Grand Uganda Safari & Rwenzori Trek: 18 Days of Gorillas, Wildlife, & Culture.

The world’s most powerful cascade, located in Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls, is formed when the Victoria Nile rushes through a small 7-meter valley before plunging 45 meters. In addition to a wide variety of animals, the park offers a plethora of activities.

The “Primate Capital of the World” moniker is bestowed upon Western Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park due to the sheer variety of primates found there. Not only does the park house the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, but it also has thirteen other species of primates.

Of all the parks in Uganda, the most visited and biologically varied is Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its many ecosystems, abundance of wildlife, and, most notably, the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha area are its most distinctive features. Approximately 1,978 km² (764 sq mi) of land make up the park, which is in western Uganda. The Rwenzori Mountains round the area.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda. Entebbe, Kampala.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are met by an experienced English-speaking safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on arrival time, you may relax at the lodge or enjoy views over Lake Victoria.

Overnight in Kampala.

Day 2: Kampala & transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.

After an early breakfast, depart northwards toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot, supporting Uganda’s rhino reintroduction program. Continue through Masindi for lunch before entering Murchison Falls National Park.

Dinner and overnight near the Nile.

Day 3: Murchison Falls Safari & Nile Boat Cruise.

Begin the day with an early morning game drive on the Nyamsika Plateau, home to giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kob, hartebeest, and predators such as lions and leopards. After breakfast and rest at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife.

Overnight as before.

Day 4: Top of the Falls → Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, visit the dramatic Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging into the river below. Depart afterward for Kibale Forest National Park, traveling through Hoima and Fort Portal beneath the Rwenzori foothills.

Dinner and overnight near Kibale Forest.

Day 5: Top of the Falls & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

Attend a morning briefing at Kanyanchu before tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, which hosts the highest diversity of primates in East Africa. The trek lasts 2–3 hours and offers sightings of other primates, birds, and butterflies. After lunch, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk before transferring toward the Rwenzori Mountains.

Overnight near the park base.

Rwenzori Mountains Central Circuit Trek

Day 6: Nyakalengija (1,615 m) → Nyabitaba Hut (2,651 m)

Meet your mountain guides and porters at Nyakalengija. After a briefing by park rangers, begin the trek through dense forest along the Mubuku River, passing mahogany trees, mosses, and primates. A steady climb leads to Nyabitaba Hut.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours.

Day 7: Nyabitaba → John Matte Hut (3,380 m)

Descend through the forest to Kurt Shafer Bridge, then climb through bamboo and moss-covered terrain. From Nyamuleju rock shelter, enjoy views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke before entering zones of giant heather and lobelia. Overnight at John Matte Hut.
Hiking time: 7–8 hours.

Day 8: John Matte → Bujuku Hut (3,962 m)

Cross the Bujuku River and traverse the Lower and Upper Bigo Bog on boardwalks surrounded by giant lobelias. Ascend through the forest to Lake Bujuku with views of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley. Overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours.

Day 9: Bujuku → Kitandara Hut (4,541 m)

Climb steeply through giant groundsels to Scott Elliot Pass, the highest point of the trek, offering panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Stanley, and Mount Luigi di Savoia. Descend to Kitandara Lakes and hut. Challenging, steep terrain.

Overnight at Kitandara.

Day 10: Kitandara → Guy Yeoman Hut (3,450 m)

Ascend toward Freshfield Pass, then traverse high alpine zones before descending steeply through rocky terrain to Bujongolo and onward to Guy Yeoman Hut, near the historic Abruzzi expedition route.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours.