Uganda·4 - 12 October 2024
Explore the 'Mountains of the Moon', Climb the 3rd Highest Peak on the Continent and Encounter Gorillas in the Pearl of Africa
ENQUIREEmbark on an extraordinary journey to the incredible Rwenzori Mountains, the mythical 'Mountains of the Moon' and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Join us for this bucket list adventure to the heart of Uganda, where we will scale Africa's third-highest mountain, the impressive Mount Stanley, before an enthralling, once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Beginning in Entebbe, our adventure will take us to an altitude of over 5,100 metres as we climb Mount Stanley's Margherita Peak, nestled within the beautiful Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The route to the summit has breathtaking scenery, from lush forests to ancient glaciers and views of the magnificent Mount Baker and Mount Speke, not to mention black and white colobus monkeys and the Rwenzori turaco. This is an adventure that will test your strength and endurance, with multiple days of hiking and the summiting of Margherita Peak, but your effort and determination will be rewarded with incredible views and an unmatched sense of achievement on reaching the top. We then transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park for an extraordinary encounter with the gorillas of the Impenetrable Forest, trekking to find and then spending precious moments observing and photographing these incredible creatures in the wild. Immerse yourself in a different world; join our unforgettable nine-day adventure and discover a secret corner of Africa, brimming with treasures of the natural world.
Summit Mount Stanley's Margherita Peak, the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains and the 3rd highest in Africa.
Spend a day traversing the forest in search of a gorilla family and observe them up-close.
The Rwenzori Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest have some of the most beautiful scenery in East Africa.
Unlike its East African cousins Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, Mt Stanley requires the use of crampons to cross its glaciated slopes.
With our CEO, Oliver Browne, and our expert local guides you will be in the best possible hands for each step of your journey.
Learn more about this fascinating country and its people.
Oliver is the Founder of True Summit Adventures, a certified Mountain Leader and an experienced adventurer and alpinist.
He has spent a lot of time in the mountains of East Africa, climbing Kilimanjaro six times and Mt Kenya once.
He will be leading this Uganda expedition alongside our experienced local guides.
Embark on a captivating Ugandan adventure as we reach the breathtaking heights of Mount Stanley, Africa's third-highest peak. We will explore verdant and varied landscapes and uncover fascinating flora and fauna. At the end of this incredible challenge we will transfer to the Impenetrable Forest for an an intimate and out-of-this-world encounter with the country’s magnificent gorillas.
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Welcome to Uganda and to the adventure of a lifetime.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, (EBB) a team member will be on hand to meet you and take you to the Two Friends Hotel, the best boutique hotel in Entebbe, nestled on the shore of Lake Victoria and our starting point for this expedition.
Entebbe is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets and mix of cultural influences.
Once at the hotel, relax by the pool, take a walk along the beach or book an excursion to the botanical gardens; in the evening we will meet for introductions, the expedition briefing and team dinner.
Today we make the journey to the Rwenzori Mountains National Parks, by safari jeep, stopping in Fort Total for lunch along the way.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in south-western Uganda on the east side of the western African rift valley. It lies along Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
On the journey you will have the chance to see some of Uganda's incredible scenery, including impressive craters, lush plantations, and picturesque valleys.
On arrival in Kasese we settle into the excellent Snow Height Lodge, and make our final preparations for the climb.
Driving Time: 6 hours
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda
Today we begin our ascent of Mt. Stanley, hiking from the start point at Nyakalengijja to the Nyabitaba Camp.
After meeting our full team of guides and porters, we set off for a full-day of trekking through amazing scenery; beginning in a region of lush farmland before passing through dense forests as we follow the course of the Mubuku River.
The hike increases in tempo after crossing the Mahoma River tributary - here, our path gets steeper as we head for the Nyabitaba Camp, 2,651m where we spend the night.
Along the way, we hope to spot some of the wildlife that call this area home, including the black and white colobus monkeys and many birds species.
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda
Today, we make an early departure from Nyabitaba, as we continue along the trail for another full day of hiking in the incredible 'Mountains of the Moon.'
As we head towards John Matte Camp, we initially descend to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, passing through tranquil bamboo forest.
We then tackle a lengthy rockier section before reaching the Nyamuleju rock shelter, where we can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.
Passing through eye-catching flora, including giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel, we eventually at the John Matte Hut, where we refuel with dinner before enjoying a much-deserved night's rest.
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda
Today, the altitude increases as we head for the Elena Camp at 4,541m.
After leaving John Matte Camp behind, we follow the trail to Lower Bigo Bog, and use the boardwalk to cross. At this point we are now walking in the alpine savannah zone with less and less vegetation.
Our journey continues to Upper Bigo Bog where we enjoy more stunning views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley en route to Stuhlmann Pass, a narrow valley.
The trail continues with more bogland before moving steeply upwards as we traverse a forest of giant groundsel and lobelia.
Continuing to climb, our path crosses the trail leading to Kitandara Lakes before arriving into Elena Camp, our staging post for the summit bid.
Once in the hut, we fuel up and rest before the final push to the top of the 'Mountains of the Moon.'
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda
Today is the day!
As summit nights dictate, we wake up early for a midnight breakfast and leave the hut around 1 am to begin the climax of our Rwenzori epic.
The route to the Margherita Peak requires that we traverse three snowbound glaciers. But fear not! Using crampons and under the expert instruction of Oliver and the assistant guides, you will safely make your way to the top.
Arriving at the summit of Rwenzori's highest peak as dawn breaks, we spend time soaking in the stunning panoramic views that our lofty vantage affords and taking the all important summit photos - before beginning our descent.
Stopping for breakfast at Elena Camp, we then cross the Scott-Elliot pass at an altitude of 4,372 metres.
Here, you can enjoy views of Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke before continuing to follow the trail to Kitandara Lakes and finally to John Matte Camp where celebrations begin in earnest.
Hiking Tine: 7 hours
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Basking in the glow of our summit success, we rise early at the Elena Camp to make the descent towards the park exit, retracing our steps and stopping at the Nyabitaba Hut we slept up on our first night at the summit.
At the gate we say our farewell and our thanks to our amazing team of chefs, porters and guides before boarding the transport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the second part of our adventure.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a National Park in southwestern Uganda. It is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is situated along the Democratic Republic of the Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift.
The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and many birds. It is most notable for the 400 Bwindi gorillas, half of the world's population of the mountain gorillas.
Our base in Rushaga is the Four Gorillas Lodge, one of the best lodges in Bwindi. Once settled in at the Lodge we enjoy a celebratory dinner ahead of our Uganda finale.
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Today will likely be one of the best days of your life.
Our Uganda adventure reaches its climax as we head out into the Impenetrable Forest for an encounter you will never forget.
Once you are familiarised with the necessary protocols, we head out into the national park in search of one of the family of gorillas that call the area home.
After locating these captivating creatures, we spend one hour with them, sitting and observing them in their natural habitat. Truly this is one of the greatest privileges on earth.
After completing the gorilla trek, you will receive a certificate of recognition from the ranger guides before driving back to the lodge.
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Sadly, all things must end and today we say our goodbyes.
We hope that your Uganda experience lives long in the memory and that this was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Transport will be own hand to take you to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home or stay on in Uganda and experience more of what this wonderful country has to offer.
Driving Time: 6 hours
Situated on the shore of Lake Victoria, the 4*, Two Friends 'beach hotel' is one of the best boutique hotels in Entebbe, complete with swimming pool and 24 hr security.
Snow Height Lodge is the best lodge in the Kasese area and the perfect place from which to launch an ascent of Mount Stanley.
The huts on Mount Stanley provide basic yet comfortable accommodation in dormitory rooms. Guests need their own sleeping bag. Food is served in a communal dining room.
Four Gorillas Lodge is the best lodge in Rushaga and the perfect base for our extraordinary gorilla trek and encounter.
Transportation
All Meals
Park Fees
Accommodation
Airport Transfers
Gorilla Trek
Professional Guides
Flights
Visa
Travel Insurance
Tips to the High Mountain Crew
Equipment Rental
Alcoholic Drinks
FROM$5,260.61/pp
FROM$4,987.59/pp
Miss the night in Entebbe. Includes 1 night at Snow Lodge and 2 nights at Four Gorillas Lodge
FROM$5,014.23/pp
Miss the night in Entebbe. Includes 1 night at Snow Lodge and 2 nights at Four Gorillas Lodge
FROM$4,881.05/pp
Miss the night in Entebbe and One Night at Four Gorillas. Includes 1 night at Snow Lodge and 1 night at Four Gorillas Lodge
FROM$4,561.42/pp
Miss the night in Entebbe and one night at Four Gorillas. Includes 1 night at Snow Lodge and 1 night at Four Gorillas Lodge
FROM$4,428.24/pp
Our adventure includes several full days of hiking and reaches altitudes of over 5,000 metres, so you will need to have a good level of physical fitness. Similar to climbing Kilimanjaro.
Yes, it is safe to visit Uganda if travelling as part of a carefully planned and guided expedition.
Yes. All equipment required for the climb including mountaineering boots can be rented in Kasese.
Expect interchangeable weather in the mountains of East Africa. Adhere to the kit list and be sure to bring the all-important poncho.
The most widely accepted currency in Uganda is the US dollar.
