angenehmen Fahrstil und umsorgte mich sehr. Ich konnte mir für die Fotografie sehr viel Zeit nehmen und ging immer auf meine Bedürfnisse ein. Lodges: die verschiedenen Lodges waren gut ausgestattet und sauber. WLAN war vorhanden, aber war tw. sehr langsam, je nach Wetter. Bei Dunkelheit wurde man in gewissen Lodges, dort wo Grosstiere wie Nashörner, Hippos, Elefanten oder Löwen zu Hause sind, zur Sicherheit ins Zimmer begleitet. Auto: es ist ein stabiles Auto und hatte diverse schwierige Strassen gut gemeistert (natürlich auch mit den perfekten Fahrkünsten von Ivan!). Ivan hatte es immer sehr sauber gehalten und geputzt. Das Dach liess sich anheben, damit man einen sehr guten Rundumblick hatte und perfekt fotografieren konnte. WLAN wurde kostenlos angeboten, was ich so noch nie gesehen habe. Gerade bei längeren Fahrten konnte man zu Hause ein Update geben und ein paar "Bilderkostproben" im Status hochladen. Handy laden im Auto ist mit Ladekabel und Adapter möglich! Wasser ist jederzeit abfüllbar im Auto parat, dazu wurde am Anfang der Reise von Warren eine Wasserflasche geschenkt, was ein super sinnvolles Geschenk und Erinnerung ist. Süssgetränke, Bier usw. ist alles da. Geld: Schilling lässt sich bei der Ankunft wechseln und Ivan schaut auch, wo der beste Kurs ist. 200 Dollar habe ich gewechselt, aber es ist kein Problem, mit Dollar, Euro oder sogar mit CHF zu bezahlen. Kreditkarten kann leider nur an wenigen Orten verwendet werden. Für jede Leistung von Guides usw. sollte man Trinkgeld gegeben. Es gibt keine ungefähre Definition, wie viel man mindestens geben sollte, denn man gibt, was man möchte. Wenn man sehr zufrieden ist, dann gibt man entsprechend. Das macht es sehr schwierig. Fotografie: die Stromversorgung in den Lodges waren immer gut und alle Geräte konnten problemlos mit dem entsprechenden Adapter geladen werden. Mein 3-Beinstativ habe ich nie gebraucht, da ich sehr gut mit dem Einbein im Auto und auch sonst fotografiert habe und sehr gute Ergebnisse hatte mit dem Teleobjektiv. Gorillatracking: ein 4h Besuch lohnt sich SEHR! Die Zeit zählt ab dann, wenn die Gorillas entdeckt wurde. Da sollte definitiv nicht gespart werden! Erst erwachen sie, gehen fressen und dann ist Chillen angesagt. Das braucht seine Zeit und ich hätte bereut, wenn ich nach 1h wieder hätte gehen müssen. Es war ein unglaubliches Erlebnis!!! Der Silberrücken streifte langsam und dicht an mir vorbei, 180kg geballte Ladung Muskeln! Ja doch, ich hatte etwas wacklige Beine. Die Guides gehen jeden Tag zu den Gorillas und kennen jeden Einzelnen und "kommunizieren" laufend mit dem Silberrücken und er antwortet darauf. Faszinierend! Es gibt keinen Weg im Wald, nur sehr anstrengende und steile Hänge mit sehr vielen Büschen und Stolperfallen. Gamaschen empfehle ich sehr einzupacken. Bei den Schimpansen habe ich es nicht angezogen und hatte dann einige sehr grosse Ameisen unter meinem Shirt und anderen Orten. Sie sind extrem schnell und können ganz schön kneifen, sind aber nicht giftig. Da die Gorillas auf 2200 m Höhe zu Hause sind, wird es gegen Abend/ Nacht kühl. Regenzeit: es ist nicht wie in der Schweiz, wo es Tagelang regnet. Meistens gab es einen 15 min Regenguss und dann kam wieder die Sonne oder es regnete in der Nacht immer wieder. Der Regen war warm. Tiere und Landschaft: einfach sensationell - das muss man gesehen haben! The Big 5 und noch sehr viel mehr durfte ich sehen! Unbeschreiblich schöne Landschaften, von Savanne, Buschlandschaft bis zum Wald. Highlight: alles! Ich komme wieder!
Robert S
Robert S
2023-12-15
Must visit Absolutely epic! Everything exceeded expectations! Came for the Gorillas and they very much delivered. Coordinated by Warren and guided/driven by Alex, they went above to deliver a trip of a lifetime
John S
John S
2023-12-15
Gorilla adventure of a lifetime Brilliant trip everything was better than expected, I came hoping to see gorillas and they exceeded expectations as did every day. I couldn't recommend the team more highly.
Adam P
Adam P
2023-12-15
Come with high expectations, and expect them to be surpassed! This was the most amazing 7 days. From the second we landed we were treated to an unforgettable visit. The staff from the company were so accommodating and made sure that everything we did was perfect. There is honestly nothing I would change about my trip.
YvAnLi
YvAnLi
2023-10-23
....a lifetime expierience.... Wir haben Kikooko Africa Safaris auf einer Ferienmesse im Februar 23 kennengelernt. Danach haben wir eine Offerte angefordert, worin wir unsere Wünsche geäussert haben. Auf diese Wünsche wurde super eingegangen und nach einigen Mail/WhatsApp Wechseln mit dem Geschäftsteilhaber entstand unsere Reise. Denoch zögerten wir zuerst ein bisschen- da wir niemanden kannen, der schon mit Kikooko gereist wäre- haben dann aber dank den ausgezeichneten Rückmeldungen und Reaktionen auf Fragen unsererseits, beschlossen, Kikooko zu vertrauen. Der Kontakt zu Warren blieb bis zu unserer Reise hervorragend. Wann immer eine Frage auftauchte, bekam ich sie prompt beantwortet. Wir wurden auch bezüglich der Gorillatrekking Permits usw immer auf dem Laufenden gehalten. Dann endlich Start der Reise. Wir wurden vom Flughafen abgeholt und gleich von einem sehr angenehmen, vertrauenserweckenden Guide in Empfang genommen. Am nächsten Tag kam Warren sogar selber noch vorbei, um uns zu begrüssen. Wir wurden am ersten Tag perfekt ausgerüstet- mit einer LifeStraw Flasche , einem Notfalltelefon und einem Kästchen, mit welchem wir immer gratis WLAN hatten. Chris, unser Guide war einfach perfekt. Er hat unsere Reise einfach super organisiert, an alles gedacht und uns immer vorzu informiert. Zudem wusste er einfach alles über Land, Leute, Vegetation und Tiere- was auf immer wir fragten- Chris wusste eine Antwort. Zudem war seine Gesellschaft äusserst angenehm- ein richtig toller Mensch. Wir haben uns in seiner Gesellschaft immer gut aufgehoben und sicher gefühlt. Die Strassen waren nicht immer einfach zu befahren- entweder wegen Schlamm, Pfützen, Löchern oder wegen viel Verkehr, Tieren oder Menschen. Chris hat uns überallhin sicher geführt. Zudem ist er schon auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen, bevor wir sie geäusster haben - so kam es uns jedenfalls vor... Unsere Camps und Lodgen waren alle wunderschön-nicht nur die gehobeneren, sondern auch die einfacheren. Die Tiervielfalt in Uganda unglaublich- an viele Tiere kann man ganz nahe heran. Die Menschen sind offen, fröhlich und freundlich, die Landschaft unglaublich grün und vielfältig. Ganz spezielle und unglaubliche Erlebnisse waren natürlich das Gorillatrekking und Schimpansentrekking. Ein weiteres unvergessliches Erlebnis war der Besuch eines Dorfes- abseits jeglichen Tourismuses. Es war eine absolut unvergessliche Reise- einfach perfekt von A-Z. Vielen Dank Kikooko African Safaris- wir werden euch jederzeit und allen uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen- und gerne wiederkommen um eine weitere Reise mit Chris zu unternehmen.... Das schwierigste wird nun für mich, die vielen vielen vielen tollen Fotos so auszusortieren, dass ich ein Fotobuch machen kann..... :-)
Sally D
Sally D
2023-10-23
Beautiful Uganda An exceptional company that goes above and beyond to guarantee you have an excellent time in Uganda. Highly recommend!
Mick K
Mick K
2023-10-22
Een bijzonder bedrijf met de de beste gidsen What an amazing group of people at this company. They are very proud of their beautiful country and realy want you to feel welcome. They go the extra mile to let you get in touch with the local customs and communities.
Ollie R
Ollie R
2023-10-15
The only team to book for your Uganda trip Incredible experience from the moment we were picked up from the airport by Alex and Godfried. The team were always professional, reassuring and kind. They are a business that truly cares for its customers and they are right in what they say, arrive as strangers, leave as friends. Highly recommended!
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