For 10 days, you will hike to Margherita, the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains, and also go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. This tour starts and ends in Kampala. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the countryside, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, valleys, glaciers, and Afromontane vegetation. Birds and other primates are also common to see as you hike the Rwenzori.
10-Day Uganda Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Day 2: From Trekkers Hostel (1,450 meters) to Sine Hut (2,596 meters)
- Day 3: Sine Hut (2,596 meters) to Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters)
- Day 4: Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters) to Bugata Camp (4,062 meters)
- Day 5: Bugata Camp (4,100 meters) to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 meters)
- Day 6: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp (4,495 meters)
- Day 7: Margherita Peak (5,109 meters) and Return to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 meters)
- Day 8: Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp (3,430 meters)
- Day 9: Kiharo Camp to the Mountain Base and Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park and Travel to Kampala/Entebbe for Departure
Detailed 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport and take you to Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The journey is 374 km from Kampala and takes about 7 hours. You will arrive at the trekkers’ hostel in the evening. This is where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: From Trekkers Hostel (1,450 meters) to Sine Hut (2,596 meters)
You will be briefed by the trekking guides at the base camp. Then you will begin your trek from 1,450 meters above sea level toward Sine Hut. You will gain about 1,146 meters as you pass through Afromontane Forest. Along the way, you may see many birds and primates like Angolan colobus and L’hoest’s monkeys.
You will also see lichens, fungi, bushes, and short plants. Enock Falls is another point of interest for viewing and taking photos. At Sine Hut, relax and chat with other trekkers. Have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 3: Sine Hut (2,596 meters) to Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters)
At around 8:30 AM, you will begin the hike to Mutinda Camp via Kalalama Camp, gaining about 992 meters. Have breakfast before starting. The trail winds through some steep areas, and you will cross streams, mossy areas, and see deep valleys.
In the afternoon, you will climb to Mutinda Lookout, which is 3,975 meters above sea level. From there, you can see Lake George, parts of the Rwenzori ranges, and Kasese town. This climb helps you get used to the altitude before reaching Margherita Peak. After about 2 hours, return to Mutinda Camp for dinner and rest.
Day 4: Mutinda Camp (3,588 meters) to Bugata Camp (4,062 meters)
Wake up and have a warm breakfast. Hike to Bugata Camp through the Namusangi Valley, which is steep. Along the way, you will see tussock grass and giant lobelias. There are also waterfalls and views of the Mutinda Peaks. Though the path has many ups and downs, it becomes easier as you approach Bugata Camp. Have dinner and sleep here.
Day 5: Bugata Camp (4,100 meters) to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 meters)
In the morning, have breakfast and start hiking to Hunwick’s Camp. First, you will go down before climbing to Bamwanjarra Pass at 4,450 meters. Have lunch along the way. Then continue hiking until you reach Hunwick’s Camp, located on top of a deep valley.
You may see giant lobelias, giant groundsels, and birds like the Malachite sunbird. Enjoy clear views of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, Weissman’s Peak, and McConnell’s Prong. Have dinner and sleep at the camp.
Day 6: Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp (4,495 meters)
Today, you will hike from Hunwick’s Camp to Margherita Camp. Walk along the valley floor and pass Lake Kitendara. Climb up through Scott Elliot’s Pass, then continue to the ridge where Margherita Camp is located at 4,495 meters. Have dinner and sleep there.
Day 7: Margherita Peak (5,109 meters) and Return to Hunwick’s Camp (3,974 meters)
Wake up early at about 2:30 AM and start your hike to Margherita Peak. Take photos and celebrate reaching Uganda’s highest point. You will see glaciers and views of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After this, return to Hunwick’s Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Hunwick’s Camp to Kiharo Camp (3,430 meters)
Start the day by hiking to Kiharo Camp, which takes about 4 to 7 hours. Pass through McConnell’s Prong and Oliver’s Pass at 4,505 meters. Cross the confluence of River Nyamwamba and continue to Kiharo Camp, located in a deep valley surrounded by high cliffs. Have dinner and stay overnight at the camp.
Day 9: Kiharo Camp to the Mountain Base and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Wake up early, have breakfast, and begin the 5 to 8-hour descent. Stop for lunch at Forest View Camp, then continue to the base camp. Along the way, see the Nyamwamba Valley, waterfalls, rivers, and thick forests. You may also see red duikers.
Once you reach the base camp, your 8-day hike to Margherita Peak ends. Your driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to Kibale National Park. The journey takes about 3 hours. Check in at your lodge near Kibale Forest, have dinner, and spend the night.
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park and Travel to Kampala/Entebbe for Departure
Have an early breakfast and check out of your lodge. Drive to the trailhead at Kanyanchu for a briefing with a park ranger. Listen carefully to the trekking rules. With the help of the ranger and other trackers, enter the forest to look for a habituated chimpanzee group.
Along the trail, watch for colorful birds. Chimpanzees are often heard from far away, and it is usually easy to find them. You will spend one hour observing and taking photos of them.
After the trek, return to the starting point. The full activity usually lasts 2 to 4 hours. Your driver will then begin the journey back to Kampala. You will have lunch on the way. Once you arrive, you will be dropped at your hotel or at Entebbe International Airport.
This is the end of your 10-day Kibale Chimps and Rwenzori Hiking Tour to Margherita. We wish you a safe flight home.
Visit Kibale National Park in Uganda with these recommended Uganda chimpanzee companies or inquire with us below to book your tour directly through this website.
